JP2009271652A - Image display device, image display method, and image display program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the convenience of a user when using image data by efficiently using image data such as still image data stored in various storage locations. <P>SOLUTION: Share frame information associated with information showing one or more provision sources of image data is recorded in each of one or more display regions set in a display screen in a flash memory 33. A main CPU 31 acquires the image data for each of one or more set display regions by using the share frame information of the flash memory 33. The image data of an image displayed in a display screen 14G by the main CPU 31 are formed by using the acquired image data, and the image is displayed on the display screen by the main CPU 31 based on the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device for displaying image data such as still image data, moving image data, and graphics data, and a method and program used in the device.

  Digital still cameras have become widespread and end users can easily use still image data of subjects obtained by photographing. Various still image data are also disclosed via a server device on the Internet, and end users can download and use them.

  Then, a large number of still image data is managed by using a personal computer, and the still image data is used by performing a slide show display in which images based on a large number of still image data are sequentially displayed for a predetermined time. Yes.

  In addition, in order to make it easy to use still image data obtained by taking an image of a subject through a digital still camera, a photo display device called a digital photo display device or an electronic photo stand has been proposed. It is coming.

  For example, Patent Document 1 described later discloses an invention relating to a digital photographic apparatus that automatically changes the arrangement of displayed photographs as time passes as a photographic layout pattern when displaying digital photographs. Has been.

  By using the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to automatically change the arrangement of photos to be displayed, so that it is possible to display fun photos with display changes without bothering the user. Be made possible.

The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is as follows.
JP 2002-24846 A

  The invention described in Patent Document 1 described above is intended to display all still image data recorded and held in a predetermined memory. Also, in so-called slide show display realized in a personal computer or the like, images based on still image data registered in a selected folder are sequentially reproduced.

  However, as described above, the still image data that can be used by the end user is made public through a server device on the Internet in addition to what the end user has photographed using a digital camera. There are various things, such as what is.

  For this reason, it is desired to make it possible to efficiently use still image data stored in various storage destinations without bothering the user. As described above, when the user can use still image data stored in various storage destinations, it is desired to improve user convenience from various aspects.

  In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to make it possible to efficiently use image data such as still image data stored in various storage destinations, and to improve user convenience when using image data. And

In order to solve the above problems, an image display device according to claim 1 is provided.
Storage means for storing association information in which information indicating one or more providers of image data is associated with each of one or more display areas set in the display screen;
Obtaining means for obtaining image data from a corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas based on the association information stored in the storage means;
Forming means for forming image data of an image to be displayed on the display screen based on image data for each of the one or more display areas acquired by the acquiring means;
Display processing means for displaying an image corresponding to the image data formed by the forming means on the display screen.

  According to the image display device of the first aspect of the present invention, the storage means indicates one or more providers of image data for each of the one or more display areas set in the display screen. Correspondence information in which information is associated is recorded. Then, the acquisition unit uses the association information of the storage unit to acquire image data for each of the set one or more display areas from the corresponding provider.

  The acquired image data is used to form image data of an image to be displayed on the display screen by the forming unit, and an image is displayed on the display screen by the display control unit based on the image data.

  As a result, the image data acquired from the provider corresponding to each of one or more display areas set in one display screen can be displayed. Accordingly, image data such as still image data stored in various storage destinations can be efficiently used. Further, the convenience of the user can be improved when using the image data.

An image display device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image display device according to the first aspect,
A receiving means for receiving an instruction input from a user;
Measuring means for measuring a time from when an image is displayed on the display screen by the display processing means;
When the predetermined instruction input is accepted through the accepting means, or when the measurement result of the measuring means indicates that a certain time has passed since the image was displayed, the obtaining means and the forming means And a display control means for controlling the display processing means to display a new image.

  According to the image display device of the second aspect of the present invention, the display control means sets each unit when an instruction input from the user or a certain time has elapsed since the image display has occurred. The display image to be displayed is switched in one or more display areas of the display screen.

  Thereby, each of the display images of one or more display areas of the display screen can be switched at an appropriate timing. Therefore, more image data can be used, and image data such as still image data stored in various storage destinations can be used efficiently. Further, the convenience of the user can be improved when using the image data.

An image display device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image display device according to the first aspect,
Whether there is new image data in the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas based on the association information stored in the storage means at predetermined timings. Detecting means for detecting
Informing means for informing the presence of new image data when the detecting means detects the presence of new image data.

  According to the image display device of the third aspect of the present invention, the detection unit functions at each predetermined timing and corresponds to each of the one or more display areas set in the display screen. It is detected whether there is image data to be newly displayed at the provider. Then, when it is detected that there is image data to be newly displayed, the notification means notifies the user of this.

  As a result, the user can know that there is an image to be newly displayed, and can quickly use the newly available image. Accordingly, image data such as still image data stored in various storage destinations can be efficiently used. Further, the convenience of the user can be improved when using the image data.

An image display device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image display device according to the first aspect,
Whether there is new image data in the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas based on the association information stored in the storage means at predetermined timings. Detecting means for detecting
Updating means for updating the storage means with information indicating that new image data exists for each of the one or more display areas when the detection means detects the presence of new image data; ,
New arrival notifying means for performing display for notifying that new image data exists in a display area where new image data exists based on information stored in the storage means.

  According to the image display device of the present invention, the detection unit functions at every predetermined timing, and corresponds to each of the one or more display areas set in the display screen. It is detected whether there is image data to be newly displayed at the provider. Then, when it is detected that there is image data to be newly displayed, this is updated to the storage means by the updating means. Thereafter, when information indicating that there is image data to be newly displayed in the storage means has been updated, the fact that there is image data to be newly displayed by the new arrival notification means is displayed in the display area. The user is notified by displaying.

  As a result, the user can know that there is an image to be newly displayed in the display area by displaying on the display area, and quickly display the newly available image. Be made available. Accordingly, image data such as still image data stored in various storage destinations can be efficiently used. Further, the convenience of the user can be improved when using the image data.

An image display device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image display device according to the first aspect,
Whether there is new image data in the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas based on the association information stored in the storage means at predetermined timings. Detecting means for detecting
Updating means for updating the storage means with information indicating that new image data exists for each of the one or more display areas when the detection means detects the presence of new image data; ,
Menu forming means for forming and displaying a menu having executable processes as selection items;
One or more of the selection items of the menu formed by the menu forming unit that are set in the display screen when information indicating that new image data exists in the storage unit is updated Notification means for performing a display for notifying that there is new image data in a selection item of processing for displaying an image for each of the display areas.

  According to the image display device of the present invention described in claim 5, the detection means functions at each predetermined timing, and corresponds to each of one or more display areas set in the display screen. It is detected whether there is image data to be newly displayed at the provider. Then, when it is detected that there is image data to be newly displayed, this is updated to the storage means by the updating means.

  Then, a menu having processing items executable by the menu forming means as selection items is formed and displayed. In this case, when information indicating that there is image data to be newly displayed in the storage unit is updated, each of the one or more display areas set in the display screen by the notification unit is updated. A display for notifying that there is new image data in the selection item of the process for displaying an image is performed.

  Accordingly, the user can know that there is a new image to be displayed in the display of the selection item of the menu, and can quickly use the newly available image. To be done. Accordingly, image data such as still image data stored in various storage destinations can be efficiently used. Further, the convenience of the user can be improved when using the image data.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently use image data such as still image data stored in various storage destinations, and it is possible to improve user convenience when using image data.

  Hereinafter, an apparatus, a method, and a program to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, the present invention is applied to an image display device that includes a display element having a relatively small display screen, can display still images and moving images, and can also reproduce audio. A case will be described as an example.

[Appearance of image display device]
1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the external configuration of the image display apparatus according to this embodiment. Here, FIG. 1 is a diagram of the image display device viewed from an oblique direction on the front side, and FIG. 2 is a diagram of the image display device viewed from an oblique direction on the back side.

  As described above, the image display device 10 of this example can reproduce and display an image such as a still image and reproduce and output sound such as music.

  Specifically, when viewed from the front side, as shown in FIG. 1, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or the like is provided behind the bezel 11 covering the front surface of the display device housing so as to cover the window 11 a of the bezel 11. A front panel 12 formed of a light transmissive material is attached.

  An LCD panel 13 including an LCD and a backlight is attached behind the front panel 12. The LCD of the LCD panel 13 has a relatively small display screen size of about 7 inches, for example.

  Further, a stand 51 made of a light transmissive material such as PMMA is attached to the lower side edge of the display device casing. Although not shown, a plurality of substrates are attached behind the LCD panel 13 in the display device casing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a rear cover 22 is attached to the back surface 21 of the display device housing of the image display device 10. A large number of fine sound emitting holes 23a and 23b are formed on the left side surface 22a of the rear cover 22 when viewed from the front side of the apparatus and the right side surface 22b of the rear cover 22 when viewed from the front side of the apparatus, and the side surfaces 22a and 22b are formed. Left and right speakers are attached to the upper part of the inside.

  A USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal 24 is provided at a position near one corner of the rear cover 22. A slide type wireless LAN (Local Area Network) switch 25 is provided below the rear cover 22 and on the right side when viewed from the back side of the apparatus. A support leg 26 is attached to a position below the rear cover 22 on the left side when viewed from the back side of the apparatus.

  The support leg 26 can be rotated with one end attached to the back surface 21 as a fulcrum, and can stand the image display device 10 on a desk or the like.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, slots 27, 28 and 29 are formed on the lower side surface of the rear cover 22, and three types of cards such as a Memory Stick (registered trademark) are formed in the slots 27, 28 and 29. Or, stick-shaped memories 37, 38 and 39 are inserted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a panel operation unit 41 including operation buttons such as a power button is provided on the upper portion of the back surface 21.

[Configuration and Function of Image Display Device 10]
<Connection configuration>
FIG. 3 shows an example of the connection configuration of the image display apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the LCD panel 13 includes an LCD 14 and a backlight 15. The image display device 10 includes a main CPU 31 and a sub CPU 32.

  The sub CPU 32 is connected to the light receiving unit 56, the brightness sensor 42, the temperature sensor 43, the panel operation unit 41, and the wireless LAN switch 25.

  The light receiving unit 56, the light guide component 54, and the transparent exterior component (stand) 51 constitute a light receiving device 50. The signal light 1 emitted from the infrared light emitting unit 61 of the remote controller 60 enters the light receiving unit 56 through the transparent exterior component 51 and the light guide component 54 and is detected by the light receiving element 57 in the light receiving unit 56.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the brightness sensor 42 is for controlling the brightness of the LCD 14 according to the brightness of the periphery of the image display device 10 detected thereby. Specifically, the brightness of the LCD 14 is increased when the periphery is bright, and the brightness of the LCD 14 is decreased when the periphery is dark.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the temperature sensor 43 is for displaying the temperature (air temperature) around the image display device 10 detected thereby on the LCD 14.

