JP2010166514A - Image reproducing apparatus, image pickup apparatus, and image reproducing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily search desired images in sequentially reproducing a plurality of images. <P>SOLUTION: An image reproducing apparatus includes: a first operation means that issues an instruction to sequentially reproduce a plurality of images in a first order when operated; a second operation means that issues an instruction to sequentially reproduce the plurality of images in a second order opposite to the first order when operated; a detection means that detects the operation states of the first operation means and the second operation means; and a control means that reduces the frame rate of the reproduction in accordance with the detection result by the detection means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reproduction device, an imaging device, and an image reproduction program that continuously reproduce and display a plurality of images.

  Conventionally, various techniques relating to reproduction of digital images have been considered. For example, the invention of Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for eliminating a problem during reproduction of a moving image by automatically adjusting the reproduction start position after instructing fast forward and rewind.

  However, in the invention of Patent Document 1 described above, since adjustment is performed by simply shifting the reproduction start position, sufficient search accuracy may not be obtained. In addition, there are cases in which images generated at various shooting frame rates cannot be fully supported when played back at various frame rates.

  An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily search for a desired image when a plurality of images are continuously reproduced.

The image reproducing apparatus of the present invention has a first operating means for instructing to sequentially reproduce a plurality of images in a first order by being operated, and the plurality of images being operated in the first order. The second operating means for instructing to sequentially reproduce in the second order opposite to the above, the detecting means for detecting the operating state of the first operating means and the second operating means, and the detection result by the detecting means And a control means for slowing down the frame rate during reproduction.
Note that an imaging device including the above-described image reproduction device and a configuration related to the above-described invention converted into an image reproduction program for realizing image reproduction are also effective as specific embodiments of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily search for a desired image when a plurality of images are continuously reproduced.

It is an external view of the electronic camera 1 of this embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic camera 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control part 27 at the time of reproducing | regenerating a several image continuously. It is a figure explaining the space | interval of a frame advance. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed on a monitor 13. FIG.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an electronic camera equipped with the image playback device of the present invention will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of an electronic camera 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 1 includes a power button 11 and a release button 12 on the top surface, and includes a monitor 13, a wheel pad 14, and a seesaw switch 15 on the back surface. The wheel pad 14 is an operation member that includes a rotating member and can detect an arc-shaped operation. At the time of image reproduction, a clockwise rotation operation is associated with forward reproduction including fast forward, and a counterclockwise rotation operation is associated with backward reproduction including rewinding. The seesaw switch 15 is an operation member that can detect an operation in the vertical direction. When reproducing an image, an operation in the vertical direction is used in association with adjustment of a frame advance interval during reproduction. Details of processing based on operations via the wheel pad 14 and the seesaw switch 15 will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic camera 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic camera 1 includes a photographing lens 21, an imaging element 22, a digital processing unit 23, an image processing unit 24, a recording unit 25, and a display unit 26. The taking lens 21 includes a plurality of lens groups including a zoom lens (not shown). The image sensor 22 includes an image sensor such as a CCD or a CMOS, captures a subject image, and outputs an analog signal. The digital processing unit 23 acquires an analog signal from the image sensor 22 and outputs digital data. The image processing unit 24 performs image processing such as interpolation processing, white balance adjustment, color processing, gradation correction, and noise removal. The recording unit 25 includes a card interface (not shown), a memory card, and the like, and records image data and various types of information. The display unit 26 includes the monitor 13 and the display control unit illustrated in FIG. 1 and displays images and various menus.

  In addition to the configuration described above, the electronic camera 1 further includes a control unit 27 and an operation unit 28 that control each unit. The operation unit 28 includes various operation members including the power button 11, the release button 12, the wheel pad 14, and the seesaw switch 15 illustrated in FIG. 1. The state of the operation unit 28 is detected by the control unit 27. The control unit 27 stores in advance a program for comprehensively controlling each unit.

  In the electronic camera 1 described above, when capturing an image, the control unit 27 captures a subject image via the photographing lens 21 with the image sensor 22, and appropriately controls the digital processing unit 23, the image processing unit 24, and the like to generate an image. Data is generated and recorded in the recording unit 25 and displayed on the monitor 13 of the display unit 26 as necessary.

  On the other hand, at the time of image reproduction, the control unit 27 reads out an image to be reproduced from the recording unit 25 based on a user operation via the operation unit 28 and performs reproduction processing, and controls the display unit 26 to display the image on the monitor 13. Is displayed.

  With the electronic camera 1 having the above-described configuration, the operation of the control unit 27 when continuously reproducing a plurality of images will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. At the time of image reproduction, selection of an image to be reproduced is performed in advance by a user operation via the operation unit 28. Hereinafter, as an example in which a plurality of images are continuously reproduced, reproduction of a moving image will be described as an example. In addition, a case where a process of cutting out a moving image of a user's desired section from the moving image is performed will be described as an example.

