JP2012010353A - Image reproducing apparatus and control method thereof, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To implement an image reproducing technology with which a specific image is displayed and sent immediately and other images can also be reproduced.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an image reproducing apparatus for reproducing an image file stored on a recording medium recording thereon a first image group recorded according to a file standard specifying naming rules of directory number and file number and a second image group not according to the file standard. The image reproducing apparatus includes: fixing means for fixing an image to be displayed from a directory having a maximum directory number according to the file standard; first determination means for searching a directory other than the one having the maximum directory number among the first image group to determine a reproduction order in accordance with the naming rules of directory number and file number; second determination means for determining the reproduction order by creating and sorting a file list by extracting all the images of the second image group; and control means for controlling the image to be displayed based on the reproduction order of the first image group or the second image group in response to a display image change instruction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for reproducing an image stored in a recording medium.

  Conventionally, as an image reproduction technique for reproducing an image stored in a recording medium, the image stored in the recording medium is not limited to the directory structure in the recording medium, but in a predetermined file system rule, that is, in file order or date order. There is something to play. There are also programs that are programmed to recognize a predetermined directory structure in advance and reproduce only images that match the predetermined directory structure. Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561, there is a configuration in which the directory structure to be reproduced can be changed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-049634

  In the image reproduction technique as described above, the recording medium includes an image according to a specific directory structure, such as a DCF image, and other images, that is, an image arbitrarily copied by the user into the recording medium or another directory structure. May be stored together with other images. In this case, good image selection and reproduction order cannot be determined.

  That is, when an image stored in a recording medium is played back according to a predetermined file system rule, for example, file order or date order, regardless of the specific directory structure, the image according to the specific directory structure is mixed in with other images. This makes it difficult to specify an image.

  Further, when rearranging images, the image to be reproduced first cannot be specified unless information on the file system of all images is collected.

  Further, in the case of an image processing apparatus that recognizes only a specific directory structure, it is not possible to reproduce an image arbitrarily copied by the user or an image recorded according to another directory structure.

  DCF is an abbreviation for Design Rule for Camera File System, and is a unified recording format for digital cameras. The DCF defines a directory structure and a file name naming rule for recording an image on a memory card. Exif is used as an image recording format.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize an image reproduction technique that gives priority to reproduction of an image having a specific directory structure and can also reproduce an image that does not follow the specific directory structure. is there.

  In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the image reproducing apparatus of the present invention does not comply with the first image group recorded in accordance with a file standard that defines a naming rule for directory numbers and file numbers, and the file standard. An image reproducing apparatus for reproducing an image file stored in a recording medium on which a second image group is recorded, wherein an instruction means for instructing power-on, and an instruction for instructing power-on by the instructing means and a reproduction mode When the process proceeds to the above, the confirmation means for confirming the image to be displayed from the directory having the maximum directory number according to the file standard, and the display for displaying the image to be displayed confirmed by the confirmation means on the display unit After displaying an image by the control means and the display control means, search for a directory other than the maximum directory in the first image group, A first determining means for determining a reproduction order according to a naming rule for the directory number and the file number; and after determining the reproduction order of the first image group by the first determining means, the second image Second determining means for extracting a group of images to create a file list and sorting the images extracted in the file list to determine a reproduction order of image files included in the second image group; , An input means for inputting an instruction for changing an image displayed on the display unit; and when an instruction by the input means is input, the first image determined by the first determining means in accordance with the instruction Control means for controlling an image to be displayed on the display unit based on the reproduction order of the group or the reproduction order of the second image group determined by the second determination means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prioritize the reproduction of an image having a specific directory structure and to reproduce an image that does not follow the specific directory structure.

1 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the main routine of the image processing apparatus of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart of the main routine of the image processing apparatus of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart of the main routine of the image processing apparatus of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart of the photometry / ranging process of this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the imaging | photography process of this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the dark acquisition process of this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the development processing of this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the main routine of the image processing apparatus of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart of the image display process of this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the DCF image search process of this embodiment. It is a flowchart of image search processing other than DCF of this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the image recursive search process of this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the next image search process of this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the other example of the next image search process of this embodiment.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention with reference to an accompanying drawing is demonstrated in detail.

  The embodiment described below is an example as means for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed according to the configuration and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied. It is not limited to the embodiment.

[Description of device]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image processing apparatus represented by an electronic camera or the like.

  Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing lens, 12 denotes a shutter having a diaphragm function, 14 denotes an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 into a digital signal.

  A timing generation circuit 18 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

  An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22.

  Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs a predetermined calculation process using the captured image data. The system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 based on the calculation result obtained by the image processing circuit 20, and performs TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing and EF (flash pre-emission) processing are performed.

  Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

  A memory control circuit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32.

  The data of the A / D converter 16 is written into the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or the data of the A / D converter 16 is directly passed through the memory control circuit 22. It is.

  Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory, 26 denotes a D / A converter, 28 denotes an image display unit including a TFT LCD, and the image data for display written in the image display memory 24 passes through the D / A converter 26. Displayed by the image display unit 28.

  An electronic viewfinder (EVF) function can be realized by sequentially displaying image data captured using the image display unit 28.

  The image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the image processing apparatus 100 can be greatly reduced. Can do.

  Further, the image display unit 28 is coupled to the main body of the image processing apparatus 100 by a rotatable hinge unit, and an electronic finder function, a reproduction display function, and various display functions can be used by setting a free orientation and angle. Is possible.

  Further, it is possible to store the display portion of the image display unit 28 toward the image processing apparatus 100. In this case, the display state of the image display unit 28 is detected by detecting the storage state by the image display unit open / close detection unit 106. Can be stopped.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images.

  This makes it possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed even in continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot.

  The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

  A compression / decompression circuit 32 compresses and decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like, reads an image stored in the memory 30, and performs compression processing or decompression processing in, for example, JPEG or MPEG format. The data that has been processed is written into the memory 30.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes an exposure control unit that controls the shutter 12 having an aperture function, and has a flash light control function in cooperation with the flash 48.

