JP2009273163A - Image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To alternate a state wherein image files are reproduced by folder with a state, where images are to be reproduced by folder. <P>SOLUTION: In a display frame SC, image files are arranged and displayed by folders F1, F2 and F3. A display screen ST41 changes to a display screen ST43 of all folders via a transient display screen ST42 to the display screen ST43. The image files are displayed in each of the folders, in the order of the photographing days and times, starting from the oldest. Even in the display screen ST43 where all the image folders are displayed, all the image files are rearranged on the time base. The transient display screen ST42 displays a state, where the image files are being rearranged on the time base. In the display screen ST43, all the image files are arrayed and displayed on a single base, in terms of the time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display apparatus applicable to, for example, a digital still camera.

The format of image files used in digital still cameras and related devices is defined by a specification called DCF (Design Rule for Camera File). By using a common format, image files can be easily exchanged between digital still cameras.

  In this specification, the directory DCIM directly under the root directory is called a DCF image root directory. A plurality of directories for storing DCF objects directly under DCIM are called DCF directories. The DCF directory is an image storage directory created in accordance with the DCF directory rules, and is hereinafter referred to as a folder. In addition, a DCF object is a group of files created in accordance with DCF rules, and is hereinafter referred to as an image file.

  For example, Patent Document 1 below describes that captured images are stored in a directory structure of folders, subfolders, and classification folders in a memory provided in a digital still camera. A folder is specified when the power is turned on. The folder is switched by the user operating the folder switching ring and inputting a folder switching instruction. With the folder setting, it is possible to store the photographed image in a desired folder.

JP 2003-319296 A

  Storing image files in folders is convenient in terms of facilitating later image searches and the like. In Patent Document 1 described above, a folder is specified by a mechanical rotating ring. In this case, there is a problem that it is not easy to check the set folder, and the operability of switching folders is not good.

  It is also conceivable to display a folder switching setting screen on the display device. In that case, it is necessary to start up a menu, select a folder, etc., and the number of operation steps increases, resulting in a problem that cannot be set easily. For these reasons, in the conventional digital still camera, the folder setting is not frequently used.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image display apparatus capable of easily switching folders.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention includes a display unit that displays an image;
The image file is displayed in a predetermined order for each folder storing the image file, the first state in which one or more folders are displayed, and all the images included in the plurality of folders are rearranged in the predetermined order. A control unit that controls to switch between the second state in which the corresponding image is displayed;
It is an image display apparatus provided with.

  In the present invention, during the transition from the first state to the second state, a transition state in the middle of rearranging a plurality of images is displayed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to switch between the first state in which image files are reproduced for each folder and the state in which image files in all folders are reproduced, and the relationship between captured image files and folders can be easily recognized. it can. The present invention can realize folder switching and image file switching in the same manner as film switching and film feeding operations.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the image display apparatus by this invention. It is a basic diagram for demonstrating the icon which shows the folder in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a basic diagram for demonstrating the arrangement | sequence of the folder and image file in one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram sequentially illustrating transition of a display screen when a folder is switched in a shooting mode when a wide LCD is used. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation flow when switching folders in a shooting mode when a wide LCD is used. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram sequentially illustrating transition of a display screen when switching a folder in a reproduction mode when a wide LCD is used. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations when switching folders in a playback mode when a wide LCD is used. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram sequentially illustrating transition of a display screen when a folder is switched in a shooting mode when an LCD having an aspect ratio of (4: 3) is used. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram sequentially illustrating transition of a display screen when a folder is switched in a playback mode when an LCD having an aspect ratio of (4: 3) is used. It is a basic diagram which shows in order the transition of the display screen at the time of switching from the reproduction mode for every folder to the reproduction mode of all the image files in all the folders. It is a basic diagram which shows in order the transition of a display screen in the case of performing the display of the reproduction | regeneration menu in reproduction | regeneration mode, and execution of a reproduction | regeneration menu.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a portion surrounded by a broken line indicates a processing unit controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1.

  The processing unit 1 includes an internal recording medium 3 such as a RAM, an image processing unit 4, an external interface 5, an RGB processing unit 6, a signal processing unit 7, and a video output processing unit 8. An operation unit 9 is connected to the CPU 2, and a signal corresponding to an operation of a shutter or the like provided in the operation unit 9 is supplied to the CPU 2.