In step S1, the control unit 27 determines the frame advance interval as an initial value. The frame feed interval is an interval indicating the number of frames to be skipped when the rotating member of the wheel pad 14 is operated for one scale. As the frame advance interval is longer, the number of frames to be skipped increases, so that the image to be reproduced has a higher degree of fast forward. On the other hand, as the frame advance interval is shorter, the number of skipped frames is reduced, so that the reproduced image has a higher degree of slow motion. The control unit 27 sets the frame advance interval (frame rate) during reproduction to an initial value according to the shooting frame rate of the moving image to be reproduced. For example, the frame advance interval during reproduction is determined to be a length corresponding to 1/10 of the shooting frame rate. The initial value of the frame advance interval is preferably determined to be longer. This is because at the start of reproduction, it is expected to be away from the start point and end point of the desired section.
Note that, as described above, the initial value may be determined according to a user operation instead of being determined according to the shooting frame rate. For example, the initial value may be determined by a user operation via the seesaw switch 15 or the like.
In addition, when the reproduction target is not a moving image, a predetermined initial value may be used. For example, when a plurality of still images are displayed as a slide show, a predetermined initial value may be used.

  In step S <b> 2, the control unit 27 reads a moving image to be reproduced from the recording unit 25, controls the display unit 26, and starts image reproduction and display on the monitor 13. At this time, the control unit 27 performs display at the frame advance interval determined in step S1.

  In step S <b> 3, the control unit 27 determines whether or not a fast-forward operation has been performed by a user operation via the wheel pad 14. If the control unit 27 determines that the fast-forward operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S4. If the control unit 27 determines that the fast-forward operation has not been performed, the control unit 27 proceeds to step S6 described later.

  In step S4, the control unit 27 determines a frame advance interval. The controller 27 multiplies the current frame advance interval by a predetermined value to determine the frame advance interval. For example, the frame advance interval is determined by multiplying the current frame advance interval by 1/2. As a result, the frame advance interval is determined to be shorter than the present time (the frame rate is determined to be slower). This is because it is expected that the start point and the end point of a desired section are closer to each other than when playback is started.

  In step S5, the control unit 27 starts fast-forwarding of the image being reproduced. If playback in the reverse direction (rewinding) has been performed when the fast forward operation is performed in step S3, the control unit 27 reverses the playback direction. At this time, the control unit 27 performs display at the frame advance interval determined in step S4.

  The control unit 27 notifies the user of the fast-forwarding state using visual information, auditory information, tactile information, and the like. This is because, during reproduction of an unnecessary image, generally, an image with no movement is continuous on the subject, and it is difficult for the user to know whether fast-forwarding is performed as intended. The control unit 27 displays visual information (characters, marks, etc.) indicating that fast-forwarding is being performed on the monitor 13 of the display unit 26 or blinks and lights a lamp (not shown) to notify the user. Or by outputting auditory information (sound effects, announcements, etc.) indicating that fast-forwarding is being executed from a speaker (not shown) to notify the user or that fast-forwarding is being executed. The user is notified based on the tactile information shown (vibration of the electronic camera 1 main body and the wheel pad 14).

  Furthermore, the control unit 27 notifies the user of information indicating the frame advance interval determined in step S4. For example, the control unit 27 displays characters or marks indicating the current frame advance interval on the monitor 13 of the display unit 26. The user can recognize the current frame advance interval by viewing this information.

  In step S6, the control unit 27 determines whether or not a rewind operation has been performed. When determining that the rewinding operation has been performed, the control unit 27 proceeds to step S7, and when determining that the rewinding operation has not been performed, the control unit 27 proceeds to step S9 described later.

  In step S7, the control unit 27 determines a frame advance interval. Similarly to step S4, the control unit 27 multiplies the current frame advance interval by 1/2 to determine the frame advance interval, for example.

  In step S8, the control unit 27 reverses the reproduction direction of the image being reproduced and starts rewinding. At this time, the control unit 27 performs display at the frame advance interval determined in step S7.

  Note that the control unit 27 performs notification to the user in the rewinding state and notification to the user of information indicating the frame advance interval determined in step S7 in the same manner as in step S5. By performing such notification, the user can recognize the current rewind state and the current frame advance interval.

  In step S <b> 9, the control unit 27 determines whether or not a determination operation has been performed via the operation unit 28. The determination operation is a user operation that determines the start point and end point of the desired section described above. Either the start point or the end point may be determined first. Then, when determining that the determination operation has been performed, the control unit 27 adds a trigger indicating that the determination operation has been performed to the position where the determination operation has been performed, and proceeds to step S10, where the determination operation has been performed. If it is determined that there is not, the process proceeds to step S12 described later.