  Reference numeral 42 denotes a distance measurement control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 10, 44 denotes a zoom control unit that controls zooming of the photographing lens 10, and 46 denotes a barrier control unit that controls the operation of the barrier 102.

  The exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 are controlled using the TTL method. Based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the captured image data by the image processing circuit 20, the system control circuit 50 performs the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement. The controller 42 is controlled.

  Reference numeral 48 denotes a connector, which is also called an accessory shoe, and includes an electrical contact with the flash device 400 and a mechanical fixing means.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit that controls the entire image processing apparatus 100, and reference numeral 52 denotes a memory that stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operation of the system control circuit 50.

  Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device or a speaker that displays an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with execution of a program in the system control circuit 50. The display unit 54 is installed in a single or a plurality of positions near the operation unit of the image processing apparatus 100 so as to be easily visible, and is configured by a combination of, for example, an LCD, an LED, and a sounding element.

  A part of the function of the display unit 54 is set in the optical viewfinder 104.

  Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed on the LCD or the like includes single shot / continuous shooting display, self-timer display, compression rate display, number of recorded pixels, number of recorded images, number of remaining images that can be captured, and the like. is there. Besides that, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure compensation display, flash display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, clock battery level display, battery level display, error display, multi-digit number Information display. Furthermore, there are a display state of the recording media 200 and 210, a communication I / F operation display, a date / time display, and the like.

  Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 includes in-focus display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, and the like.

  Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM.

  Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, and may be a single unit such as a switch, a dial, a touch panel, pointing by line-of-sight detection, a voice recognition device, or the like. Consists of multiple combinations.

  Here, a specific description of these operating means will be given.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch, which can switch and set various function modes such as power-off, automatic shooting mode, shooting mode, panoramic shooting mode, playback mode, multi-screen playback / erase mode, and PC connection mode.

  Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned ON during the operation of a shutter button (not shown), and performs AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, and the like. Instruct to start operation.

  Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch SW2, which is turned on when an operation of a shutter button (not shown) is completed, and an exposure process for writing a signal read from the image sensor 14 to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. Instruct the start of operation. Further, it instructs the start of the development processing operation using the calculation in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22. Further, the image data is read from the memory 30, compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and an instruction to start a recording process for writing the image data to the recording medium 200 or 210 is given.

  Reference numeral 66 denotes an image display ON / OFF switch which can set ON / OFF of the image display unit 28. With this function, power can be saved by cutting off the power supply to the image display unit 28 composed of a TFT LCD or the like when shooting using the optical viewfinder 104.

  68 is a single shooting / continuous shooting switch. When the shutter switch SW2 is pressed, a single shooting mode is set in which one frame is shot, and a continuous shooting mode in which shooting is continuously performed while the shutter switch SW2 is pressed. And can be set.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes a recording destination selection switch, which can select the recording destination of the captured image from “external storage device”, “recording medium”, and “external storage device and recording medium”.

  Reference numeral 116 denotes a connection / disconnection switch, which can instruct establishment / disconnection of communication with an external device.

  An operation unit 70 includes various buttons and a touch panel, and includes a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button, and the like. In addition, the menu movement + (plus) button, menu movement-(minus) button, playback image movement + (plus) button, playback image movement-(minus) button, shooting quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time There are time setting buttons.

  Further, a selection / switch button for setting selection and switching of various functions when performing shooting and playback in panorama mode, etc., and a determination for setting and executing various functions when performing shooting and playback in panorama mode and the like. / Execution button etc. Further, there are an image display ON / OFF switch for setting ON / OFF of the image display unit 28, a quick review ON / OFF switch for setting a quick review function for automatically reproducing image data taken immediately after shooting, and the like. In addition, there is a compression mode switch that is a switch for selecting a compression rate of JPEG compression or for selecting a CCD RAW mode in which a signal of an image sensor is directly digitized and recorded on a recording medium. In addition, there are a playback mode switch that can set each function mode such as a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erase mode, and a PC connection mode. In addition, there is a reproduction switch for instructing the start of a reproduction operation in which a photographed image is read from the memory 30 or the recording medium 200 or 210 and displayed by the image display unit 28 in the photographing mode state.

  A power control unit 80 includes a power detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like. The power supply control unit 80 detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level, controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control circuit 50, and requires the necessary voltage. It is supplied to each part including the recording medium for a period.

  82 and 84 are connectors, 86 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, NiMH battery or Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

  Reference numerals 90 and 94 denote interfaces with recording media such as memory cards and hard disks. Reference numerals 92 and 96 denote connectors for connecting to a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. A recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 98 detects whether or not the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached to the connectors 92 and 96.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that there are two interfaces and connectors for attaching the recording medium. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a single or a plurality of systems and any number of systems. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with combining the interface and connector of a different standard.

  The interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 may be configured using a standard conforming to a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card. In this case, various communication cards such as a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE 1394 card, a P1284 card, a SCSI card, and a communication card such as a PHS are connected to the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96. As a result, image data and management information attached to the image data can be transferred to and from peripheral devices such as other computers and printers.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a barrier as a protection unit that prevents the imaging unit from being contaminated or damaged by covering the imaging unit including the photographing lens 10 of the image processing apparatus 100.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical viewfinder, which can take an image using only the optical viewfinder without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28. In the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the display unit 54, for example, a focus display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, and the like are installed.

  Reference numeral 106 denotes an image display unit open / close detection unit, which can detect whether or not the image display unit 28 is in a storage state in which the display portion of the image display unit 28 is stored in the image processing apparatus 100. Here, if the image display unit open / close detection unit 106 detects that the image display unit 28 is in the retracted state, it can stop the display operation of the image display unit 28 and prohibit unnecessary power consumption.

  111 and 113 are communication control units, which have various communication functions such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a wired connector such as USB or IEEE 1394 for connecting the image processing apparatus 100 to another device by the communication control unit 111.

  Reference numeral 114 denotes an antenna for wireless connection by wireless LAN communication such as IEEE802.11b / g, spread spectrum communication such as Bluetooth, infrared communication such as IrDA, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, a system configuration having both the wired connection connector 112 and the wireless connection antenna 114 will be described, but there is no problem even if the system configuration has only wired connection or only wireless connection.