  The main CPU 31 is connected to a main memory 34 including a flash memory 33 and a RAM (Random Access Memory). In the flash memory 33, various necessary programs and data such as still image data and music data are written in advance.

  In the main memory 34, data such as still image data and music data is expanded and temporarily stored for reproduction and display of still images and reproduction and output of music. These still image data, music data, and the like are acquired from the server by the image display device 10 connecting to the server as described later, or acquired from the memory 37, 38, or 39.

  The main CPU 31 is connected to the LCD control circuit 44, the backlight control circuit 45, and the audio processing unit 46, and the left and right speakers 47L and 47R are connected to the output side of the audio processing unit 46. The audio processing unit 46 includes a D / A converter that converts digital audio data such as music data into an analog audio signal, and an audio amplifier circuit.

  A wireless LAN module 48 is connected to the main CPU 31, and a built-in antenna 49 is connected to the wireless LAN module 48.

  Further, the USB terminal 24 and the memory control circuit 36 are connected to the main CPU 31 via the USB interface 35, and the memories 37 and 38 inserted in the slots 27, 28 and 29 are connected to the memory control circuit 36. And 39 are connected.

  A clock circuit 40 is connected to the main CPU 31. The clock circuit 40 has a calendar function and can provide the current date, current day, and current time.

  Furthermore, a new arrival LED (Light Emitting Diode) 70 is connected to the main CPU 31. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the new arrival LED 70 is provided at a position where at least the light can be viewed from the front side of the image display device 10 when it is turned on and emits light. The new arrival LED 70 is lit to notify when new still image data that can be displayed by a “share frame” function to be described later is generated.

<Function>
The image display device 10 having the above configuration obtains content data from a predetermined server device on the Internet, a home server on the LAN, a built-in memory or an external memory connected to the own device, and reproduces the content data. Can do. The obtainable content data includes still image data, moving image data, graphics data, text data, music data, and the like.

  Here, a case where still image data is obtained from a home server on the LAN and reproduced will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless LAN switch 25 is slid to the right when viewed from the back side of the apparatus and is turned on to connect to a predetermined home server to obtain content data recorded in each, This can be played back.

  In this case, the connection destination home server is a main home server such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a hard disk recorder provided with a large-capacity hard disk storage device, or a subhome server such as a notebook PC.

  Then, a connection destination selection screen for selecting a connectable home server is displayed on the LCD 14 by an operation on the remote controller 60. When the user selects a home server as a connection destination, the main CPU 31 connects to the home server selected by the user by the wireless LAN module 48.

  Thereby, for example, first, each folder recorded in the home server selected by the user is displayed on the LCD 14 as a folder selection screen. Then, when a user selects a folder from among them by an operation on the remote controller 60, each file in the selected folder is displayed on the LCD 14 as a file selection screen.

  In this state, when the user selects a file through the remote controller 60, a photographic image of the selected file is enlarged and displayed on the LCD. Further, when the user instructs to display a slide show, the photographic images of the files in the folder are sequentially enlarged and displayed on the LCD 14.

  In addition, by connecting the image display device 10 and various external devices with a USB cable, still images and music held in the recording medium of the external device can be reproduced in the same manner.

  Also, still images and music can be reproduced in the same manner by inserting the memory 37, 38 or 39 into the slots 27, 28 or 29, or by attaching a memory with a USB terminal to the USB terminal 24. .

  Furthermore, the image display device 10 of this embodiment can access a predetermined server device on the Internet via a LAN, obtain news, weather forecasts, and other various information, and can reproduce it. Is.

  As described above, the image display apparatus 10 according to this embodiment receives various data such as still image data, moving image data, music data, text data, and Web pages from data providers such as various media. This is something that can be played.

  An example of the data provider is a built-in memory such as the flash memory 33. Further, various external memories connected through the memory control circuit 36 can be mentioned. Further, a USB memory connected to the USB terminal 24 and an external device can be mentioned. Furthermore, various external devices on the LAN connected through the wireless LAN module 48 and the built-in antenna 49, and various server devices on the Internet so as to be connected through the LAN.

  Further, when displaying a still image or a moving image, the main CPU 31 acquires the current date and current day of the week from the clock circuit 40 and displays them, so that the image display device 10 can be used as a calendar. ing. Further, the main CPU 31 acquires the current time from the clock circuit 40 and displays the current time so that the image display device 10 can be used as a clock.

[New functions based on the concept of "frames"]
As described above, the image display apparatus 10 according to this embodiment displays images using the image data of the selected image file or slideshow displays of images using the image data of the selected image folder. Is not possible.

  The image display apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is based on a new concept called “frame” that associates an access destination such as a folder or a media with an output mode of content data obtained from the access destination. The function is realized.

[Still image output mode]
Here, an output mode (display mode) when the content data in the image display device 10 of this embodiment is still image data will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an output mode (display mode) that can be selected by the image display device 10 of this embodiment when a still image is displayed.

  In the image display apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, a still image based on still image data is fixedly displayed in any of four display modes, or a still image to be displayed is displayed. A large number of still images can be displayed in such a manner that they are sequentially changed.

  FIG. 4A shows a case where one still image (image A) and date display dt are displayed on the entire surface of the display screen 14G of the LCD 14.

  4B divides the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 into left and right halves and simultaneously displays two still images in one screen, such as an image A on one side and an image B on the other side, and the display screen. On the lower side, as in the case of FIG. 4A, a date display dt is made.

  4C divides the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 into two equal parts in the left and right direction, and divides the display screen 14G into two equal parts in the up and down direction, thereby forming four display areas. B and C are displayed, and the date display dt is made with the remaining one display area as the date display area.

  In the case of the display mode shown in FIG. 4C, the display area of the lower left quarter (1/4) of the display screen 14G is a date display area. Note that another 1/4 display area can be used as the date display area. Note that which 1/4 of the display area is set as the date display area is determined in advance at the time of manufacture. However, it may be changed by the user.

  4D, as in the case of FIG. 4C, the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 is divided into two equal parts in the left-right direction, and also divided into two equal parts in the vertical direction, thereby forming four display areas. Images A, B, C, and D are displayed in each area. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 4D, the date display dt is displayed on the lower side of the display screen, as in the case of the display mode shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

  In FIG. 4, the date display dt is a display of “February 22 (Friday)”. The date display dt is displayed based on the current date and the current day of the week provided from the clock circuit 40 connected to the main CPU 31. The calendar function of the image display apparatus 10 of this embodiment is realized by the date display dt.

  In FIG. 4, the date display dt is described as being performed. However, the time display can be performed instead of the date display dt. For the time display, for example, any one of 12 hours expressed as “1:30 pm” and 24 hours expressed as “13:30” is used as digital display. Can do.

  As an analog display, a clock character is used, and the time can be displayed with a long hand and a short hand. The time display to be used can be selected and set by the user.

  When displaying still images while sequentially changing them, as described with reference to FIG. 4, in addition to the number of displayed images in one screen, information including at least a display switching time indicating a display switching period. Is information indicating the display mode.

  As described above, the image display apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes four display patterns as described with reference to FIG. 4, and various display patterns can be obtained by considering the display switching time and the execution time range. The still image can be displayed in the display mode.

[About share frame]
In the image display device 10 of this embodiment, a function called “share frame” is realized as one of new functions using the above-described new concept of “frame”. The outline of the function called “share frame” is as follows.

  “Share frame” is a function for sharing photos (still images) among people who are physically separated from each other. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the “share frame”.

  In FIG. 5, as shown by album A, album B, album C, and album D, in the “share frame”, access to a maximum of four albums such as an album of a photo sharing service provided in a server device on the Internet. Will be able to. Thus, in this specification, the term “album” is mainly provided in a server device on a predetermined network such as the Internet.

  In the “share frame”, as shown in FIG. 5, the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 of the image display device 10 is divided into a plurality of display areas. Then, photographs obtained from basically different access destinations are displayed in different display areas on the same screen which are divided. In the following, each display area formed by dividing the display screen 14G will be referred to as a “divided display area” or simply a “frame”.

  In FIG. 5, as shown by album A and album A2, a plurality of albums (photo provider) can be registered in one divided display area (“frame A” in FIG. 5). I am doing so.

  In FIG. 5, the URLs (A), (A2), (B), (C), and (D) shown next to the albums A, A2, B, C, and D are the locations of the albums. It is URL (Uniform Resource Locators) which shows. Although the URL of each album will be described in detail later, it is registered corresponding to each frame which is a divided display area, and for each frame, the album of the provider providing the photo to be displayed can be specified. The

  In the “Share Frame”, information such as the still image for the profile of the album owner's face photo and information such as the name is superimposed on the displayed photo to identify who the photo is. To be able to. In the “share frame”, the photos in the album can usually be displayed as a slide show.

  Here, the album owner does not mean only the person who actually owns the album. In each album, the person who is the main subject or the person who took a picture of the album may be the owner of the album.

  For example, when a parent establishes a contract to use a photo sharing service and a child's photo is registered in the album, even if the owner of the actual album is the parent, it is used The above album owner may be a child.

[Overview of operations during "Share Frame"]
Next, in the image display apparatus 10 of this embodiment, an outline of the operation at the time of “share frame” will be described. 6 to 10 are diagrams for explaining examples of display images displayed on the image display apparatus 10 of this embodiment in relation to the “share frame”.

  As will be described in detail later, as shown in FIG. 5, each frame (divided display area) formed by dividing the display screen 14G is associated with the URL of the album serving as the photo providing source. .

  For this reason, the main CPU 31 of the image display apparatus 10 of this embodiment periodically accesses the target album using the URL and periodically checks whether a new photo has been added to the album. ing.

  When it is detected that a photo has been added to the target album, the main CPU 31 turns on the new arrival LED 70 connected to the main CPU 31 as described with reference to FIG. As a result, the user is notified that a newly added photo exists, that is, that a new photo exists.

  Here, the new arrival LED 70 is turned on to notify that there is a new arrival photo, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it alert | report that the newly arrived photograph exists by blinking the new arrival LED70.

  When the new arrival LED is lit or blinking, the user checks the “home” in this embodiment and selects the frame in which the “NEW” mark is displayed. Here, “Home” corresponds to a so-called main menu in which selection items of functions executable in the image display device 10 are registered. The home display is formed by the main CPU 31 based on information stored in the flash memory 33 and is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 14 through the LCD control circuit 44.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a so-called “home” display image displayed on the display screen 14G of the image display device 10 of this embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a case where three selection items of music frame S1, share frame S2, and help S3 are displayed as selectable items of executable functions.

  Each selection item includes a still image representing the item, a note mark indicating the type of the item, a humanoid mark, a question mark, etc., and “music”, “share”, “ Characters such as “help” and characters such as “built-in memory”, “AAA: BBB: CCC”, “to create a frame”, and the like indicating the access destination and title of the frame are displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a “NEW” mark indicating that a newly added photo exists in the album accessible in the share frame at the upper left end portion of the share frame S2 as the selection item. S21 is displayed.