  In step S10, the control unit 27 determines whether both the start point and the end point have been determined by determining whether the determination operation described in step S9 has been performed twice. If the control unit 27 determines that both the start point and the end point are determined, the control unit 27 proceeds to step S11. If the control unit 27 determines that both are not determined, the control unit 27 proceeds to step S12 described later.

In step S11, based on the added trigger, the control unit 27 sets a section between the two points specified by the determination operation described in step S9 as a determined section, cuts out an image of the section, and records it in the recording unit 25. Then, a series of processing ends.
If it is determined in step S10 that both the start point and the end point are not determined, in step S12, the control unit 27 determines the frame advance interval as an initial value in the same manner as in step S1 described above. This is because it is preferable to increase the frame feeding interval again because the other determination is made after either one of the start point and the end point is determined. When the controller 27 determines the frame advance interval to be an initial value, the control unit 27 returns to step S3 described above. It should be noted that the frame advance interval may be returned to the initial value based on the user operation at timings other than such timing.
If it is determined in step S9 that the determination operation has not been performed, in step S13, the control unit 27 determines whether or not a stop operation has been performed. When the control unit 27 determines that the stop operation has been performed, the control unit 27 stops the reproduction of the image and ends the series of processes. On the other hand, if it determines with the stop operation not being performed, the control part 27 will return to step S3 mentioned above.
Note that an interrupt process may be performed in accordance with an operation on the seesaw switch 15 during the series of processes described above. For example, when the seesaw switch 15 is operated by the user, the control unit 27 may detect this and change the frame advance interval according to the operation on the seesaw switch 15.
When the seesaw switch 15 is operated simultaneously with the fast forward operation or rewind operation (step S3 or step S6), the frame advance interval is determined when the frame advance interval is determined (step S4 or step S7). It is good also as a structure which adjusts a change degree according to operation with respect to the seesaw switch 15. FIG. For example, the value to be multiplied by the current frame advance interval may be increased to reduce the degree of change of the frame advance interval, or the value to be multiplied by the current frame advance interval may be decreased to reduce the frame advance interval. The degree of change may be increased.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first operation means that instructs to sequentially reproduce the plurality of images in the first order by being operated, and the plurality of images to be operated by the first operation. Second operation means for instructing reproduction sequentially in a second order opposite to the first order, and reproducing according to the detection result of detecting the operation state of the first operation means and the second operation means. Decrease the frame rate. Therefore, when a plurality of images are continuously reproduced, a desired image can be easily searched.

  In general, in an image generated by shooting such as high-speed continuous shooting for capturing a phenomenon that occurs in a very short time, a relatively long unnecessary image group is often shot before and after a necessary image group. In addition, since the shooting frame rate is large, the number of unnecessary images increases. However, according to the present embodiment, by appropriately adjusting the frame advance interval, in order to skip an unnecessary image, the frame advance interval during reproduction is unnecessarily increased, and the necessary image group is skipped. Solve the problem and the problem that it takes a long time to find the necessary image group by unnecessarily shortening the frame advance interval during playback (unnecessarily slowing down the frame rate). Groups can be easily searched.

  In the conventional technology, fast forward and rewind operations during playback are performed after visually recognizing the target image, so there is always a delay, and it is necessary to repeat the operation until the target image is found. Arise. In addition, although manual frame-by-frame playback can avoid the above-described delay, there is a problem that the number of times of feeding or returning operation becomes very large and the usability is not good. However, according to the present embodiment, the frame advance interval can be suitably adjusted automatically, so that a desired image can be easily searched with a simple operation.

  In this embodiment, every time a fast-forward operation is detected in step S3, a frame advance interval is determined in step S4, and every time a rewind operation is detected in step S6, a frame advance interval is determined in step S7. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the frame advance interval may be determined only when the fast-forward operation is detected in step S3, or the frame advance interval is determined only when the rewind operation is detected in step S6. It is also good. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which can set the timing which determines the space | interval of a frame advance based on user operation via the operation part 28. FIG.

  In this embodiment, when determining the frame advance interval in steps S4 and S7, an example is given of determining the frame advance interval by multiplying the current frame advance interval by 1/2. Although described, the present invention is not limited to this example. It is good also as a structure which multiplies by values other than 1/2, and it is good also as a structure which changes the value multiplied each time. In this case, assuming that the target point is gradually approaching, the value to be multiplied may be gradually increased. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which can set the change degree which changes the space | interval of a frame advance based on user operation via the operation part 28. FIG.