  As described above, various communication cards such as a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE 1394 card, a P1284 card, a SCSI card, a communication card such as a PHS, and the like are connected to the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96. It is good also as a structure which communicates with an apparatus.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.

  The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 204 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 206 for connecting to the image processing apparatus 100.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.

  The recording medium 210 includes a recording unit 212 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 214 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 216 that connects to the image processing apparatus 100.

  Reference numeral 400 denotes a flash device.

  Reference numeral 402 denotes a connector for connecting to an accessory shoe of the image processing apparatus 100.

  A flash 404 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash light control function.

[Description of operation]
Next, a shooting operation of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  2 to 4 show flowcharts of the main routine of the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, the system control circuit 50 initializes a flag, a control variable, etc. by power-on such as battery replacement (S101), and initializes the image display of the image display unit 28 to an OFF state (S102).

  The system control circuit 50 determines the set position of the mode dial 60, and if the mode dial 60 is set to power OFF (S103), the display of each display unit 28, 54 is changed to the end state, and the barrier 102 Close the to protect the imaging unit. Furthermore, the system control circuit 50 records necessary parameters, setting values, and setting modes including flags and control variables in the nonvolatile memory 56. Then, the power control unit 80 performs a predetermined end process such as shutting off unnecessary power of each unit including the image display unit 28 (S105), and then returns to S103.

  If the mode dial 60 is set to the playback mode (S103), the process proceeds to S601 in FIG.

  If the mode dial 60 is set to the shooting mode (S103), the process proceeds to S106.

  The system control circuit 50 determines whether there is a problem in the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 in terms of the remaining capacity and operation status of the power supply unit 86 configured by a battery or the like by the power supply control unit 80 (S106). If there is a problem, a predetermined warning is displayed by image or sound using the display unit 54 (S108), and the process returns to S103.

  If there is no problem in the power supply unit 86 (S106), the system control circuit 50 determines whether the operation state of the recording medium 200 or 210 has a problem in the operation of the image processing apparatus 100, particularly the recording / reproducing operation of the image data on the recording medium. Is determined (S107). If there is a problem, a predetermined warning is displayed by image or sound using the display unit 54 (S108), and the process returns to S103.

  If there is no problem in the operation state of the recording medium 200 or 210 (S107), the process proceeds to S109.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the setting state of the single / continuous shooting switch 68 for setting single shooting / continuous shooting (S109). If single shooting is selected, the single / continuous shooting flag is set to single shooting (S110), and if continuous shooting is selected, the single / continuous shooting flag is set to continuous shooting (S111). ) If the flag setting is completed, the process proceeds to S112.

  According to the single-shot / continuous-shot switch 68, when the shutter switch SW2 is pressed, the single-shot mode in which one frame is shot to enter a standby state, and continuous shooting is continued while the shutter switch SW2 is pressed. It can be set by arbitrarily switching the copy mode.

  The state of the single / continuous shooting flag is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

  The system control circuit 50 displays various setting states of the image processing apparatus 100 using images and sounds using the display unit 54 (S112). If the image display of the image display unit 28 is ON, the image display unit 28 is also used to display various setting states of the image processing apparatus 100 using images and sounds.

  Subsequently, the system control circuit 50 determines the setting state of the image display ON / OFF switch 66 (S113). If the image display ON is set, the process proceeds to S114.

  Further, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the image display unit 28 is in the storage state or the display state by the image display unit open / close detection unit 106 (S114). If it is determined that it is in the display state, the image display flag is set (S115), the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the ON state (S116), and the captured image data is sequentially displayed. The display state is set (S117), and the process proceeds to S131 in FIG.

  In the through display state, the data sequentially written to the image display memory 24 via the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22 are converted into the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A conversion. Images are sequentially displayed by the image display unit 28 via the device 26. Thereby, the electronic finder function is realized.

  On the other hand, if the image display ON / OFF switch 66 is set to image display OFF (S113) or the image display unit 28 is in the storage state (S114), the image display flag is canceled (S118), and the image display unit 28 The image display is turned off (S119), and the process proceeds to S131.

  When the image display is OFF, shooting is performed using the optical viewfinder 104 without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28. In this case, it is possible to reduce power consumption of the image display unit 28, the D / A converter 26, and the like that consume a large amount of power. The state of the image display flag is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

  Next, in FIG. 3, if the shutter switch SW1 is not pressed (S131), the process returns to S103.

  If the shutter switch SW1 is pressed (S131), the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 (S132). If the image display flag is set, the display state of the image display unit 28 is set to the freeze display state (S133), and the process proceeds to S134.

  In the freeze display state, rewriting of image data to the image display memory 24 via the image sensor 14, A / D converter 16, image processing circuit 20, and memory control circuit 22 is prohibited. The image data written last is displayed by the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26, whereby the frozen video is displayed on the electronic viewfinder.

  If the image display flag has been canceled (S132), the process proceeds to S134.

  The system control circuit 50 performs a distance measurement process to focus the photographing lens 10 on the subject, performs a photometry process, and determines an aperture value and a shutter time (S134). In the photometric process, the flash is set if necessary. Details of the distance measurement / photometry processing S134 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the distance measurement / photometry processing is completed, the system control circuit 50 determines that the shutter speed to be set is the shutter on the fastest side of the mechanical shutter based on the set photographing operation mode and the exposure result determined in the distance measurement / photometry processing. It is determined whether or not the second time is exceeded (S135). Then, if not exceeded, the shutter time is set for the mechanical shutter (S136), and the process proceeds to S138. If it exceeds, the shutter time setting using both the mechanical shutter and the electronic shutter is set (S137), and the process proceeds to S138.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S138). If the image display flag is set, the display state of the image display unit 28 is set to the through display state. Then (S139), the process proceeds to S140.

  Thus, when the shutter speed to be set exceeds the shutter speed on the fastest side of the mechanical shutter, the electronic shutter is used in combination. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent smear from being generated by the mechanical shutter and to enable a high shutter speed by the electronic shutter.