  By selecting the share frame S2 on which the “NEW” mark 21 is displayed, a share frame for displaying the newly added photo can be executed, and the newly added photo or the like can be displayed. To be done.

  A number of frames can be created and registered in “Home”. Accordingly, with regard to the share frame, a large number of share frames having different display screen division numbers and access destination albums can be formed and registered in “Home”.

  In the “Home” displayed as shown in FIG. 6, by scrolling the display image, it is possible to sequentially change the displayed selection items, find the target frame, and select the frame. To be.

  Then, by selecting a selection item for executing a target “share frame” in “home”, an image is displayed according to the “share frame”.

  7 to 10 are diagrams for explaining specific display examples of images by “share frames”. Among these, FIG. 7 shows a case where two albums are displayed simultaneously, and the display screen 24G is divided into two parts on the left and right, and each of the divided display areas is frame A and frame B. You can display photos from different albums.

  At the lower end of the frame A, the profile still image U11 of the owner of the album that is the source of the photo displayed in the frame A, the name display U21 of the owner, and the shooting date and time of the displayed image Information display U31 is displayed.

  Similarly, on the lower end side of the frame B, the profile still image U12 of the owner of the album that is the source of the photo displayed in the frame B, the name display U22 of the owner, and the photographing of the displayed image A date / time information display U32 is displayed.

  Thus, it is possible to clearly identify who the displayed photograph is.

  FIG. 8 shows a case where three albums are displayed simultaneously. The display screen 24G is divided into two parts on the left and right sides, and the whole is divided into four parts by dividing it into two parts on the top and bottom. In frames A, B, and D, images A, B, and C, which are photographs from different albums, are displayed for each frame. Further, the current time acquired from the clock circuit 40 is displayed in a frame C which is a further divided display area.

  At the upper end of the frame A, the profile still image U11 of the owner of the album that is the source of the photo displayed in the frame A, the name display U21 of the owner, and the shooting date and time of the displayed image Information display U31 is displayed.

  Similarly, on the upper end side of the frame B, the profile still image U12 of the owner of the album that is the source of the photo displayed in the frame B, the name display U22 of the owner, and the photographing of the displayed image A date / time information display U32 is displayed.

  Similarly, on the lower end side of the frame D, the profile still image U13 of the owner of the album that is the source of the photo displayed in the frame D, the name display U23 of the owner, and the photographing of the displayed image A date / time information display U33 is displayed.

  FIG. 9 shows a case where four albums are displayed at the same time. The display screen 24G is divided into two parts on the left and right sides, and the upper and lower parts are also divided into two parts, so that the whole is divided into four parts. In frames A, B, C, and D, images A, B, C, and D, which are photographs from different albums, are displayed for each frame.

  At the upper end of the frame A, the profile still image U11 of the owner of the album that is the source of the photo displayed in the frame A, the name display U21 of the owner, and the shooting date and time of the displayed image Information display U31 is displayed.

  Similarly, on the upper end side of the frame B, the profile still image U12 of the owner of the album that is the source of the photo displayed in the frame B, the name display U22 of the owner, and the photographing of the displayed image A date / time information display U32 is displayed.

  Similarly, on the lower end side of the frame C, the profile still image U13 of the owner of the album that is the source of the photo displayed in the frame C, the name display U23 of the owner, and the photographing of the displayed image A date / time information display U33 is displayed.

  Similarly, at the lower end side of the frame D, the profile still image U14 of the owner of the album that is the source of the photo displayed in the frame D, the name display U24 of the owner, and the photographing of the displayed image A date / time information display U34 is displayed.

  FIG. 10 shows a case where three albums are displayed simultaneously, as in the case shown in FIG. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 10, a “NEW” mark (new arrival mark) 14N is displayed in the frame A, and an album (photo data provider) that provides the photo displayed in the frame A is displayed. ) Indicates that the added photo exists.

  In this way, a new arrival mark is displayed in the frame (divided display area) for displaying the album photo to which a new photo is added, as indicated by the “NEW” mark 14. As a result, the user can easily grasp in which frame the new photo exists.

  In the examples shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the display screen is divided into a plurality of divided display areas. However, when only one album provides a photo, as shown in FIG. 4A, the display screen 14G is set as one frame (divided display area), and a photo from the target album is displayed here. To be.

[Example of share frame information]
Next, as described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10, the display screen 14 </ b> G is divided to form a frame which is a divided display area, and photographs from different albums are displayed for each frame. Information necessary for realizing the “share frame” will be described.

  In order to realize “Share Frame”, share frame information (corresponding to make it possible to display an image with the “Share Frame” function by creating a “Share Frame” in advance. Information) is registered in the flash memory 33.

  The share frame information will be described in detail below. Basically, how to divide the display screen, and for each divided display area (for each frame) formed by dividing, the album that is the provider of the photo to be displayed is displayed. The album is associated with each other. Hereinafter, an example of the share frame information will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the share frame information used in the image display apparatus 10 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the share frame information has a file ID for identifying the share frame information itself managed as a file, and a title (title) of the share frame.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, “the number of displays in one screen” indicating how many times the share frame divides the display screen 14 </ b> G and the timing for switching the display image when a slide show is displayed are shown. It has “display switching time” and other information.

  The other information includes, for example, information indicating whether the current date and the current day of the week are displayed or the current time is displayed. In addition, when displaying the current time, there is information indicating whether the display is digital display or analog display. In addition, in the case of digital display, information indicating whether to display so-called 12 hours such as 1 am and 1 pm, or so-called 24 hours such as 1 o'clock and 13:00 There is.

  In the image display device 10 according to this embodiment, if “the number of displayed images in one screen” is “2”, the display screen 14G is divided into two left and right as shown in FIG. Two frames (frame A and frame B) are divided display areas in which a photograph is displayed.

  Further, if “the number of displayed images in one screen” is “3”, the display screen 14G is divided into two parts on the left and right and two parts on the top and bottom as shown in FIG. A, frame B, and frame D) are divided display areas in which a photograph is displayed.

  Also, if the “number of displayed images in one screen” is “4”, the display screen 14G is divided into two parts on the left and right and two parts on the top and bottom as shown in FIG. (Frame A, Frame B, Frame C, Frame D) are divided display areas.

  Then, a user name, a profile photo (described as a profile still image in FIG. 11), and an album URL are set for each frame that is a divided display area formed by dividing the display screen.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, a user name, a profile picture, and an album URL are associated with the frame ID. Here, the user name is the name of the owner of the album, and may be a nickname or a common name.

  The profile photo is the file name of the face photo of the album owner or the file name of an image such as a photo symbolizing the album owner. Also, as described above, the album URL indicates the location of an album that provides a photo (photo provider) set for each frame formed by dividing the display screen 14G.

  A plurality of album URLs can be associated with each frame. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the frame A is associated with two URLs, URL (A) and URL (A2). The frame B is associated with three URLs, URL (B), URL (B2), and URL (B3).

  Based on these information, for each frame formed by dividing the display screen, the photo data (still image data) of the target album is confirmed based on the associated URL, and a new photo exists. It can be confirmed whether or not.

  Then, it is checked whether or not newly added photo data exists, and when new photo data exists, the registration date and time of the photo in the album is updated as the update date and time (latest). ing. When it is detected that there is new photo data, the new arrival flag is turned on (value “1”).

  As a result, for each frame formed by dividing the display screen, whether or not newly added photo data exists, and if so, when this photo data was added was shared. It can be grasped by the frame information.

  Such share frame information is registered in advance in the flash memory 33 of the image display device 10 when the share frame function is to be used. Thus, as described with reference to FIG. 6, by selecting the “Share Frame” selection item in “Home” and selecting this, it is possible to display a photo in the manner shown in FIGS. 7 to 10. Will be able to do.

[Registering shared frame information]
Next, the share frame information registration process formed as described with reference to FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of registration processing of share frame information. The processing shown in FIG. 12 is mainly performed by the main CPU 31 and the sub CPU when an operation for creating a “share frame” is performed through the panel operation unit 41 or the like in the image display apparatus 10 of this embodiment. This process is executed by the CPU 32.

  In this example, the main CPU 31 first receives an input of the title of the “share frame” through the sub CPU 31 and the panel operation unit 41 or the remote controller 60 (step S101). Here, for example, simple character input can be performed.

  Next, the main CPU 31 accepts a selection input of the display number of one screen (the number of images displayed on one screen) N through the sub CPU 32, the panel operation unit 41, and the like (step S102). In the process of step S102, the number of still images displayed on one screen is displayed. As described with reference to FIG. 4, one sheet (FIG. 4A), two sheets (FIG. 4B), three sheets (FIG. 4C) The selection input of the target one out of four sheets (FIG. 4D) is accepted.

  Then, the main CPU 31 receives a selection input of the display switching time t through the sub CPU 32, the panel operation unit 41, and the like (step S103). The display switching time t indicates the display time of the image displayed on the display screen 14G of the LCD 14. Specifically, “15 seconds”, “1 minute”, “10 minutes”, “30 minutes”, “1 hour”, “4 hours”, “no switching”, and the like can be selected.

  Then, the main CPU 31 accepts input of a user name, a profile photo file name, and an album URL for each frame formed by dividing the display screen through the sub CPU 32, the panel operation unit 41, and the like (step S104). In the process of step S104, as shown in FIG. 11, one user name and one profile photo file name can be input for each frame, and one or more album URLs can be input for each frame. To be able to.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 receives a confirmation input through the sub CPU 32, the panel operation unit 41, and the like (step S105). Then, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the confirmation input received in step S105 indicates that the selection input of various information is correct (“OK” or not) (step S106).

  In the determination process of step S106, when the confirmation input received in step S105 determines that "Back" or "No" is selected and does not indicate that the selection input of various information is correct, step S101 Repeat the process from. This makes it possible to select and input various information again.

  In the determination process of step S106, when determining that the confirmation input received in step S105 indicates that the selection input of various information is correct, the main CPU 31 generates and registers new share frame information. Processing (processing to register a new “share frame”) is performed (step S107). Then, the registration process of the share frame information shown in FIG.

  In the process of step S107, the shared frame information in the form shown in FIG. 11 is formed by associating various information received in steps S101 to S104. The formed share frame information is registered in a predetermined memory, and the “share frame” is registered so that it can be selected for “home” corresponding to a so-called menu. In the image display device 10 according to this embodiment, the registration destination of the share frame information is assumed to be the flash memory 33.

  In this way, the share frame information in the form shown in FIG. 11 is formed and held in the flash memory 33 connected to the main CPU 31.

[Checking for new data]
Next, as shown in FIG. 11, a process for confirming newly arrived data performed based on the share frame information formed in the flash memory 33 of the image display apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

  The process for confirming newly arrived data described below is performed for a providing source album that provides photo data to be displayed in each frame (divided display area) formed by dividing the display screen 14G. This is for confirming whether or not newly added data exists. Therefore, a photo list included in each album associated with each frame is acquired, and it is determined whether or not new arrival data exists based on the photo list.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of record information of a photo album provided in a server device or the like on the Internet. The album in this example provided in the server device on the Internet is composed of a photo list and photo data (photo data file).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 13, a large number of photo data (photo data files) from a user is stored in an album formed in a server device on the Internet, and a list of stored photo data is a photo. Formed as a list.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of a photo list which is management information of photo albums provided in a server device on the Internet. As shown in FIG. 14, the photo list has a file name, shooting date / time, image size, and addition date / time.