  Further, the frame advance interval described in the present embodiment may be realized in any manner. For example, when the moving image shown in FIG. 4A is played back at an interval of 10 frames, as shown in FIG. It may be realized. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, the frame advance interval may be realized by displaying images of all frames and reducing the display interval between frames to 1/10.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a case where a plurality of images are continuously reproduced and a process of cutting out a moving image of a user's desired section from the moving image is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. It is not limited. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to continuous reproduction of continuously shot images and slide show display of a plurality of still images. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied when searching for an image of a user's desired frame from a plurality of images.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which when the start point and the end point are determined, the process of automatically cutting out the image of the section is described, but the cut out of the determined section is executed at another timing. May be.
Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, although the wheel pad 14 and the seesaw switch 15 were demonstrated as an example of an operation member, this invention is not limited to this example. For example, in the present embodiment, the wheel pad 14 is provided with a rotating member. However, the wheel pad may be configured by a so-called touch pad that detects an input by a change in capacitance.
In the present embodiment, an operation member capable of detecting an arc-shaped operation will be described as an example of an operation member that receives a user operation instructing forward reproduction and a user operation instructing reverse reproduction. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Any operation member may be used as long as it can accept a user operation for instructing reproduction in the forward direction and a user operation instructing reproduction in the reverse direction. For example, an operation member that can be operated in two directions, such as a slide bar or a seesaw switch, or an operation member such as a dial member or a cross button may be used. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which allocates and uses the user operation which instruct | indicates the reproduction | regeneration of a forward direction and the user operation which instruct | indicates the reproduction | regeneration of a reverse direction to each of several buttons. Further, it may be an operation member that senses contact such as a touch pad, or may be an operation member that is displayed on the monitor 13 of the display unit 26 such as a GUI. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a GUI operation button (refer to area A) displayed on the monitor 13 is assigned and used by a user operation for instructing playback in the forward direction and a user operation instructing playback in the reverse direction. It is good also as composition to do.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the electronic camera 1 provided with the image reproduction device of the present invention has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to a remote controller for remotely operating an electronic camera. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to an electronic camera configured to reproduce and display an image on a display device connected to the electronic camera by an electrical connection means. In addition, the present invention can be similarly applied to an image editing apparatus and an image reproduction apparatus that function alone. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to remote controllers for these apparatuses. Furthermore, the present invention can be similarly applied to an image reproduction program for reproducing an image by a computer or the like. In any case, by recording a program corresponding to a part or all of the flowchart described in FIG. 3 of the present embodiment in the control unit, the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained. Further, the above-described image reproduction program may be recorded on a medium, or may be obtainable from a server via the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic camera, 13 ... Monitor, 14 ... Wheel pad, 15 ... Seesaw switch, 26 ... Display part, 27 ... Control part, 28 ... Operation part

JP 2007-243630 A

Claims (11)

A first operation means for instructing to sequentially reproduce a plurality of images in a first order by being operated;
A second operating means that is operated to instruct to sequentially reproduce the plurality of images in a second order opposite to the first order;
Detecting means for detecting operating states of the first operating means and the second operating means;
An image reproduction apparatus comprising: control means for slowing down a frame rate during reproduction according to a detection result by the detection means. The image reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
The image reproduction apparatus, wherein the detection unit detects a change in operation between the first operation unit and the second operation unit. The image reproduction apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means slows down the frame rate every time the operations of the first operating means and the second operating means are switched. The image reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
The control means adjusts the frame rate each time the detection means detects that the first operating means has been changed to a state in which the second operating means has been operated. An image reproducing device characterized by being slow. The image reproducing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An image reproduction apparatus comprising: display means for displaying information indicating the frame rate determined by the control means. The image reproduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image reproducing apparatus comprising: setting means for setting the frame rate to a predetermined value. The image reproduction apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
The setting unit accepts a user operation to select a continuous part of the plurality of images,
The image reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the frame rate to the predetermined value when receiving the user operation for selecting the beginning of the continuous part. The image reproduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The image reproduction apparatus characterized in that the control means changes the change rate of the frame rate when the frame rate is lowered. The image reproduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An image reproducing apparatus comprising: an informing unit that informs a user of at least one of visual information, auditory information, and tactile information about a reproduction state of the plurality of images. The image reproduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Imaging means for capturing a subject image and generating an image;
Recording means for recording the image generated by the imaging means,
The image pickup apparatus characterized in that the control means slows down a frame rate at the time of reproduction of the plurality of images recorded in the recording means in accordance with a detection result by the detection means. An image reproduction program for realizing a control for continuously reproducing a plurality of images by a computer,
A first operation for instructing to sequentially reproduce the plurality of images in a first order; and a second operation for instructing to sequentially reproduce the plurality of images in a second order opposite to the first order. A detecting step for detecting
An image reproduction program comprising: a control step of slowing down a frame rate during reproduction according to a detection result in the detection step.

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