Furthermore, data obtained by compressing the image signal with JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or the like is recorded on the external recording medium 11 via the media processing unit 10. The external recording medium 11 is a writable optical disc, a memory card, or the like.

  The signal processing unit 7 is supplied with an imaging signal from a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 12 as an imaging device, and processes the imaging signal. Regardless of the presence or absence of input from the operation unit 9, the image signal captured by the CCD 12 is output from the signal processing unit 7 and stored in the internal recording medium 3. During shooting, the image on the internal recording medium 3 is constantly updated. Writing and reading of data on the internal recording medium 3 are controlled by the CPU 2.

An imaging signal from the internal recording medium 3 is supplied to the RGB processing unit 6 through the signal processing unit 7, and a display signal formed by the RGB processing unit 6 is supplied to an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 13 as a display device. . The LCD 13 is provided on the back surface of the camera body, for example.
The LCD 13 displays not only the image pickup signal but also an image signal captured from the external recording medium 11 via the media processing unit 10.

  When the shutter of the operation unit 9 is pressed, the image signal captured in the internal recording medium 3 is converted into an image file such as JPEG in the image processing unit 4. The image file is stored in the internal recording medium 3 as data different from the imaging signal. Then, the image file read from the internal recording medium 3 is stored in the external recording medium 11 via the media processing unit 10 under the control of the CPU 2.

The captured image is constantly updated and displayed on the LCD 13. OSD data such as reduced images of recorded image data and icons is superimposed on the captured image by the signal processing unit 7 and displayed on the LCD 13. OSD (On Screen Display) is a general term for a memory area and a mechanism for preparing data such as an icon to be displayed superimposed on a real-time image captured from a camera.

  When creating OSD data, the latest image data already recorded on the external recording medium 11 is acquired, converted into a size suitable for OSD display by the image processing unit 4, and then stored in the internal recording medium 3. Store in the OSD display area. However, it is not necessary to acquire data from the external recording medium 11 when an image having a size suitable for OSD display of the image taken immediately before exists on the internal recording medium 3. The image processing unit 4 is controlled by the CPU 2 so as to perform enlargement or reduction processing of an image to be displayed in response to an operation of a user key or the like in the operation unit 9.

  An analog color video signal is extracted from the video output processing unit 8 to a video output terminal (not shown). When the external monitor 14 is connected to the video output terminal, the image stored in the internal recording medium 3 or the external recording medium 11 can be displayed on the external monitor 14. Further, for example, a printer 15 is connected to the external interface 5 so that an image can be printed.

  The operation unit 9 includes a cross key. The cross key designates the moving direction of the cursor in one of up, down, left, and right directions by pressing each tip (referred to as a left button, right button, up button, and down button) of the cross-shaped operation unit. . In addition to the cross key, an input device such as a dial, a roller, a trackball, or a touch panel can be used as the direction key. Further, not limited to a mechanical configuration, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for operating buttons on the display screen may be used.

  FIG. 2 shows an icon for displaying folder information on the screen of the LCD 13 in one embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 2A is an icon that makes a folder image. The icons in FIG. 2A are easy to understand for users accustomed to computers, but cannot be said to fit the conceptual model of users accustomed to silver halide cameras. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2B, an icon reminiscent of a film is used. A number assigned to each folder is displayed in the film icon.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the conceptual model of the user regarding the manner of storing the captured image in the internal recording medium 3 or the external recording medium 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the user recognizes that a captured image file is stored. In the folder F1, a plurality of, for example, five image files P11, P12, P13, P14, and P15 are stored in the horizontal direction. The image file has additional data of shooting date and time, and is arranged on one axis in order of the time axis from the oldest shooting date to the newest. In FIG. 3, the right direction is the time axis direction from the past to the present, and the left direction is the time axis direction from the present to the past. The images arranged on one axis are arranged in the horizontal direction on the display screen of the LCD 13.

  Below the folder F1, a folder F2 in which four image files P21,..., P24 are stored is arranged. Hereinafter, folders F3, F4, and F5 are arranged in the vertical direction in order. .., P35 are stored in the folder F3, four image files P41,..., P44 are stored in the folder F4, and three images are stored in the folder F5. Image files P51,..., P53 are stored.