  The file name can uniquely identify the photo data registered in the album. The shooting date / time indicates the shooting date / time of the photo data. The image size indicates the size of the photograph, and is indicated by the number of vertical and horizontal dots, for example. The addition date and time is information indicating the date and time when the photo data was added to the album.

  According to this photo list, each piece of photo data registered in an album formed on a server device on the Internet is taken when, how big is its size (size), and You will be able to know what has been added.

  In the image display device 10 according to this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 11, whether or not newly arrived photo data exists for each album associated with each frame is determined at predetermined timings. I try to check.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a new arrival data confirmation process performed in the image display apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 15 is executed based on the share frame information after the share frame information described with reference to FIG. 11 is registered, and the share frame information itself is deleted or the album corresponding to the frame is deleted. This process ends when the designation is deleted.

  Therefore, the processing shown in FIG. 15 can check whether there is new arrival data at an appropriate timing even if the function of the share frame is not executed.

  When the share frame information is registered in the flash memory 33, the main CPU 31 executes the process shown in FIG. 15 for each registered frame (divided display area) as described with reference to FIG.

  First, based on the share frame information registered in the flash memory 33, the main CPU 31 accesses an album provided in a server device on the Internet that provides photo data for the frame, and acquires a photo list of the album. (Step S201). The photograph list acquired here has the configuration described with reference to FIG.

  The main CPU 31 refers to the addition date and time of the acquired photo list and searches for the latest photo (photo data) (step S202). In step S202, the photograph data with the youngest (latest) addition date is specified.

  Next, the main CPU 31 sets the addition date and time (latest date and time) of the latest photo data identified in step S202 to a variable “latest” (step S203). Then, the main CPU 31 sets the next list acquisition time (step S204).

  The next list time set in 204 is predetermined. For example, every hour, every 2 hours, every 3 hours, etc., or a predetermined time such as every day at midnight can be set. Is done.

  In the image display device 10 according to this embodiment, for example, it is set in advance so that a photo list can be acquired four times a day every six hours. In this case, the main CPU 31 sets a time after 6 hours in step S204.

  Then, the main CPU 31 monitors the current time of the connected clock circuit 40 and determines whether or not the acquisition time has come (step S205). If it is determined in step S205 that the next acquisition time is not reached, the processing from step S205 is repeated until the next acquisition time is reached.

  When determining in step S205 that the next acquisition time has arrived, the main CPU 31 refers to the share frame information referred to in step S201 and checks whether the target has been deleted (step S206).

  The process of step S206 determines whether or not the object has been deleted mainly from the following viewpoints. First, when the album URL that should be registered for the corresponding frame of the referenced share frame information is deleted, it is determined that the target has been deleted. It is also determined that the target has been deleted when the target share frame information itself has been deleted. It is also determined that the target has been deleted when an album that should be in the server device on the Internet cannot be accessed.

  When it is determined in step S206 that the target has been deleted, the main CPU 31 ends the process shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S206 that the target has not been deleted, the main CPU performs the same process as in step S201 described above. That is, based on the share frame information registered in the flash memory 33, the main CPU 31 accesses an album provided in a server device on the Internet that provides photo data for the frame, and acquires a photo list of the album. (Step S207).

  Next, the main CPU performs a process similar to the process in step S202 described above. That is, the main CPU 31 refers to the addition date and time of the acquired photo list and searches for the latest photo (photo data) (step S208).

  Next, the main CPU 31 sets the addition date / time (latest date / time) of the latest photo data identified in step S208 to the variable “time” (step S209). Then, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the variable “time” set in step S209 is larger than the variable “latest” set in step S203 (step S210).

  The determination process in step S210 determines whether the value of the variable “time” is newer than the value of the variable “latest”. That is, the determination process in step S210 is to determine whether new photo data has been added to the album that provides photo data in the frame.

  If it is determined in step S210 that the variable “time” is not greater than the variable “latest”, it can be determined that no new photo data has been added. In this case, the main CPU 31 repeats the processing from step S204.

  If it is determined in step S210 that the variable “time” is greater than the variable “latest”, it can be determined that new photo data has been added. In this case, the main CPU 31 sets the value of the variable “time” to the variable “latest” (step S211).

  Then, the main CPU 31 controls the new arrival LED 70 to light up the new arrival LED (step S212). Next, the main CPU 31 turns on (“1”) the new arrival flag of the corresponding frame of the share frame information to be referred to, and sets the value of the variable “latest” as the update date (step S213). . Thereafter, the processing from step S204 is repeated.

  In this way, the processing shown in FIG. 15 is repeatedly performed at predetermined timings until the processing from step S204 to step S213 no longer exists. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably detect whether or not a photo that can be newly displayed exists in the photo displayed by the function of the share frame, and to notify the user of this.

[Photo display processing by share frame]
Next, a process for displaying a photograph using the share frame function will be described. FIGS. 16 and 17 are flowcharts for explaining the photo display processing by the share frame.

  The processing shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is mainly performed by selecting the target share frame selection item displayed on the home (corresponding to the selection menu) as described with reference to FIG. And the sub CPU 32.

  First, the main CPU 31 reads share frame information of a share frame instructed to be executed by the user from the flash memory 33 into the main memory 34 (step S301). This share frame information is the share frame information configured as shown in FIG. 11 by the process described with reference to FIG. 12, and the update date and time are updated at predetermined timings by the process shown in FIG. 15. The new arrival flag is updated.

  Then, based on the profile picture information of the read share frame information, the main CPU 31 can read the profile picture image data for each frame (divided display area) from the corresponding file into the main memory 34 and display it for each frame. (Step S302). Further, in step S302, display can be performed for each frame based on the user name information of the share frame information.

  Next, based on the album URL for each frame of the read share frame information, the main CPU 31 starts a process of reading the photo data of the photo displayed in each frame into the main memory 34 (step S303).

  Then, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reading of the photo data of the photo displayed in each frame has been completed (step S304). If it is determined in step S304 that the reading has not been completed, the main CPU 31 determines whether the reading has failed (step S305).

  The determination process in step S305 is a process for determining whether or not photo data can be normally acquired without any response from the access destination album or no photo data being transmitted. is there.

  If it is determined in step S305 that the reading of the photo data has failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the reading of the photo data has failed (step S306). The process shown in FIG. Specifically, in step S306, the main CPU 31 forms a message notifying that the photo data could not be read, and displays it on the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 by controlling the LCD control circuit 44 and the like. Thereafter, the processing shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S305 that the reading of the photo data has not failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the photo data is being loaded (step S307), and the processing from step S304. To repeat. That is, in step S307, the main CPU 31 forms a message notifying that photo data is being loaded, and displays it on the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 by controlling the LCD control circuit 44 and the like. Thereafter, the processing from step S304 is repeated.

  When it is determined in step S304 that the reading is completed, the main CPU 31 displays a photograph based on the read photograph data for each frame formed by dividing the display screen according to the share frame information. Processing is performed (step S308).

  The process of step S308 divides the display screen 14G into the designated number of frames (divided display areas) based on the share frame information, and photographs corresponding to the photograph data read into the main memory 34 for each of them. Is displayed in the main memory 34. Then, the main CPU 31 supplies the formed display image to the LCD 14 through the LCD control unit 44 and displays it on the display screen 14G. In addition, the shooting date and time of the photo displayed for each frame is also displayed.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of FIG. 17 and refers to the new arrival flag of the share frame information read into the main memory 34 in step S301, and determines whether there is new arrival data for each frame (step S309). .

  If it is determined in step S309 that there is new arrival data, as described with reference to FIG. 9, a new arrival mark “NEW” indicating that new arrival data exists in the corresponding frame (divided display area). Is displayed (step S310).

  When it is determined in step S309 that there is no new arrival data, and after the new arrival mark display processing in step S310, processing is performed to read the photo data of the next photo to be displayed (step S311). ).

  Similar to the process of step S303, the process of step S311 is a process of reading the photo data of the photos to be displayed in each frame into the main memory 34 based on the album URL for each frame of the share frame information read in step S301. It is a start process.

  Then, the main CPU 31 waits for an event (step S312). The processing in step S312 differs depending on whether new arrival data exists or not. That is, when new arrival data exists and the new arrival mark “NEW” is displayed, an operation input from the user through the panel operation unit 41 or the remote controller 60 becomes an occurrence of an event.

  In addition, when there is no new arrival data, the elapse of the display switching time set in the share frame information or the occurrence of an operation input from the user through the panel operation unit 41 or the remote controller 60 It becomes outbreak. Note that the elapse of the display switching time is regarded as the occurrence of an event when the time from the start of displaying the currently displayed photo exceeds the set display switching time.

  In the case where there is newly arrived data, the event is generated only by the operation input from the user in order to ensure that the user can see a photograph of the newly arrived data.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not an event for terminating the photo display processing by the share frame has occurred, such as an end operation performed by the user or display of all the photos to be displayed. (Step S313).

  When it is determined in step S313 that an event that should end the photo display process using the share frame has occurred, the main CPU 31 executes an end process (step S314).

  The termination process in step S314 includes a plurality of processes. For example, when new arrival data exists and when all of the new arrival data is displayed, a process of turning off (“0”) the new arrival flag corresponding to the share frame information is included. Whether or not all the images are displayed can be determined based on whether or not all the photo data of the associated albums are used.

  The termination process also includes a process of turning off the new arrival LED when all other share frame information is also referred to and all new arrival flags are off (“0”). The termination process also includes a process of erasing various data read to the main memory 34 and securing a free area.

  As described above, when the end process including various processes executed in step S314 is finished, the processes shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are also finished.

  If the main CPU 31 determines in step S313 that there is no event that should end the photo display processing using the share frame, has the main CPU 31 completed reading the photo data of the photo displayed in each frame? It is determined whether or not (step S315).

  If it is determined in step S315 that the reading has not been completed, the main CPU 31 determines whether the reading has failed (step S316). The determination process in step S316 is a process performed in the same manner as the process in step S305.

  If it is determined in step S316 that the reading of the photo data has failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the reading of the photo data has failed (step S317). The process shown in FIG. The process of step S317 is the same process as step S306 described above.

  If it is determined in step S316 that the reading of the photo data has not failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the photo data is being loaded (step S318), and the processing from step S315. To repeat. The process in step S318 is the same as that in step S307 described above.

  When it is determined in step S315 that reading has been completed, the main CPU 31 displays a photograph based on the loaded photograph data for each frame formed by dividing the display screen according to the share frame information. Preparation processing is performed (step S319).