  If the shutter switch SW2 is not pressed (S140) and the shutter switch SW1 is also released (S141), the process returns to S103.

  If the shutter switch SW2 is pressed (S140), the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S142). If the image display flag is set, the display state of the image display unit 28 is set to the fixed color display state (S143), and the process proceeds to S161 in FIG.

  In the fixed color display state, instead of the captured image data written in the image display memory 24 via the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22, the fixed color of the replaced color is displayed. The image data is displayed by the image display unit 28. In this way, a fixed color image is displayed on the electronic viewfinder.

If the image display flag has been canceled (S142), the process proceeds to S161 in FIG.

In FIG. 4, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the single / continuous shooting flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S161). If single shooting is set, continuous shooting is set in S162. If so, the process proceeds to S181.

  The system control circuit 50 executes photographing processing including exposure processing and development processing (S162). The exposure process was taken in the memory 30 via the image sensor 14, A / D converter 16, image processing circuit 20, memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22. Write image data. Further, in the development process, the image data written in the memory 30 is read out using the memory control circuit 22 or the image processing circuit 20 as required (S162).

  Details of the imaging process S162 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S163). If the image display flag is set, quick review 1 is displayed (S164). In the quick review 1 display, image data processed in accordance with the display format of the image display unit 28 is read from the memory 30, and the display image data is transferred to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22. Further, the display image data read from the image display memory 24 is displayed on the image display unit 28.

  In this quick review 1 display process, since the dark capture process (S165) is not performed, display image data is created using the image data before the dark correction calculation is performed, and the quick review display is performed.

  As described above, in the single shooting mode, the photographing process is performed before the dark capturing process, and the image data before dark correction is used for the quick review display. As a result, the shutter release time lag can be shortened, and quick review display can be performed immediately after shooting.

  In the quick review 1 display (S164), since the dark capturing process (S165) has not been completed yet, a character display such as busy is displayed on the quick review image display on the image display unit 28.

  If the image display flag has been canceled (S163), the process proceeds to S165 while the image display unit 28 is in an OFF state. In this case, the image display unit 28 remains off even after shooting, and no quick review display is performed. This is a usage method that places importance on power saving without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28 without the need to check the photographed image immediately after photographing, as in the case of continuing photographing using the optical viewfinder 104. .

  The system control circuit 50 accumulates noise components such as a dark current of the image sensor 14 with the shutter 12 closed for the same time as the main photographing, and performs a dark capturing process for reading out the noise image signal after the accumulation (S165), The process proceeds to S166.

  By performing the correction calculation process using the dark image data captured in the dark capturing process, the captured image data is related to image quality degradation such as dark current noise generated by the image sensor 14 and pixel defects due to scratches unique to the image sensor 14. Can be corrected.

  Details of the dark capturing process S165 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 reads out part of the image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22 and performs WB (white balance) integration calculation processing OB ( (Optical black) Performs integral calculation processing. Further, the calculation result is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

  Then, the system control circuit 50 reads out the captured image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 using the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20. Further, the system control circuit 50 performs various development processes including an AWB (auto white balance) process, a gamma conversion process, and a color conversion process using the calculation result stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S166).

  Further, in the development processing, dark correction calculation processing for canceling dark current noise and the like of the image sensor 14 is also performed by performing subtraction processing using the dark image data captured in the dark capturing processing.

  Details of the development processing S166 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 reads the image data written in the predetermined area of the memory 30 and performs image compression processing according to the set mode by the compression / decompression circuit 32 (S167).

  The system control circuit 50 records shooting information such as the shooting date and time, the camera Model ID, and the color effect mode at the time of shooting in the Exif header (S174), and shoots the empty image portion in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30. The image data that has undergone a series of processing is written.

  The system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 and writes the data to the recording medium 200 or 210 such as a memory card via the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96. (S168).

  During the writing of the image data to the recording medium 200 or 210, a recording medium writing operation display such as blinking an LED is performed on the display unit 54 in order to clearly indicate that the writing operation is being performed.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S169). If the image display flag is set, quick review 2 is displayed (S170). In the quick review 2 display, image data processed in accordance with the display format of the image display unit 28 is read from the memory 30, and the display image data is transferred to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22. Further, the display image data read from the image display memory 24 is displayed on the image display unit 28.

  In this quick review 2 display process, since the dark capture process (S165) is performed, display image data is created using the image data after the dark correction calculation is performed in the development process (S166), Perform a quick review display.

  As described above, in the single shooting mode, first, the photographing process is performed before the dark capturing process, and the quick review 1 display is performed using the image data before dark correction. After performing the dark capturing process, the quick review 2 display is performed using the image data after the dark correction, so that the shutter release time lag can be shortened and the quick review display can be performed immediately after photographing.

  In the quick review 2 display (S170), since the dark capturing process (S165) has already been completed, the quick review 1 display (S164) is displayed in an overlapping manner with the quick review image display on the image display unit 28. Erases the character display such as busy.

  If the image display flag has been canceled (S169), the process proceeds to S171 while the image display unit 28 remains OFF. In this case, the image display unit 28 remains off even after shooting, and no quick review display is performed. This is a usage method that places importance on power saving without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28 without the need to check the photographed image immediately after photographing, as in the case of continuing photographing using the optical viewfinder 104. .

  Until the shutter switch SW1 is released (S171), the system control circuit 50 repeats the current processing.

  If the shutter switch SW1 is released (S171), the process proceeds to S172.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S161 that the state of the single / continuous shooting flag is set, if the continuous shooting is set, the process proceeds to S181.

  The system control circuit 50 performs a dark capturing process for accumulating noise components such as dark current of the image sensor 14 with the shutter 12 closed for the same time as the actual photographing, and reading out the noise image signal after the accumulation (S181). The process proceeds to S182.

  By performing the correction calculation process using the dark image data captured in the dark capturing process, the captured image data is related to image quality degradation such as dark current noise generated by the image sensor 14 and pixel defects due to scratches unique to the image sensor 14. Can be corrected.