  Folders F1 to F5 are high-level classifications of image files stored for the user. For example, the folder F1 is for building image file storage, the folder F2 is for vehicle image file storage, the folder F3 is for flower image file storage, and the folder F4 is for digital device image file storage, The folder F5 is for storing a landscape image file.

  With reference to FIG. 4, a process for switching folders corresponding to the concept of film at the time of shooting will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, an LCD 13 having a wide display frame SC with an aspect ratio (16: 9) or the like is provided on the back of the digital camera. Reference numeral 24 is a shutter button, reference numeral 25 is a menu button, reference numeral 26 is a delete button, and reference numeral 27 is a cross key.

  In the upper display screen ST1 of FIG. 4, an icon indicating the folder F1 is displayed, indicating that the folder F1 is selected. The folder selected in the initial state such as when the power is turned on is preset in F1, for example. The folder selected last may be set as the folder selected in the initial state. For example, image files up to images P11 and P12 are stored in the folder F1 as captured reproduction images. In the display frame SC, the captured image R of the current subject captured through the lens, the image files P11 and P12, and the icon of the folder F1 are displayed at the same time. In order to easily identify the captured image R and the image files P11 and P12, the captured image R is made larger than the image files P11 and P12, or icons having different shapes are added to the image. Also good.

  Display data is held in the internal recording medium 3. The captured image R is held in the internal recording medium 3 and is continuously updated in a cycle of a frame or the like even in a state where the operation unit 9 is not operated in the capturing mode. The internal recording medium 3 stores OSD data separately from the shooting data R. The OSD data is icon data to be displayed over the shooting data R. In addition to the icons, a plurality of image files such as P11 and P12 are arranged in the display frame. The image files P <b> 11 and P <b> 12 are taken from the external recording medium 11, decoded and reduced in size by the image processing unit 4, and then stored in the internal recording medium 3. If the internal recording medium 3 has an image of a size suitable for the OSD display of the image taken immediately before, it is not necessary to acquire data from the external recording medium 11.

  The display screen ST1 on which the captured image R, the image files P11 and P12, and the icon indicating the folder F1 are simultaneously displayed is a mixed state of the shooting mode and the playback mode. That is, a new image can be recorded by pressing the shutter button 24, and a desired image can be displayed as an image file. Therefore, the user can determine the composition of an image to be newly photographed while viewing the image photographed immediately before.

  In the example of FIG. 4, since the captured image R is a car, the user presses the lower button of the cross key 27 in order to switch the folder from F1 to F2. When the lower button is pressed on the display screen ST1, the screen transitions to the display screen ST3 through the transition display screen ST2. On the transition display screen ST2, the captured image R is the same, but the number in the icon changes, and a state in the middle of switching the recorded image from the folder F1 to the folder F2 is displayed. The time for which the transition display screen ST2 is displayed is instantaneous.

  After confirming that the folder has been switched from F1 to F2 by the icon in the display screen ST3, the user can capture the captured image R and store it in the folder F2 by pressing the shutter button 24. Although not shown, an animation transition occurs when the shutter button 24 is pressed. That is, the display frame SC shifts to a state in which image files P22 and P23 (car images) of captured images and a new captured image R are simultaneously displayed.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the above-described operation flow. Step S1 is a shooting mode of the folder F1, and the display screen ST1 in FIG. 4 is displayed. In step S2, by depressing the lower key of the cross key 27, a screen transition animation is displayed as in the transition display screen ST2 in which the next folder F2 appears from under the current folder F1 (step S3).

  In step S4, an icon indicating the current folder F2 is displayed. In step S5, the display screen ST3 in FIG. 4 is displayed, and a transition is made to the shooting mode for the folder F2.

  Further, when the lower key of the cross key 27 is pressed, switching from the folder F2 to the folder F3 is performed. When the upper key of the cross key 27 is pressed, switching from the folder F2 to the folder F1 is performed.