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 erases the displayed image while gradually darkening it, and instead, switches to display the new image prepared in step S319 (step S320). Thereafter, the processing from step S311 is repeated.

  Thereby, the display screen of the LCD 14 is divided into a plurality of divided display areas to form a plurality of frames, and photographs having different owners can be displayed in the respective frames. Thereby, photographs with different owners can be displayed and used on the same screen.

  Here, the display screen has been described as being divided into a plurality of screens, and different album photos are displayed in each divided display area. However, it is not limited to this. If there are no photos of different owners to be displayed at the same time, the entire display screen can be regarded as one frame (divided display area), and the photos from the target album can be displayed here. . That is, the present invention can be applied when the display screen is divided into one or more frames (divided display areas).

  In the above-described embodiment, when the photo display process using the share frame is performed and the new arrival mark “NEW” is displayed, the occurrence of an operation input from the user is a display switching event. It was made to become. This is to ensure that the user can see the new photos. However, it can be difficult to tell which photos are new.

  Therefore, when there is a new photo, when switching to the display of the share frame, the new photo is displayed with priority, and the new photo is displayed until there is an operation input from the user who next sends the photo display. Leave. In this case, the display image is not automatically switched even when the automatic feed is set.

  Usually, there are many photos in an album, and it is difficult to tell which photos are new. However, as described above, when the user notices the new arrival mark and displays the share frame, the new arrival photo is displayed, and the display is switched by a user operation, so that the user can surely see the new arrival photo.

  In other words, when there is a new photo when the share frame is displayed, even if the new photo is displayed and the user does not know whether the user is looking or not, I don't know what is new.

  Therefore, first, the display is given priority over the newest photo, and until the user performs an operation of sending a photo to display the next photo (actually, for example, an operation of pressing the right arrow button of the remote controller 60), Stop photo feed. Thus, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user which is the new arrival photo, and the user can surely see the new arrival photo.

In the share frame, it is also possible to select and set one of the following two display modes. That is,
(1) Even if there is a new photo, the photo is displayed at the beginning of the album, and the photo to be displayed is automatically switched only when the user inputs an operation. .
(2) A mode in which, when there is a new photo, it is displayed with priority over the new photo and the display of the photo is switched according to the user's operation input.
It is also possible to select and set a mode according to the user's application.

  Furthermore, as a third mode, (1) even when a new photo exists, a mode is displayed in which the photo at the top of the album is displayed and the display of the photo is automatically switched. Good.

  In the embodiment described above, the function of the storage means is realized by the flash memory 33. The function of the acquisition unit is mainly realized by the main CPU 31 and the wireless LAN module 48. The function of the forming means is realized by the main CPU 31, and the function of the display processing means is realized by the main CPU 31, the LCD control circuit 44, and the LCD 14.

  The accepting unit is realized by the sub CPU 32, the panel operation unit 41, the remote controller 60, the light receiving unit 56, and the like. Further, the clock circuit 40 realizes the function of the measuring means. Further, the function of the display control means is realized by the main CPU 31.

  The function of the detection means is mainly realized by the main CPU, and the function of the notification means is mainly realized by the new arrival LED 70. Further, the function of the updating means is realized by the main CPU 31, and the functions of the new arrival notification means and the notification means are realized by the main CPU 31, the LCD control circuit 44, the LCD 14, and the like.

[About tag frames]
In addition, in the image display device 10 of this embodiment, a function called “tag frame” is also realized as one of new functions using the above-described new concept of “frame”. The “share frame” and the “tag frame” described above are similar in display mode, although the method of specifying the photo data to be displayed is different. Therefore, the function of the “tag frame” having a display mode similar to the above-described “share frame” will also be described. The outline of the function called “tag frame” is as follows.

  “Tag frame” is a function that uses keyword information, which is one of metadata added to photo data, to automatically extract related photo data and display it. is there.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the “tag frame”. In FIG. 18, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, a case where one photo is displayed on one screen will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and similarly to the case of the share frame, one screen can be divided into a plurality of display areas, and different pictures can be displayed on each of the display areas.

  In FIG. 18, reference numerals FL1, FL2, FL3, and FL4 each mean photo data (photo data file) recorded in a predetermined memory. Each photograph data is roughly composed of a header portion and a still image data portion.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the header part is provided with a file name and additional information such as shooting date / time, shooting condition information such as focus and shutter speed, metadata including keyword information, and the like.

  Here, the keyword information is added by the user for the purpose of sorting and organizing after shooting, and relatively simple character information can be input even in a digital camera. Further, by using a personal computer, a large amount of keyword information can be input relatively easily.

  In addition, some photo data registered in albums on photo sharing servers on the Internet has detailed keyword information added, and it is relatively easy to obtain and use such photo data. It has also been made possible.

  Therefore, in the case of this “tag frame”, as described above, among the metadata added for each photo data, paying attention to various keyword information added, the photos having the same keyword information or similar keyword information Data is extracted and displayed.

  The example shown in FIG. 18 shows a case where photo data including the keyword “Hawaii” is extracted from the keyword information. As shown in FIG. 18, keyword information is added to each piece of photo data, and the keyword information includes a keyword (word) of “Hawaii”.

  In the case of the example shown in FIG. 18, a case is shown in which photographs based on photographic data having a common keyword are displayed in the order indicated by the arrows in FIG. 18. As a result, first, photographs of the photograph data having the same keyword can be displayed in the order of FIG. 18A → FIG. 18B → FIG. 18C → FIG.

  In order to display a photograph according to keyword information by using such a “tag frame” function, it is necessary to register tag frame information in advance. This tag frame information corresponds to the share frame information when the above-described “share frame” function is used.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of tag frame information registered in advance in the flash memory 34 of the image display device 10.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the tag frame information includes a file ID for identifying itself, a tag frame title, an access destination that indicates a storage location of photo data to be displayed, and a display of a photo displayed on one screen. The number of images displayed on one screen indicating the number of images, the “display switching time” indicating the timing for switching the display image when a slide show is displayed, and the maximum number of images that indicate the maximum number of photos to be displayed continuously are provided. .

  In addition, in the tag frame information in this example, when a photograph is displayed using the “tag frame” function, a method for selecting the first keyword is set. Here, the selection method of the first keyword can be selected from three cases: a case where the keyword is fixed, a case where the keyword is randomly acquired from the keyword file, and a case where a frequently used keyword is selected.

  “Fixed” is to use a keyword input in advance. “Acquire randomly from keyword file” is to use a keyword that is randomly acquired from a keyword file in which a large number of keywords are registered in advance. “Select frequently used keywords” is to update the input frequency of character information input to the image display device 10 and use character information with a high input frequency as a keyword. .

  As described above, the tag frame information is preset by the storage source (access destination) of the photo data to be output, the information indicating the display mode of the photo data stored therein, and the first keyword selection method. It was made like.

[Registering tag frame information]
Next, tag frame information registration processing formed as described with reference to FIG. 19 will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an example of tag frame information registration processing. The process shown in FIG. 20 is mainly performed by the main CPU 31 and the sub CPU when an operation for creating a “tag frame” is performed through the panel operation unit 41 or the like in the image display apparatus 10 of this embodiment. This process is executed by the CPU 32.

  In this example, the main CPU 31 first receives an input of the title of the “tag frame” through the panel operation unit 41 or the remote controller 60 (step S401). Here, for example, simple character input can be performed.

  Next, the main CPU 31 accepts an input for selecting an access destination such as a memory that stores and holds photo data to be displayed through the panel operation unit 41 and the sub CPU 32 (step S402). In step S402, in addition to the built-in memory and external memory, an album of the server device on the LAN, an album of the server device on the Internet, and the like can be selected.

  Next, the main CPU 31 accepts a selection input of the display number of one screen (the number of images displayed on one screen) N through the panel operation unit 41 and the sub CPU 32 (step S403). In the process of step S403, the number of still images to be displayed on one screen is displayed. As described with reference to FIG. 4, one sheet (FIG. 4A), two sheets (FIG. 4B), three sheets (FIG. 4C) The selection input of the target one out of four sheets (FIG. 4D) is accepted.

  Then, the main CPU 31 receives a selection input of the display switching time t through the panel operation unit 41 and the sub CPU 32 (step S404). The display switching time t indicates the display time of the image displayed on the display screen 14G of the LCD 14. Specifically, “15 seconds”, “1 minute”, “10 minutes”, “30 minutes”, “1 hour”, “4 hours”, “no switching”, and the like can be selected.

  Next, the main CPU 31 receives a selection input for the maximum number of display sheets through the panel operation unit 41 and the like and the sub CPU 32 (step S405). The maximum number of displays is used when the number of photographs to be displayed is limited in advance when there are many pieces of photograph data with the same keyword.

  Finally, the main CPU 31 accepts keyword information selection input and the like through the panel operation unit 41 and the sub CPU 32 (step S406). The process of step S406 is for setting the first keyword selection method. Specifically, as described above, as the first keyword selection method, one is selected from among “fixed”, “randomly acquired from a keyword file”, and “select frequently used keywords”. If “fixed” is selected, input of keyword information to be fixed is also accepted.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 receives a confirmation input through the panel operation unit 41 and the sub CPU 32 (step S407). Then, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the confirmation input received in step S407 indicates that the selection input of various information is correct (“OK” or not) (step S408).

  In the determination process of step S408, when the confirmation input received in step S407 determines that “Back” or “No” is selected and does not indicate that the selection input of various information is correct, step S401 is performed. Repeat the process from. This makes it possible to select and input various information again.

  When the determination input in step S408 determines that the confirmation input received in step S407 indicates that the selection input of various information is correct, the main CPU 31 generates and registers new tag frame information. Processing (processing for registering a new “tag frame”) is performed (step S409). Then, the tag frame information registration process shown in FIG.

  In the process of step S409, the tag frame information of the aspect shown in FIG. 19 is formed by associating various information received in steps S401 to S406. The formed tag frame information is registered in a predetermined memory, and the “tag frame” is registered so that it can be selected for “home” corresponding to a so-called menu. Further, in the image display device 10 of this embodiment, it is assumed that the registration destination of the tag frame information is the flash memory 33.

  In this way, the tag frame information in the form shown in FIG. 19 is formed and held in the flash memory 33 connected to the main CPU 31.

[About photo display processing using tag frames]
Next, processing for displaying a photograph by the function of the tag frame will be described. When displaying a photograph having the same keyword by the function of the tag frame, the following two display processes (display process 1 and display process 2) can be considered.

Display process 1
(1) Find photos with the same keyword from the first keyword.
(2) Display the found photos as a slide show.
As described above, it is roughly divided into two stages of processing.

Display process 2
(1) Find photos with the same keyword from the first keyword.
(2) Collect keywords of individual photos without duplication while displaying the photos as a slideshow.
(3) After collecting the keywords for the display target photo, select one keyword other than the first keyword, and repeat the processing from (1).
As described above, the processing of (1) and (2) is repeated while changing the keyword. Below, the detail of each of the display process 1 and the display process 2 mentioned above is demonstrated.