  Details of the dark capturing process S181 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 executes photographing processing including exposure processing and development processing (S182). The exposure process was taken in the memory 30 via the image sensor 14, A / D converter 16, image processing circuit 20, memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22. Write image data. In the development process, the image data written in the memory 30 is read out using the memory control circuit 22 or the image processing circuit 20 as required (S182).

  Details of the photographing process S182 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 reads out part of the image data written in the predetermined area of the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22. Then, the system control circuit 50 performs WB (white balance) integration calculation processing and OB (optical black) integration calculation processing necessary for performing development processing, and stores the calculation results in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50. Remember.

  Then, the system control circuit 50 reads out the captured image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 using the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20. Further, the system control circuit 50 performs various development processes including an AWB (auto white balance) process, a gamma conversion process, and a color conversion process using the calculation result stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S183).

  Further, in the development processing, dark correction calculation processing for canceling dark current noise and the like of the image sensor 14 is also performed by performing subtraction processing using the dark image data captured in the dark capturing processing.

  Details of the development processing S183 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S184). If the image display flag is set, the quick review 3 is displayed (S185).

  In the quick review 3 display, the image data processed in accordance with the display format of the image display unit 28 is read from the memory 30, and the display image data is transferred to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22. Further, the display image data read from the image display memory 24 is displayed on the image display unit 28.

  In this quick review 3 display process, since the dark capture process (S181) is performed, display image data is created using the image data after the dark correction calculation is performed in the development process (S183). Perform a quick review display.

  As described above, in the continuous shooting mode, by performing the quick review 2 display using the image data after dark correction, the interval between the continuous shooting frames of the first image and the second image and the subsequent images is made substantially constant, and after shooting. Quick review display can be performed immediately.

  On the other hand, if the image display flag has been canceled (S184), the process proceeds to S186 while the image display unit 28 remains OFF. In this case, the image display unit 28 remains off even after shooting, and no quick review display is performed. This is a usage method that places importance on power saving without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28 without the need to check the photographed image immediately after photographing, as in the case of continuing photographing using the optical viewfinder 104. .

  Then, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data written in the predetermined area of the memory 30, and starts the image compression processing according to the set mode by the compression / decompression circuit 32 (S186).

  The system control circuit 50 records shooting information such as the shooting date and time, the camera Model ID, and the color effect mode at the time of shooting in the Exif header (S192). Further, if there is a free space in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 (S187), the image data after the compression processing is sequentially written, and the process proceeds to S189.

  If there is no free space in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 (S187), the system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30. Then, a recording process for writing the read image data to the recording medium 200 or 210 such as a memory card via the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 is performed (S188), and the process proceeds to S189.

  As a result, when the continuous shooting is performed for a predetermined number or more and the image recording buffer area is insufficient, a recording process is performed to make a space in the image recording buffer area, and the continuous shooting can be resumed. .

  Note that when performing the recording process in S188, there is no problem even if the image display unit 28 and / or the display unit 54 are used to display a predetermined warning by image or sound.

  If the shutter switch SW2 has been pressed (S189), the system control circuit 50 returns to S182 and repeats a series of continuous shooting.

  If the shutter switch SW2 is released (S189), the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the shutter switch SW1 (S190).

  If the shutter switch SW1 has been pressed (S190), the system control circuit 50 repeats the current process.

  If the shutter switch SW1 is released (S190), the system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30. Then, a recording process is performed in which the read image data is written to the recording medium 200 or 210 such as a memory card via the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 (S191).

  During the writing of the image data to the recording medium 200 or 210, a recording medium writing operation display such as blinking an LED is performed on the display unit 54 in order to clearly indicate that the writing operation is being performed.

  If the recording process S191 is completed, the process proceeds to S172.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S172). If the image display flag has been set (S172), the display state of the image display unit 28 is set to the through display state (S173), a series of photographing operations are completed, and the process returns to S103. In this case, after confirming the captured image by the quick review display on the image display unit 28, it is possible to enter a through display state in which image data captured for the next imaging is sequentially displayed.

  If the image display flag has been canceled (S172), the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state, a series of photographing operations are finished, and the process returns to S103.

<Playback mode>
If the mode dial 60 is set to the reproduction mode in S103 of FIG. 2, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to S601 of FIG.

  In FIG. 9, the system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the mode dial 60, and if the mode dial 60 is set to power OFF (S601), the display of each display unit 28, 54 is changed to the end state. Then, the barrier 102 is closed to protect the imaging unit. Furthermore, the system control circuit 50 records necessary parameters, setting values, and setting modes including flags and control variables in the nonvolatile memory 56. Then, the power control unit 80 performs a predetermined end process such as shutting off unnecessary power of each unit including the image display unit 28 (S602), and then returns to S103. If the mode dial 60 is in the shooting mode, the process returns to S103.

  The system control circuit 50 determines whether there is a problem in the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 with respect to the remaining capacity and operation status of the power supply unit 86 configured by a battery or the like by the power supply control unit 80 (S603). If there is a problem, the display unit 54 is used to display a predetermined warning by image or sound (S604), and the process returns to S103.

  If there is no problem in the power supply unit 86 (S603), the system control circuit 50 determines whether the operation state of the recording medium 200 or 210 has a problem in the operation of the image processing apparatus 100, particularly the recording / reproducing operation of image data on the recording medium. Is determined (S605). If there is a problem, a predetermined warning is displayed by image or sound using the display unit 54 (S604), and the process returns to S103.

  If there is no problem in the operation state of the recording medium 200 or 210 (S605), the process proceeds to S606.

  Next, the system control circuit 50 instructs the start of a DCF image search process to be described later (S606). If it is determined by the DCF image search process that there is no DCF image (S607), a non-DCF image search process (S611) described later is performed. If it is determined that there is no image other than the DCF (S612), an “no image” LDC display is displayed (S613), and the process proceeds to S601.

  If it is determined in S607 that there is a DCF image, an event of determining a DCF final image in a DCF image search process to be described later is waited (S608). Then, when the final image is determined, an instruction to start an image search process other than DCF described later is given (S609), and this image is displayed on the display unit (S610).