  The folder switching operation in the playback mode using the cross key 27 will be described with reference to FIG. In the upper display screen ST11 of FIG. 6, an icon indicating the folder F1 is displayed, indicating that the folder F1 is selected. The folder selected in the initial state such as when the power is turned on is preset in F1, for example. The folder selected last may be set as the folder selected in the initial state. For example, image files up to images P11, P12, and P13 are stored in the folder F1 as captured reproduction images.

  As described above, display data is held in the internal recording medium 3. When the user presses the down button of the cross key 27 on the display screen ST11 in order to switch the folder from F1 to F2, the screen transits to the display screen ST13 through the transition display screen ST12. On the transition display screen ST12, a state in which the recorded image is being switched from the folder F1 to the folder F2 is displayed. The time for which the transition display screen ST12 is displayed is instantaneous. On the display screen ST13, the icon of the folder F2 and the image files P21, P22, P23 of the folder F2 are displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the folder switching operation in the playback mode described above. Step S11 is a reproduction mode of the folder F1, and the display screen ST1 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. In step S2, by depressing the lower key of the cross key 27, a screen transition animation (transition display screen ST12) in which the next folder F2 appears from under the current folder F1 is displayed (step S13).

  In step S14, an icon indicating the current folder F2 is displayed. In step S5, a transition is made to the playback mode of the folder F2, as in the display screen ST13.

  Further, when the lower key of the cross key 27 is pressed, switching from the folder F2 to the folder F3 is performed. When the upper key of the cross key 27 is pressed, switching from the folder F2 to the folder F1 is performed.

  In a state where the shooting mode and the playback mode are mixed, or in the playback mode, it is possible to operate the cross key 27 to designate a desired image file and display it in an enlarged or reduced display. Although illustration is omitted, a cursor or the like for designating an image file is displayed, and the cursor is positioned at the position of the desired image file by the cross key 27. Thereafter, the selected image file can be enlarged or reduced by operating an enlargement or reduction button (a mechanical button or a button on the GUI).

  In the above description, the LCD 13 having the wide display frame SC having the aspect ratio (16: 9) or the like is used. However, the LCD 13 having the display frame SC having the aspect ratio (4: 3) may be used. . FIG. 8 shows transition of the display screen in the photographing mode when the LCD 13 having the display frame SC of (4: 3) is used.

  In the upper display screen ST21 of FIG. 8, the icon of the folder F1 is displayed, indicating that the folder F1 is selected. The folder selected in the initial state such as when the power is turned on is preset in F1, for example. The folder selected last may be set as the folder selected in the initial state. In the display frame SC, a captured image R of the current subject captured through the lens is displayed. Due to the size limitation of the display frame SC, the imaged image file is not displayed at the same time. However, it is also possible to display the captured image file at the same time by reducing the size of the captured image R.

  Display data is held in the internal recording medium 3. The captured image R is held in the internal recording medium 3 and is continuously updated in a cycle of a frame or the like even in a state where the operation unit 9 is not operated in the capturing mode. The internal recording medium 3 stores OSD data separately from the shooting data R. The OSD data is icon data to be displayed over the shooting data R. If the internal recording medium 3 has an image of a size suitable for the OSD display of the image taken immediately before, it is not necessary to acquire data from the external recording medium 11. The display screen ST21 on which the photographed image R is displayed is a photographing mode, and a new image can be recorded by pressing the shutter button 24.

  The user can recognize from the displayed icon that the current folder is F1. The user presses the lower button of the cross key 27. When the lower button is pressed on the display screen ST1, the screen transitions to the display screen ST23 through an animation through the transition display screen ST22. On the transition display screen ST22, the captured image R is the same, but the number in the icon is switched from the folder F1 to the folder F2. The time for which the transition display screen ST22 is displayed is instantaneous.

  As shown in the display screen ST23, the user can capture the captured image R by pressing the shutter button 24 after confirming that the folder has been switched from F1 to F2 based on the icon number.

  FIG. 9 shows a folder switching operation in the playback mode using the cross key 27. In the upper display screen ST31 in FIG. 9, the folder F1 is selected, and an icon corresponding to the folder F1 is displayed. The folder selected in the initial state such as when the power is turned on is preset in F1, for example. The folder selected last may be set as the folder selected in the initial state. For example, the image P11 is stored as a captured reproduction image in the folder F1.