[Photo display processing 1 using tag frames]
21 and 22 are flowcharts for explaining the photo display processing 1 by the tag frame.

  The processing shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 is the same as the case of the share frame described above, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the selection item of the target tag frame displayed on the home (corresponding to the selection menu). This is mainly executed by the main CPU 31 and the sub CPU 32.

  First, the main CPU 31 reads tag frame information of a tag frame instructed to be executed by the user from the flash memory 33 into the main memory 34 (step S501). This tag frame information is tag frame information configured as shown in FIG. 19 by the processing described with reference to FIG.

  Then, the main CPU 31 specifies the first keyword and searches for photo data having the same keyword as the specified keyword (step S502). Specifically, the main CPU 31 first identifies the first keyword according to the keyword selection method of the tag frame information read in step S501. Then, based on the identified keyword, the main CPU 31 searches for photo data having the same keyword from a folder or the like designated as an access destination in the tag frame information.

  After that, the main CPU 31 starts the process of reading, in the main memory 34, the photo data for the one displayed on one screen out of the photo data having the same keyword as the identified keyword found in step S502. (Step S503).

  Then, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reading of the photo data of the photo displayed in each frame has been completed (step S504). If it is determined in step S504 that the reading has not been completed, the main CPU 31 determines whether the reading has failed (step S505).

  The determination process in step S505 is, for example, a process for determining whether or not photo data can be normally acquired without receiving a response from the access destination or not being able to read the photo data.

  When it is determined in step S505 that the reading of the photo data has failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the reading of the photo data has failed (step S506). The process shown in FIG. Specifically, in step S506, the main CPU 31 forms a message notifying that the photo data could not be read, and displays it on the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 by controlling the LCD control circuit 44 and the like. Thereafter, the processing shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S505 that the reading of the photo data has not failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the photo data is being loaded (step S507), and the processing from step S504 is performed. To repeat. That is, in step S507, the main CPU 31 forms a message notifying that the photo data is being loaded, and displays it on the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 by controlling the LCD control circuit 44 and the like. Thereafter, the main CPU 31 repeats the processing from step S504.

  When it is determined in step S504 that reading has been completed, the main CPU 31 displays a photograph based on the loaded photograph data for each frame formed by dividing the display screen according to the tag frame information. Processing is performed (step S508).

  The process of step S508 divides the display screen 14G into the designated number of frames (divided display areas) based on the tag frame information, and photographs corresponding to the photograph data read into the main memory 34 for each of them. Is displayed in the main memory 34. Then, the main CPU 31 supplies the formed display image to the LCD 14 through the LCD control unit 44 and displays it on the display screen 14G.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 starts a process of reading photo data of a photo to be displayed next (step S509). Similar to the process of step S503, the process of step S509 starts the process of reading the photo data to be displayed next into the main memory 34 from the photo data having the same keyword as the identified keyword found in step S502. Is.

  Then, the main CPU 31 waits for an event (step S510). In the process of step S510, an event is generated when the display switching time set for the tag frame information elapses or when an operation input from the user through the panel operation unit 41 or the remote controller 60 is generated. Note that the elapse of the display switching time is regarded as the occurrence of an event when the time from the start of displaying the currently displayed photo exceeds the set display switching time.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not an event for terminating the photo display processing by the tag frame has occurred, such as an end operation performed by the user or display of all the photos to be displayed. (Step S511).

  If it is determined in step S511 that an event that should end the photo display process using the tag frame has occurred, the main CPU 31 executes an end process (step S512). Thereafter, the processing shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is ended.

  Note that, in the end process of step S512, for example, various data read to the main memory 34 are deleted, and a process such as securing a free area is performed.

  If it is determined in step S511 that there is no event that should end the photo display process using the tag frame, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. Then, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reading of the photo data of the photo displayed in each frame has been completed (step S513).

  If it is determined in step S513 that the reading has not been completed, the main CPU 31 determines whether the reading has failed (step S514). The determination process of step S514 is a process performed in the same manner as the process of step S505.

  If it is determined in step S514 that the reading of the photo data has failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the reading of the photo data has failed (step S515). The process shown in FIG. The process of step S515 is the same process as step S506 described above.

  If it is determined in step S514 that the reading of the photo data has not failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the photo data is being loaded (step S516), and the processing from step S513. To repeat. The process of step S516 is the same process as step S507 described above.

  When it is determined in step S513 that the reading has been completed, the main CPU 31 displays a photograph based on the read photograph data for each frame formed by dividing the display screen according to the tag frame information. Preparation processing is performed (step S517).

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 deletes the displayed image while gradually darkening it, and instead, switches to display the new image prepared in step S517 (step S518). Thereafter, the processing from step S509 in FIG. 21 is repeated.

  As a result, the display screen of the LCD 14 is divided into a plurality of divided display areas to form a plurality of frames, and in each of the frames, a photograph of photographic data having the same keyword can be displayed. As a result, the user can extract and play back related photos based on the keywords added to the photo data and use them.

  In the processing described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the display screen is divided into a plurality of parts, and a photograph based on photograph data having a keyword common to each divided display area is displayed. However, it is not limited to this. It is also possible to perform a slide show display in which photos based on photo data having a common keyword are displayed one by one on a screen and the photos are sequentially changed.

[Photo display processing 2 using tag frames]
23 and 24 are flowcharts for explaining the photo display processing 2 by the tag frame.

  The processing shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 is displayed on the home (corresponding to the selection menu) as described with reference to FIG. 6 as in the case of the tag frame display processing 1 shown in FIGS. This is mainly executed by the main CPU 31 and the sub CPU 32 by selecting the selected tag frame selection item.

  First, the main CPU 31 reads tag frame information of a tag frame instructed to be executed by the user from the flash memory 33 into the main memory 34 (step S601). This tag frame information is tag frame information configured as shown in FIG. 19 by the processing described with reference to FIG.

  Then, the main CPU 31 specifies the first keyword and searches for photo data having the same keyword as the specified keyword (step S602). Specifically, the main CPU 31 first identifies the first keyword according to the keyword selection method of the tag frame information read in step S601. Then, the main CPU 31 searches for photo data having the same keyword from the folders designated as the access destination in the tag frame information based on the identified keyword.

  After that, the main CPU 31 starts a process of reading, from the access destination folder, the main memory 34 of the photo data to be displayed on one screen among the photo data having the same keyword as the identified keyword found in step S602. (Step S603).

  Then, the main CPU 31 stores the keyword information added to the photo data to be read into the main memory 34 from the access destination folder, for example, in a predetermined area (keyword storage area) of the main memory 34 (step S604).

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reading of the photo data of the photo displayed in each frame has been completed (step S605). If it is determined in step S605 that the reading has not been completed, the main CPU 31 determines whether the reading has failed (step S606).

  The determination process in step S606 is a process for determining whether or not photo data can be normally acquired without receiving a response from the access destination or not being able to read the photo data.

  If it is determined in step S606 that the reading of the photo data has failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the reading of the photo data has failed (step S607). The process shown in FIG. Specifically, in step S607, the main CPU 31 forms a message notifying that the photo data could not be read, and displays it on the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 by controlling the LCD control circuit 44 and the like. Thereafter, the processing shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S606 that the reading of the photo data has not failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the photo data is being loaded (step S608), and the processing from step S604. To repeat. That is, in step S608, the main CPU 31 forms a message notifying that photo data is being loaded, and displays it on the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 by controlling the LCD control circuit 44 and the like. Thereafter, the main CPU 31 repeats the processing from step S604.

  When it is determined in step S605 that the reading has been completed, the main CPU 31 displays a photograph based on the read photograph data for each frame formed by dividing the display screen according to the tag frame information. Processing is performed (step S609).

  The processing in step S609 divides the display screen 14G into the designated number of frames (divided display areas) based on the tag frame information, and photographs corresponding to the photograph data read into the main memory 34 for each of them. Is displayed in the main memory 34. Then, the main CPU 31 supplies the formed display image to the LCD 14 through the LCD control unit 44 and displays it on the display screen 14G.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 starts a process of reading photo data of a photo to be displayed next (step S610). In the process of step S610, similarly to the process of step S603, the process of reading the photograph data to be displayed next into the main memory 34 from the photograph data having the same keyword as the identified keyword found in step S602 is started. Is.

  Then, the main CPU 31 waits for an event (step S611). In step S611, an event occurs when the display switching time set for the tag frame information elapses or when an operation input from the user through the panel operation unit 41 or the remote controller 60 occurs. Note that the elapse of the display switching time is regarded as the occurrence of an event when the time from the start of displaying the currently displayed photo exceeds the set display switching time.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. 24, and the main CPU 31 has an event to end the photo display processing by the tag frame, such as an end operation performed by the user or displaying all the photos to be displayed. It is determined whether or not it has occurred (step S612).

  If it is determined in step S612 that an event that should end the photo display process using the tag frame has occurred, the main CPU 31 executes an end process (step S613). Thereafter, the processing shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 is ended.

  Note that in the end process of step S613, for example, various data read to the main memory 34 are deleted, and a process such as securing a free area is performed.

  If it is determined in step S612 that there is no event that should end the photo display processing using the tag frame, the keyword information added to the photo data newly read into the main memory 34 is stored. (Step S614).

  The processing in step S614 is similar to the processing in step S604 shown in FIG. That is, in step S614, the main CPU 31 uses, for example, the keyword information added to the photo data newly read into the main memory 34 by the reading process started in step S610 in FIG. It accumulates in 34 predetermined areas (keyword accumulation areas).

  Then, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reading of the photo data of the photo displayed in each frame is completed (step S615).

  If it is determined in step S615 that the reading has not been completed, the main CPU 31 determines whether the reading has failed (step S616). The determination process in step S616 is performed in the same manner as the process in step S606.

  If it is determined in step S616 that the reading of the photo data has failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the reading of the photo data has failed (step S617). The process shown in FIG. The process of step S617 is the same process as step S607 described above.

  When it is determined in step S616 that the reading of the photo data has not failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the photo data is being loaded (step S618), and the processing from step S614. To repeat. The process of step S614 is the same process as step S608 described above.

  When it is determined in step S615 that the reading is completed, the main CPU 31 displays a photograph based on the loaded photograph data for each frame formed by dividing the display screen according to the tag frame information. Preparation processing is performed (step S619).

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 erases the displayed image while gradually darkening it, and instead, switches to display the new image prepared in step S619 (step S620).

  Then, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the display of all the photo data to which the same keyword as the identified keyword is added, which is searched out by the process of step S602 shown in FIG. 23 (step S621). .

  If it is determined in step S621 that the display has not been completed, the processing from step S610 shown in FIG. 23 is repeated to display a photograph using new photo data.

  In the determination process of step S621, when it is determined that the display of all the photographic data found in step S602 has been completed, the main CPU 31 selects new keyword information from the keyword information of the accumulated photographic data (step S622). .