  If it is determined in S612 that there is only an image other than the DCF, the final image of the image other than the DCF is displayed on the display unit as a display image (S610). Details of the image display processing will be described later.

  After displaying the image (S610), the system control circuit 50 waits for user operation input (S614). When the mode dial 60 is operated (S614), the process proceeds to S601. When the left and right buttons included in the operation unit 70 are operated (S614), the image after the operation determined by the next image search process (S615) described later is displayed (S616), and the user operation waits again (S614). .

<Distance / photometry processing>
FIG. 5 shows a detailed flowchart of the distance measurement / photometry process in S134 of FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 reads the charge signal from the image sensor 14 and sequentially reads the captured image data into the image processing circuit 20 via the A / D converter 16 (S201). Using the sequentially read image data, the image processing circuit 20 is a predetermined used for TTL (through-the-lens) AE (automatic exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, and AF (autofocus) processing. The operation is performed.

  In each process here, a specific portion of the total number of captured pixels is extracted by cutting out a necessary portion according to necessity and used for calculation. This makes it possible to perform optimum calculations for different modes such as the center-weighted mode, the average mode, and the evaluation mode in each of the TTL method AE, EF, AWB, and AF processes.

  Using the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20, the system control circuit 50 performs AE control using the exposure control unit 40 (S203) until it is determined that the exposure (AE) is appropriate (S202).

  Using the measurement data obtained by the AE control, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the flash is necessary (S204), sets the flash flag if the flash is necessary, and charges the flash 48 (S205).

  If it is determined that the exposure (AE) is appropriate (S202), the measurement data and / or the setting parameters are stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50.

  Using the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20 and the measurement data obtained by the AE control, the system control circuit 50 uses the image processing circuit 20 to determine the color until the white balance (AWB) is determined to be appropriate (S206). The AWB control is performed by adjusting the processing parameters (S207).

  If it is determined that the white balance (AWB) is appropriate (S206), the measurement data and / or setting parameters are stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50. Using the measurement data obtained by the AE control and the AWB control, the system control circuit 50 performs the AF control using the distance measurement control unit 42 until the distance measurement (AF) is determined to be in focus (S208) (S208). S209).

  If the distance measurement (AF) is determined to be in focus (S208), the measurement data and / or setting parameters are stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50, and the distance measurement / photometry processing routine is terminated.

<Shooting process>
FIG. 6 shows a detailed flowchart of the photographing process in S162 and S182 of FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 performs the charge clear operation of the image sensor 14 (S301), starts the charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 (S302), then opens the shutter 12 by the exposure controller 40 (S303), and the image sensor 14 exposure is started (S304).

  Here, it is determined whether or not the flash 48 is necessary based on the flash flag (S305), and if necessary, the flash is emitted (S306).

  If the flash 48 is not usable, the process proceeds to S307.

  The system control circuit 50 waits for the exposure of the image sensor 14 to end according to the photometric data (S307), closes the shutter 12 by the exposure controller 40 (S308), and ends the exposure of the image sensor 14.

  If the set charge accumulation time has elapsed (S309), the system control circuit 50 reads the charge signal from the image sensor 14 after completing the charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 (S310). Then, the captured image data to a predetermined area of the memory 30 is sent via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22. Write (S311).

  When the series of processing is finished, the photographing processing routine is finished.

<Dark capture processing>
FIG. 7 shows a detailed flowchart of the dark capturing process in S165 and S181 of FIG.

  After performing the charge clear operation of the image sensor 14 (S401), the system control circuit 50 starts charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 with the shutter 12 closed (S402).

  If the set predetermined charge accumulation time has elapsed (S403), the system control circuit 50 reads the charge signal from the image sensor 14 after completing the charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 (S404). Then, the image data (dark) is transmitted to a predetermined area of the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22. Image data) is written (S405).

  By performing development processing using this dark capture data, it is possible to correct the captured image data with respect to image quality degradation such as dark current noise generated by the image sensor 14 and pixel defects due to scratches inherent to the image sensor 14.

  The dark image data is held in a predetermined area of the memory 30 until a new dark capturing process is performed or the image processing apparatus 100 is turned off.

  Further, a part or all of the memory 30 is constituted by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a hard disk, and the dark image data is written in the nonvolatile memory. If comprised in this way, this dark image data is hold | maintained at the predetermined area | region of a non-volatile memory until a dark capture process is newly performed.

  The dark image data is then subjected to a photographing process, and is used when the photographed image data is read from the image sensor 14 and the developing process is performed.

  When the series of processing is finished, the dark capturing processing routine is finished.

<Development processing>
FIG. 8 shows a detailed flowchart of the development processing in S166 and S183 in FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 reads the captured image data and dark image data written in the memory 30, and performs luminance signal processing (S501), color processing according to the set color effect mode (S502), and thumbnail image processing. (S503) are sequentially performed. Thereafter, the processed image data is written in the memory 30.

  When the series of processing is finished, the development processing routine is finished.

<Image display processing>
FIG. 10 shows a detailed flowchart of the image display processing in S610 and S616 of FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 analyzes the Exif information in the DCF header (S660), acquires information such as the shooting mode, shooting time, image size, camera model ID, etc., and displays the shooting mode / shooting date / time / image size on the display unit 54. It is displayed (S661). Further, JPEG decompression is performed by the compression / decompression circuit 32 (S662), the image is resized to the display VRAM size (S663), and displayed on the display unit 54 (S664).

<DCF image search processing>
FIG. 11 shows a detailed flowchart of the DCF image search process instructed to start by S606 in FIG.

  If the system control circuit 50 determines that there is no DCF directory in the recording unit 202 or 212 (S701), it sets the number of DCF images to 0 (S712), sets a search end flag, issues a search end event, etc. An image search end process (S710) is performed. Here, the DCF directory is a directory standardized in the format of “/ DCIM / xxxYYYY”, where xxx is a directory number, a numeric character string from 100 to 999, and YYYY is represented by an ASCII character string. .

  If it is determined that the DCF directory exists (S701), the maximum directory number in the recording unit is set in the variable DirNum (S703).