  As described above, display data is held in the internal recording medium 3. When the user presses the lower button of the cross key 27 in order to switch the folder from F1 to F2, the screen transits to the display screen ST33 via the transition display screen ST32. On the transition display screen ST32, a state in which the recorded image is being switched from the folder F1 to the folder F2 is displayed. The time for which the transition display screen ST32 is displayed is instantaneous. On the display screen ST33, an icon of the folder F2 and an image file P21 of the folder F2 are displayed.

  In the above description, when a photographed image file is reproduced, it is reproduced for each folder corresponding to the film. Further, it may be possible to switch from a state in which image files are reproduced for each folder to a state in which image files in all folders are reproduced.

  In FIG. 10, image files are arranged and displayed for each of the folders F1, F2, and F3 in the display frame SC. FIG. 10 shows a set of image files stored in, for example, one removable recording medium (memory card or the like). Instead of displaying all the image files at once, as described above, the image files of each folder may be displayed and the folders may be switched. This display screen ST41 transits to the display screen ST43 through the transition display screen ST42 to the display screen ST43 of all folders.

  The image files are arranged in order of the shooting date and time from the oldest to the newest in each folder based on additional data of shooting date and time added to each image file. Also on the display screen ST43 displaying the image folders of all folders, all the image files are rearranged on the time axis. The transition display screen ST42 displays a state in the middle of rearranging the order on the time axis.

  On the display screen ST43, a display in which all image files are arranged on one axis in terms of time is performed. In the range of the display frame SC, the latest image file P35 in time and the number of image files P34, P33, P24, and P32 that can be displayed with older image files are displayed simultaneously. By operating the left (or right) key of the cross key, the displayed image file can be sequentially sent in the old direction (or new direction) in time.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of transition of the display screen when the menu button 25 is pressed in the playback mode. As shown by the display screen ST51, for example, image files P13, P14 and P15 of the folder F1 are displayed on the display frame of the wide LCD. When the menu button 25 is pressed in this state, a display screen ST52 in which the playback menu screen 31 is displayed in the display frame SC is displayed.

  The menu screen 31 is a screen for selecting one of the four menus of protect 32a, DPOF 32b, print 32c, and slide show 32d. A desired menu can be selected by pressing the left or right key of the cross key 27. The selected menu is shown in a focused state, highlighted display, or the like.

  The protect 32a is a menu that prohibits updating. The DPOF 32b is a menu for designating what is to be printed. The print 32c is a menu for giving a print command to a printer connected via USB (Universal Serial Bus). The slide show 32d is a menu for reproducing captured images in order. These menus can be specified not only in image file units but also in folder units.

  For example, when DPOF 32b is selected in the menu display 31 and the enter button is operated, the display screen ST53 is displayed. On the display screen ST53, a screen including a menu 33a for specifying the entire file and a menu 33b for specifying the image file is displayed. One is selected by operating the up or down key of the cross key 27 and the enter button. When designating an image file, the cursor SC is positioned with respect to the selected image file. As described above, since the DPOF can be set in units of folders, the setting operation becomes easier as compared with a digital camera that can be set only in units of image files.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present invention, folders may be switched using the left / right direction keys, and image files may be switched using the up / down direction keys. An input device that can indicate a direction other than the cross key may be used. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a digital camera that records a still image, but can also be applied to a shooting device that records a moving image and a shooting device that can record both a still image and a moving image. In the case of a moving image, for example, the top image of one shooting is displayed on an LCD or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Processing part 2 ... CPU
3 ... Internal recording medium 9 ... Operation unit 11 ... External recording medium 12 ... CCD
13 ... LCD
27 ... Cross key

Claims (3)

A display for displaying an image;
The image file is displayed in a predetermined order for each folder storing the image file, the first state in which one or a plurality of folders are displayed, and all the images included in the plurality of folders are in the predetermined order. A control unit that controls to switch between a second state in which rearranged and corresponding images are displayed;
An image display device comprising:   The image display device according to claim 1, wherein a transition state in the middle of rearranging the plurality of images is displayed during the transition from the first state to the second state. An input unit is provided to instruct one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction as the folder switching direction,
The image display device according to claim 1, wherein in the first state, the folder is switched by the input unit specifying the folder switching direction.

Images