  That is, in step S622, for example, keyword information stored in the keyword storage area of the main memory 34 is removed from the keyword storage area of the main memory 34 by the processing in steps S604 and S614, and the next keyword to be selected is selected. To do.

  In the selection of keywords in step S622, for example, a new keyword is selected according to a predetermined method, such as selecting a keyword having a high appearance frequency or randomly selecting a keyword.

  Then, after the process of step S622, the main CPU 31 repeats the process from step S602 shown in FIG. 23 to perform a process of displaying a photograph using photo data having a new keyword.

  As a result, the display screen of the LCD 14 is divided into a plurality of divided display areas to form a plurality of frames, and in each of the frames, a photograph by photographic data having the same keyword can be represented.

  Further, in the case of the display process 2 shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, after displaying photos with all the photo data having the specified keyword, a new keyword is specified, and the photo having the specified keyword is displayed. It is possible to display photos using data. That is, it has a configuration capable of specifying a new keyword, and can extract photo data for each keyword and display a photo of the photo data.

  In the processing shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the display screen is divided into a plurality of parts, and a photograph using photograph data having a keyword common to each divided display area is displayed. However, it is not limited to this. As in the case of the photo display processing 1 using the tag frame described above, a slide show display is performed in which the photos based on the photo data having the common keyword are displayed one by one on the screen, and the photos are sequentially changed. It can also be done.

[Other display modes of tag frame]
In the case of the photo display processing 1 and the display processing 2 using the tag frame described above, all of a large number of photo data having the specified keyword is displayed as a display target. However, it is possible to change the keyword for each stroke.

  Below, the case where a keyword is changed for every screen is demonstrated. Also in the case of this example, the display screen can be divided into a plurality of frames (divided display areas), and a plurality of photographs can be displayed on one screen. However, in order to simplify the description, a case where one photo is displayed on one screen will be described first.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a tag frame in a case where a photograph is displayed using photograph data extracted by changing a keyword for each screen.

  In FIG. 25, reference symbols FL1, FL2, FL3, and FL4 each mean photographic data (photo data file) recorded in a predetermined memory, similar to that shown in FIG. Each picture data is roughly composed of a header part and a still image data part door.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 25, the header part has a file name and metadata including additional information such as shooting date / time, shooting condition information such as focus and shutter speed, and keyword information. Each of the file name, additional data, and keyword is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

  In this example, a keyword to be used first is specified, and photograph data having the specified keyword is extracted and displayed. For example, suppose that the keyword specified as the first keyword to be used is “Hawaii”. In this case, as shown in FIG. 25A, photo data FL1 having the word “Hawaii” as a keyword is extracted and displayed.

  Then, keywords other than “Hawaii” among the keywords included in the photo data FL1 are specified as keywords to be used next. In this example, as shown in FIG. 25A, the word “sea” is specified as the next keyword. Then, the photograph data FL2 having the word “sea” as a keyword is extracted and displayed.

  Next, keywords other than “sea” among the keywords included in the photo data FL2 are specified as keywords to be used next. In this example, as shown in FIG. 25B, the word “hotel” is specified as the next keyword. The photograph data FL3 having the word “hotel” as a keyword is extracted and displayed.

  Then, keywords other than “hotel” among the keywords included in the photo data FL3 are specified as keywords to be used next. In this example, as shown in FIG. 25C, the word “Okinawa” is specified as the next keyword. The photograph data FL4 having the word “Okinawa” as a keyword is extracted and displayed.

  Thus, in this example, the photo data used for display is extracted while changing the keyword used for each screen, and the photo based on the extracted photo data is displayed.

  In addition, in FIG. 25, the case where one photograph was displayed on 1 screen was demonstrated. However, it is of course possible to display a plurality of photographs on one screen. In this case, photo data having the same keyword as the identified keyword may be read as many as the number displayed on one screen.

  Also in this example, the tag frame information shown in FIG. 19 is created in advance by the processing shown in FIG. Then, the tag frame information formed as shown in FIG. 19 is used to extract the photo data corresponding to the keyword while changing the keyword for each screen by performing the processing described below. Can be displayed.

[Other examples of photo display processing using tag frames]
FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are flowcharts for explaining processing for extracting and displaying photo data by changing the keyword used for each screen, which is another example of the photo display processing by the tag frame.

  The processing shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is the same as that in the case of the display processing 1 and the display processing 2 described above, and the target tag frame displayed on the home (corresponding to the selection menu) described with reference to FIG. It is mainly executed by the main CPU 31 and the sub CPU 32 by selecting a selection item.

  First, the main CPU 31 reads tag frame information of a tag frame instructed to be executed by the user from the flash memory 33 into the main memory 34 (step S701). This tag frame information is configured as shown in FIG. 19 by the processing described with reference to FIG.

  Then, the main CPU 31 specifies the first keyword and searches for photo data having the same keyword as the specified keyword (step S702). Specifically, the main CPU 31 first identifies the first keyword according to the keyword selection method of the tag frame information read in step S701. Then, the main CPU 31 searches for photo data having the same keyword from the folders designated as the access destination in the tag frame information based on the identified keyword.

  After that, the main CPU 31 starts the process of reading, in the main memory 34, the photo data for the one displayed on one screen out of the photo data having the same keyword as the identified keyword found in step S702. (Step S703).

  Then, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reading of the photo data of the photo displayed in each frame has been completed (step S704). If it is determined in step S704 that the reading has not been completed, the main CPU 31 determines whether the reading has failed (step S705).

  The determination process in step S705 is, for example, a process of determining whether or not photo data can be acquired normally without receiving a response from the access destination or not being able to read the photo data.

  If it is determined in step S705 that the reading of the photo data has failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the reading of the photo data has failed (step S706). The process shown in FIG. Specifically, in step S706, the main CPU 31 forms a message notifying that the photo data could not be read, and displays it on the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 by controlling the LCD control circuit 44 and the like. Thereafter, the processing shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S705 that the reading of the photo data has not failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the photo data is being loaded (step S707), and the processing from step S704. To repeat. That is, in step S707, the main CPU 31 forms a message notifying that the photo data is being loaded, and displays it on the display screen 14G of the LCD 14 by controlling the LCD control circuit 44 and the like. Thereafter, the main CPU 31 repeats the processing from step S704.

  When it is determined in step S704 that the reading has been completed, the main CPU 31 displays a photograph based on the read photograph data for each frame formed by dividing the display screen according to the tag frame information. Processing is performed (step S708).

  In the process of step S708, based on the tag frame information, the display screen 14G is divided into the designated number of frames (divided display areas), and each of them is in accordance with the photo data read into the main memory 34. A display image for displaying a photograph is formed in the main memory 34. Then, the main CPU 31 supplies the formed display image to the LCD 14 through the LCD control unit 44 and displays it on the display screen 14G.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 selects a new keyword to be used next from the keywords added to the photograph data of the displayed photograph (step S709). In the process of step S709, a keyword different from the keyword used this time is selected.

  Specifically, in step S709, for example, a keyword is selected at random, or when a plurality of pieces of photo data are to be displayed, a keyword other than the currently used keyword is selected. A new keyword is selected by the specified method.

  Then, the main CPU 31 searches for photograph data having the same keyword as the keyword newly selected in step S709 (step S710). That is, the main CPU 31 searches for photo data having the same keyword from the folder designated as the access destination in the tag frame information based on the selected new keyword.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 reads, in the main memory 34, from the access destination folder or the like, the photo data to be displayed on one screen among the photo data having the same keyword as the selected new keyword found in step S710. Processing is started (step S711).

  Then, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. 27, and the main CPU 31 waits for an event (step S712). In the processing in step S712, an event occurs when the display switching time set for the tag frame information has elapsed or when an operation input from the user through the panel operation unit 41 or the remote controller 60 occurs. Note that the elapse of the display switching time is regarded as the occurrence of an event when the time from the start of displaying the currently displayed photo exceeds the set display switching time.

  After that, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not an event that should terminate the photo display process using the tag frame has occurred, such as an end operation performed by the user (step S713).

  When it is determined in step S713 that an event that should end the photo display process using the tag frame has occurred, the main CPU 31 executes an end process (step S714). Thereafter, the processing shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is ended.

  In the end process of step S714, for example, various data read to the main memory 34 are deleted, and a process for securing a free area is performed.

  If it is determined in step S713 that there is no event that should end the photo display processing using the tag frame, the main CPU 31 has completed reading photo data of the photo displayed in each frame. It is determined whether or not (step S715).

  If it is determined in step S715 that the reading has not been completed, the main CPU 31 determines whether the reading has failed (step S716). The determination process in step S716 is performed in the same manner as the process in step S705.

  If it is determined in step S716 that the reading of the photo data has failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the reading of the photo data has failed (step S717). The process shown in FIG. The process of step S717 is the same process as step S706 described above.

  When it is determined in step S716 that the reading of the photo data has not failed, the main CPU 31 displays a message notifying that the photo data is being loaded (step S718), and the processing from step S718. To repeat. The process of step S718 is the same process as step S707 described above.

  When it is determined in step S715 that reading has been completed, the main CPU 31 displays a photograph based on the loaded photograph data for each frame formed by dividing the display screen according to the tag frame information. Preparation processing is performed (step S719).

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 deletes the displayed image while gradually darkening it, and instead, switches to display the new image prepared in step S719 (step S720). Thereafter, the processing from step S709 in FIG. 26 is repeated.

  As a result, the keyword is changed for each screen, photo data corresponding to the keyword is extracted, and a photo corresponding to the photo data can be displayed.

  In the case of the “tag frame” described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 27, the case where a matching keyword is used has been described as an example, but a similar keyword can be used as a search target. In this case, a similar word dictionary is formed. For example, a group of related keywords is registered in advance, such as a group such as summer, sea, Hawaii, Guam, and surfing, and a group such as winter, snow, skiing, skating, and Alaska.

  Then, when a keyword is specified, a similar keyword connection can be formed by specifying a keyword from a group to which the keyword belongs instead of a keyword that matches the keyword. Therefore, when a new keyword is specified, the tag frame function based on a similar keyword can be realized as described above.

  In the above-described embodiment, when an image is displayed by the function of the tag frame, information related to the image is not displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the keyword used may be displayed together with the displayed image.

  In this case, information for displaying the used keyword may be supplied to the LCD 14 through the LCD control circuit 44 by the function of the main CPU 31. In addition, various information can be displayed as necessary.

[Others]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the content data to be displayed is photo data (still image data) has been described as an example. However, it is not limited to this. Different moving images may be displayed for each frame formed by dividing the display screen. Since the playback time of individual moving images is often different, for example, the moving image is displayed while switching the moving image data to be played back by a certain time, such as 1 minute from the beginning and minutes from the beginning. It is also possible.

  As described above, the present invention is applicable not only when displaying still images but also when displaying moving image data. Note that the still image data includes various graphics data without motion. In addition, the moving image data includes graphics data accompanying movement such as animation data.