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is an image in the DCF directory having DirNum (S704). If it is determined that there is no image (S704), it is determined whether the currently set DirNum is the minimum directory number in the recording unit (S711). If it is not the minimum directory number (S711), the next directory number is set to DirNum in the descending order of the directory number in the DCF directory existing in the recording unit (S713), and the process returns to S704.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S704 that there is an image, this image is determined as the final image (S705). This final image determination is transmitted to S608 by a flag, an event, or the like. At the same time, the total number of DCF image files existing in the DirNum DCF directory and the playback order are determined (S706). The reproduction order here is generally the order of the file numbers described in the file names defined by the DCF standard. The DCF image file is represented in the format “YYYYZZZZ.JPG”, where YYYY is an ASCII character string and ZZZZ is a numeric character string from 0001 to 9999.

  Next, when DirNum is not the minimum directory number in the recording unit (S707), the next directory number is set to DirNum in descending directory number order (S708), and the presence / absence of a DCF image is determined (S709). If yes, return to S706. If it is determined in S707 that the search has been completed up to the minimum directory number, the DCF image search is terminated (S710), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, when a specific directory structure, directory name, and file name are defined as in the DCF standard, an image to be displayed first, in this case, a final image is determined without searching all directories and files. can do.

<Image search processing other than DCF>
FIG. 12 is a detailed flowchart of image search processing other than DCF, in which start is instructed in S609 of FIG. 9 or executed in S611.

  First, the system control circuit 50 clears an image file list for managing images other than DCF (S801). As will be described later, this image file list is also used for rearrangement processing for determining the reproduction order of searched images. Also, the search start path is set in the root directory of the recording unit (S802).

  Next, the system control circuit 50 performs an image recursive search process (S803) described later to extract images other than the DCF in the recording unit, and the extracted image file list in a predetermined order such as a time stamp order or a file path order. Rearrange (S804). Thereafter, an image search end process (S805) for setting a search end flag, issuing a search end event, etc. is performed, and the process ends.

<Recursive image search processing>
FIG. 13 shows a detailed flowchart of the image recursive search processing in S803 of FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 checks whether there is an image file in the directory of the search path that has already been set (S810), and if there is an image file, adds this file path to the list (S811).

  Next, the system control circuit 50 checks whether or not there is a subdirectory on the search path (S812). Here, since the DCF image is extracted by the above-described DCF image search process, the DCF directory is excluded. If it is determined that there is no subdirectory, the process is exited. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a subdirectory, the process proceeds to search in the subdirectory.

  Next, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the search limit based on the memory capacity constraint of the device, specifications, etc., for example, the number of directory hierarchies to be searched, the number of files to be added to the list, etc. has reached the upper limit (S813). If it is determined that it has reached, the process is exited.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the search limit has not been reached, the image recursion search process is recursively performed on the new search start path using the searched path as a subdirectory (S814, S815). If the image recursive search processing of the subdirectory is completed, if there is another subdirectory in the same directory hierarchy, this subdirectory is also searched (S816).

  As described above, in order to rearrange an image group such as DCF in which a specific directory structure is not defined according to a specific rule, it is necessary to obtain in advance the paths of all image files to be handled by this image group.

<Next image search processing>
FIG. 14 shows a detailed flowchart of the next image search process in S615 of FIG.

  If the current image is not a DCF image (S901), that is, if it is an image other than a DCF, the system control circuit 50 has already finished searching for an image other than a DCF, as described above. Is determined (S904).

  If it is determined that the next image is a DCF image (S904), the system control circuit 50 sets the next image to be reproduced as the next DCF image (S903) and exits the process.

  If it is determined in S904 that the next image is not a DCF image, an image other than the next DCF is designated and the process is exited (S905).

  If the current image is a DCF image in S901, it is determined whether the next image is a DCF image (S902). If it is determined that the next image is a non-DCF image, it is checked whether an image other than the DCF has been searched (S906). If it is determined that the search is being performed, a display indicating that the search is being performed is once performed. (S907), the current DCF image is designated (S908), and the process is exited. That is, the display image at this time does not change.

  If an image other than the DCF has been searched in S906 and there is an image other than the DCF (S909), the next image is set as an image other than the next DCF and the process is exited (S905). If it is determined in S909 that there is no image other than the DCF, the next DCF image is designated (S903) and the process is exited.

  If it is determined in S902 that the next image is a DCF image, the next DCF image is designated (S903) and the process is exited.

<Other examples of next image search processing>
FIG. 15 shows a detailed flowchart of another example of the next image search process in S615 of FIG.

  If the current image is not a DCF image (S951), that is, if it is an image other than a DCF, the system control circuit 50 has already finished searching for an image other than a DCF as described above. Is determined (S954).

  If it is determined that the next image is a DCF image (S954), the system control circuit 50 sets the next image to be reproduced as the next DCF image (S953) and exits the process.

  If it is determined in S954 that the next image is not a DCF image, an image other than the next DCF is designated and the process exits (S955).

  If the current image is a DCF image in S951, it is determined whether the next image is a DCF image (S952). If it is determined that the next image is an image other than the DCF, it is checked whether an image other than the DCF has been searched (S956). If it is determined that the search is being performed, the search is continued until the search is completed in S956. A message to the effect is displayed (S957).

  If an image other than the DCF has been searched in S956 and there is an image other than the DCF (S959), the next image is set as the next non-DCF image and the process is exited (S955). If it is determined in S959 that there is no image other than the DCF, the next DCF image is designated (S953), and the process is exited.

  If it is determined in S952 that the next image is a DCF image, the next DCF image is designated (S953) and the process is exited.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the DCF image group is preferentially searched and played back in the playback mode, and the DCF image group and the other image groups are searched and the playback order is determined. As a result, it is possible to play back images that do not conform to the DCF standard, such as images copied by the user, while making it possible to play back DCF images. In addition, the user can immediately perform an image sending operation, and even when all the images on the recording medium are reproduced, it is possible to perform processing that does not make the user aware of the search time.

  Also, the reproduction order is determined so that after one of the DCF image group and the other image group is reproduced, the other image group is reproduced. This makes it possible to play back images that do not comply with the DCF standard while simultaneously playing back DCF images.