  In the above-described embodiment, the display screen is divided into a plurality of display areas, and different images are displayed on each of the display areas. However, it is not always necessary to clearly determine the display area. For example, each image may be displayed larger than the set display area, and processing may be performed so as to blur adjacent images that overlap each other in the vicinity of the boundary.

  In this way, even if one screen is divided into a plurality of screens, the boundary portion can be displayed in an ambiguous manner and displayed as one image (discolored display).

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an image display apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a reproducing apparatus, a recording / reproducing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer that can reproduce still image data and moving image data.

It is a figure for demonstrating the external appearance structure of the image display apparatus 10 with which one Embodiment of this invention was applied. It is a figure for demonstrating the external appearance structure of the image display apparatus 10 with which one Embodiment of this invention was applied. It is a block diagram for demonstrating an example of the connection structure of the image display apparatus 10 with which one Embodiment of this invention was applied. It is a figure for demonstrating the output mode (display mode) in the case of displaying the still image which can be selected in the image display apparatus 10 with which one Embodiment of this invention was applied. It is a figure for demonstrating "share frame". 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image of a so-called “home” displayed on a display screen 14G of the image display device 10. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of a display of the image by a "share frame." It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of a display of the image by a "share frame." It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of a display of the image by a "share frame." It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of a display of the image by a "share frame." FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of share frame information used in the image display apparatus 10. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the registration process of share frame information. It is a figure for demonstrating the recording information of the album of the photograph provided in the server apparatus etc. on the internet. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the photograph list which is the management information of the album of the photograph provided in the server apparatus on the internet. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a new arrival data confirmation process performed in the image display apparatus 10. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display process of the photograph by a share frame. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a "tag frame." It is a figure for demonstrating an example of tag frame information. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the registration process of tag frame information. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display process 1 of the photograph by a tag frame. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display process 2 of the photograph by a tag frame. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the tag frame in the case of displaying a photograph with the photograph data extracted by changing a keyword for every screen. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process which extracts and displays photograph data so that the keyword used for every screen may be changed. It is a flowchart following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image display apparatus, 11 ... Bezel, 11a ... Bezel window, 12 ... Front panel, 13 ... LCD panel, 14 ... LCD, 15 ... Backlight, 21 ... Back surface, 22 ... Rear cover, 22a, 22b ... Side, 23a, 23b ... Hole for sound emission, 24 ... USB terminal, 25 ... Wireless LAN switch, 26 ... Indicating leg, 27, 28, 29 ... Slot for memory, 31 ... Main CPU, 32 ... Sub CPU, 33 ... Flash memory, 34 ... Main memory, 35 ... USB interface, 36 ... Memory control circuit, 37, 38, 39 ... External memory, 40 ... Clock circuit, 41 ... Panel operation unit, 42 ... Brightness sensor, 43 ... Temperature sensor, 44 ... LCD control Circuit, 45 ... Backlight control unit, 46 ... Audio processing unit, 47L, 47R ... Speaker, 48 ... Wireless LAN module, 49 ... Inside Antenna, 70 ... New LED

Claims (19)

Storage means for storing association information in which information indicating one or more providers of image data is associated with each of one or more display areas set in the display screen;
Obtaining means for obtaining image data from a corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas based on the association information stored in the storage means;
Forming means for forming image data of an image to be displayed on the display screen based on image data for each of the one or more display areas acquired by the acquiring means;
An image display apparatus comprising: a display processing unit configured to display an image corresponding to the image data formed by the forming unit on the display screen. The image display device according to claim 1,
A receiving means for receiving an instruction input from a user;
Measuring means for measuring a time from when an image is displayed on the display screen by the display processing means;
When the predetermined instruction input is accepted through the accepting means, or when the measurement result of the measuring means indicates that a certain time has passed since the image was displayed, the obtaining means and the forming means And a display control means for controlling the display processing means so as to display a new image. The image display device according to claim 1,
Whether there is new image data in the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas based on the association information stored in the storage means at predetermined timings. Detecting means for detecting
An image display apparatus comprising: an informing means for informing that new image data is present when the presence of new image data is detected by the detecting means. The image display device according to claim 1,
Whether there is new image data in the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas based on the association information stored in the storage means at predetermined timings. Detecting means for detecting
An image display device comprising: a new arrival notification means for performing a display notifying that new image data exists in a display area where the new image data exists when the detection means detects the presence of new image data. . The image display device according to claim 1,
Whether there is new image data in the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas based on the association information stored in the storage means at predetermined timings. Detecting means for detecting
Updating means for updating the storage means with information indicating that new image data exists for each of the one or more display areas when the detection means detects the presence of new image data; ,
Menu forming means for forming and displaying a menu having executable processes as selection items;
One or more of the selection items of the menu formed by the menu forming unit that are set in the display screen when information indicating that new image data exists in the storage unit is updated An image display apparatus comprising: a notification unit configured to display a notification that new image data is present in a selection item of processing for displaying an image for each display area. Storage means for storing association information in which information indicating a provider of image data is associated with each of a plurality of display areas set in the display screen;
Obtaining means for obtaining image data from a provider of the image data;
An image display device comprising: display control means for displaying the image data acquired by the acquisition means in a display area corresponding to the provider based on the association information. The image display device according to claim 6,
A communication means for communicating with another information processing apparatus;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not new image data exists at a source of the image data by controlling the communication means and communicating with the other information processing apparatus;
An image display apparatus comprising: an informing means for informing that the presence of new image data is present when the detection means detects the presence of new image data in the provider. A recording step in which the recording unit records association information in which information indicating one or more providers of the image data is associated with each of one or more display areas set in the display screen in the storage unit; ,
An acquisition unit that acquires image data from a corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas based on the association information stored in the storage unit;
A forming step in which the forming unit forms image data of an image to be displayed on the display screen based on the image data for each of the one or more display areas acquired in the acquiring step;
A display processing step in which a display processing unit displays an image corresponding to the image data formed in the forming step on the display screen. The image display method according to claim 8, comprising:
An accepting step for accepting an instruction input from the user through the accepting means;
A measuring step of measuring time after displaying an image in the display processing step on the display screen by a measuring means;
When the predetermined instruction input is received in the reception step, or when the measurement result in the measurement step indicates that a certain time has elapsed since the image was displayed, the display control unit is configured to acquire the acquisition And a display control step of controlling the forming means and the display processing means to display a new image. The image display method according to claim 8, comprising:
At each predetermined timing, based on the association information stored in the storage unit, the detection unit adds new image data to the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas. A detection step for detecting whether or not it exists;
And a notification step of notifying the presence of new image data through notification means when the presence of new image data is detected in the detection step. The image display method according to claim 8, comprising:
At each predetermined timing, based on the association information stored in the storage unit, the detection unit adds new image data to the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas. A detection step for detecting whether or not it exists;
In the detection step, when the presence of new image data is detected, the updating unit updates information indicating that new image data exists for each of the one or more display areas in the storage unit. Update process;
A new arrival notification step for performing a display for notifying that new image data exists in a display area in which new image data exists based on information stored in the storage means; Display method. The image display method according to claim 8, comprising:
At each predetermined timing, based on the association information stored in the storage unit, the detection unit adds new image data to the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas. A detection step for detecting whether or not it exists;
In the detection step, when the presence of new image data is detected, the update unit updates the storage unit with information indicating that new image data exists for each of one or more display areas. Update process to
A menu forming step in which the menu forming means forms and displays a menu having executable processing as a selection item;
When information indicating that new image data exists in the storage means is updated, the selection item of the menu to be formed in the menu forming step is one or more set in the display screen An image display method comprising: a notification step of performing display for notifying that there is new image data in a selection item of processing for displaying an image for each display area. A recording step in which the recording unit records in the storage unit association information in which information indicating one or more providers of image data is associated with each of the one or more display areas set in the display screen; ,
An acquisition step in which an acquisition unit acquires image data from a corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas based on the association information stored in the storage unit;
A forming step in which the forming unit forms image data of an image to be displayed on the display screen based on the image data for each of the one or more display areas acquired in the acquiring step;
A computer executing a display processing step in which a display processing unit displays an image corresponding to the image data formed in the forming step on the display screen; A readable image display program. An image display program according to claim 13,
A receiving step for receiving an instruction input from the user through the receiving means;
A measurement step of measuring a time after displaying an image in the display processing step on the display screen by a measurement unit;
When the predetermined instruction input is received in the reception step, or when the measurement result in the measurement step indicates that a certain time has passed since the image was displayed, the display control means performs the acquisition A computer executed by a computer mounted on an apparatus for processing image data, and a display control step of controlling the forming unit, the display unit, and the display processing unit to display a new image. A readable image display program. An image display program according to claim 13,
At each predetermined timing, based on the association information stored in the storage unit, the detection unit adds new image data to the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas. A detection step for detecting whether or not it exists;
A computer executed by a computer mounted on a device for processing image data, and a notification step of notifying the presence of new image data through notification means when the presence of new image data is detected in the detection step; A readable image display program. An image display program according to claim 13,
At each predetermined timing, based on the association information stored in the storage unit, the detection unit adds new image data to the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas. A detection step for detecting whether or not it exists;
In the detection step, when the presence of new image data is detected, the updating unit updates information indicating that new image data exists for each of the one or more display areas in the storage unit. An update step;
A new arrival notifying step for performing a display for notifying that new image data exists in a display area where new image data exists based on information stored in the storage means; The computer-readable image display program which the computer mounted in the apparatus which processes is performed. An image display program according to claim 13,
At each predetermined timing, based on the association information stored in the storage unit, the detection unit adds new image data to the corresponding provider for each of the one or more display areas. A detection step for detecting whether or not it exists;
In the detection step, when the presence of new image data is detected, the update means updates the storage means with information indicating that new image data exists for each of one or more display areas. An update step to
A menu forming step in which the menu forming means forms and displays a menu having executable processes as selection items;
When the information indicating that new image data exists in the storage means has been updated, the selection item of the menu to be formed in the menu forming step is one or more set in the display screen A notification step for notifying that a new image data exists is displayed as a selection item for processing for displaying an image for each display area, and a computer mounted on the apparatus for processing the image data. An image display program readable by a computer to be executed. A recording step in which the recording unit records association information in which information indicating a provider of image data is associated with each of the plurality of display areas set in the display screen in the storage unit;
An acquisition step of acquiring image data from a provider of the image data;
A display control step for causing the display control means to display the image data acquired in the acquisition step in a display area corresponding to the provider based on the association information stored in the storage means in the recording step. A computer-readable image display program executed by a computer mounted on an apparatus for processing image data. The image display program according to claim 18,
Whether the detection means has new image data at the source of the image data by controlling the communication means for communicating with the other information processing apparatus to communicate with the other information processing apparatus. A detection step for detecting whether or not,
In the detection step, when the presence of new image data is detected at the provider, a notification step in which the notification means notifies that there is new image data, and a computer mounted on the apparatus that processes the image data An image display program readable by a computer to be executed.

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