  In addition, since the method for determining the playback order of images differs for each image group, playback can be performed in an appropriate playback order for each image group.

  Further, the DCF image group can be reproduced in the reproduction order determined by the directory name rule and the file name rule conforming to the DDF standard, and the image group not conforming to the DCF standard can be reproduced in the reproduction order based on the name or date. .

  In addition, since the image feed operation can be performed when the playback order of either the DCF image or the other image group is determined, the playback order is determined without searching all directories as in the DCF image. Possible image reproduction and image forwarding operations are possible. Further, during the reproduction of the DCF image, it is possible to collect all information of the image group that does not comply with the DCF standard and determine the reproduction order.

  In addition, when the user tries to execute an image feed operation across the DCF image group and the image group other than the DCF, if the search of the DCF image group is not completed and the reproduction order is not determined, the image feed is performed. Prohibit operation and display a warning. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an image feed operation in an indeterminate state.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention includes a case where the computer program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is achieved by supplying the system or apparatus directly or remotely. In that case, a computer such as a system reads and executes the computer program.

  Therefore, in order to realize the functional processing of the present invention with a computer, the computer program itself installed in the computer also implements the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  Examples of the recording medium (storage medium) for supplying the program include a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, and a magneto-optical disk. In addition, there are MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) and the like.

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser can be used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention can be downloaded from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading a compressed file including an automatic installation function to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the computer program constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and a user who satisfies predetermined conditions downloads key information for decryption from a homepage via the Internet. You can also. In this case, the downloaded key information is used to execute the encrypted program and install it on the computer.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments being realized by the computer executing the read program, the OS or the like operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program may be a part of the actual processing. Alternatively, it can be realized by performing all of them.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written in the memory of a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the CPU of the board or the like performs a part of the actual processing. Alternatively, it can be realized by performing all of them.

Claims (12)

An image file stored in a recording medium in which a first image group recorded in accordance with a file standard that defines a naming rule for directory numbers and file numbers and a second image group that does not comply with the file standard are recorded. An image playback device for playback,
Instruction means for instructing power-on;
A confirmation means for confirming an image to be displayed from a directory having a maximum directory number according to the file standard when the instruction means instructs to turn on the power and shifts to a reproduction mode;
Display control means for displaying an image to be displayed determined by the determination means on a display unit;
After displaying an image by the display control means, a directory other than the maximum directory is searched in the first image group, and a playback order is determined according to a naming rule for the directory number and the file number. Means,
After the reproduction order of the first image group is determined by the first determining means, all the images of the second image group are extracted to create a file list, and the images extracted in the file list are Second determining means for determining a reproduction order of image files included in the second image group by sorting;
Input means for inputting an instruction for changing an image displayed on the display unit;
When the instruction by the input unit is input, the reproduction order of the first image group determined by the first determination unit or the second image group determined by the second determination unit according to the instruction And a control means for controlling an image to be displayed on the display unit based on the reproduction order.   2. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image group conforms to a naming rule for directory numbers and file numbers according to a Design Rule for Camera File System.   3. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second determining unit determines a reproduction order in a time stamp order or a file path order using the file list.   The control means displays the first image group image by the display control means, and when the input means gives an instruction to change to an image included in the second image group, the second image group 4. The control according to claim 1, wherein if the playback order of the second image group is not determined by the determining means, control is performed so as not to display an image included in the second image group. The image reproducing apparatus according to item 1.   The control means displays the first image group image by the display control means, and when the input means gives an instruction to change to an image included in the second image group, the second image group If the playback order of the second image group has not been determined by the determining means, the determination of the playback order by the second determining means is awaited without displaying the images included in the second image group, 5. The control according to claim 1, wherein display is performed in accordance with an instruction from the input unit in response to determination of a reproduction order by the second determination unit. Image playback device. An image file stored in a recording medium in which a first image group recorded in accordance with a file standard that defines a naming rule for directory numbers and file numbers and a second image group that does not comply with the file standard are recorded. A method for controlling an image reproducing apparatus to reproduce,
An instruction step for instructing power-on;
A confirmation step for confirming an image to be displayed from a directory having a maximum directory number in accordance with the file standard when the instruction step instructs to turn on the power and shifts to the reproduction mode;
A display control step for displaying on the display unit the image to be displayed, which has been confirmed by the confirmation step;
After displaying an image by the display control step, a first determination step of searching a directory other than the maximum directory in the first image group and determining a reproduction order according to a naming rule of the directory number and the file number. When,
After the reproduction order of the first image group is determined by the first determination step, a file list is created by extracting all the images of the second image group, and the extracted images are stored in the file list. A second determination step of determining the reproduction order of the image files included in the second image group by sorting;
An input step of inputting an instruction for changing an image to be displayed on the display unit;
When the instruction in the input step is input, the reproduction order of the first image group determined in the first determination step or the second image group determined in the second determination step according to the instruction. And a control step of controlling an image to be displayed on the display unit based on the reproduction order.   The control method according to claim 6, wherein the first image group conforms to a naming rule for directory numbers and file numbers according to a Design Rule for Camera File System.   8. The control method according to claim 6, wherein, in the second determination step, the playback order is determined in the time stamp order or the file path order using the file list.   In the control step, when an instruction to change to an image included in the second image group is given by the input step after displaying the image of the first image group in the display control step, the second step is performed. 9. The control according to claim 6, wherein if the reproduction order of the second image group is not determined in the determining step, control is performed so as not to display an image included in the second image group. 2. The control method according to item 1.   In the control step, when an instruction to change to an image included in the second image group is given by the input step after displaying the image of the first image group in the display control step, the second step is performed. If the playback order of the second image group is not determined by the determining step, the determination of the playback order by the second determining step is waited without displaying the images included in the second image group, 10. The control according to claim 6, wherein display is performed in accordance with an instruction in the input step in response to determination of the reproduction order in the second determination step. 11. Control method.   The program for making a computer perform the control method of any one of Claims 6 thru | or 10.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 11.

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