JP2592124B2 - Image retrieval device - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image search device, and more particularly to an image search device for searching for an image by multi-screen display.

BACKGROUND ART For example, when a large number of still images captured by an electronic still camera are recorded in a memory such as a memory card,
It is required that a specific image be selected from these recorded images and reproduced or printed.

In such a case, in order to search for a desired image from a large number of images, a method in which a plurality of images are simultaneously displayed on a screen such as a CRT and an operator views these images and selects a desired image A search using a so-called multi-screen is performed. In a search using such a multi-screen display, it is preferable to increase the number of images displayed on one screen in order to perform a high-speed search. However, displaying a large number of images simultaneously reduces the size of the images,
There is a disadvantage that it is difficult to determine an image to be selected, and there is a possibility that an incorrect image is selected.

On the other hand, when the number of displayed images is reduced, the size of the image is increased, so that the search becomes easy. However, the number of times of display must be increased, so that the search cannot be performed at high speed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image search apparatus which solves the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, performs an image search at a high speed, and makes it easy for an operator to determine an image.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided an image search apparatus that reads image data from a recording medium on which a plurality of image data to be searched is recorded, displays the image data on a display unit, and allows an operator to select a desired image. Image data reading means for reading image data from the image data, image data storing means for storing image data read by the image data reading means, and display means for displaying an image based on the image data read from the image data storing means. And control means for controlling the image data reading means and the image data accumulating means. The control means, when reading the image data from the recording medium by means of the image data reading means, displays image data having a large reduction rate. By selecting and reading out image display data of a small size with a small reduction ratio, the display The size of the image displayed in the column is changed.

Description of an embodiment Next, an embodiment of an image retrieval apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an image retrieval apparatus according to the present invention.

The present apparatus is capable of mounting an optical disk 10 on which image information such as an electronic still camera is recorded, and displays the searched image by multi-displaying an image signal read from the optical disk 10 on a video monitor, and displaying the searched image. Device. As will be described later, the optical disc 10 has a reduced screen data area 102 for storing image data for screen display with a high reduction rate, a secondary reduced screen data area 104 for storing image data for screen display with a small reduction rate, It has three areas of an original image data area 106 for screen display.

This device has a reading unit 12. The reading unit 12
A reading unit that reads an image signal of the loaded optical disk 10. A reading control unit 28 is connected to the reading unit 12. When the optical disk 10 is loaded, the reading unit 28 notifies the control unit 30 of this through the read control unit 28, and the read control signal sent from the read control unit 28 according to the control of the control unit 30 causes a predetermined address of the optical disk 10 to be read. Read image data. The reading control unit 28 controls the reading address as described above, and detects the end of reading of the predetermined image data by the reading unit 12.

The image signal read by the reading unit 12 is transmitted via a switch 14 to a reduced image frame memory 16, a secondary reduced image frame memory 18 or an original image frame memory 20.
Sent to one of The switch 14 is switched by a control signal sent from the control unit 30, and converts the image signal sent from the reading unit 12 into a reduced image frame memory 16 and a secondary reduced image frame memory 18 according to the type of the image signal.
Alternatively, it is switching means for outputting to any of the original image frame memories 20.

Although not shown, the reading unit 12 and the frame memory
A signal processing unit may be provided between the image processing units 16, 18, and 20 to perform processing such as white balance adjustment, gradation correction, synchronization of pixel signals, and edge enhancement.

The reduced image frame memory 16 is a memory for storing data for multi-screen display for image search.
Image data representing a large number of reduced images as shown in the figure is input from the reduced screen data area 102 of the optical disk 10 as shown in FIG.

The secondary reduced image frame memory 18 is a memory that stores image data for displaying an image that has been enlarged to some extent at the time of image search. Image data representing an image that has been enlarged to some extent as shown in FIG. From the secondary reduced screen data area 104 of the optical disk 10 shown in FIG.
Input via switch 14 and stored.

The full-size image frame memory 20 is a memory for storing the full-size image data for displaying the selected image at full size, and as shown in FIG. 3D, the image data for displaying the full-size image is stored on the optical disk 10. From the original image data area 106 through the reading unit 12 and the switch 14, and stored.

The reduced image frame memory 16, the secondary reduced image frame memory 18, and the original image frame memory 20 are RAMs each having a storage capacity capable of accumulating an image signal for one frame, that is, one screen. Each of these image signals is stored in these memories by a control signal from the control unit 30, and the stored image signals are read out by a signal indicating a predetermined address or timing from the control unit 30 as described later. It is.

Outputs from the reduced image frame memory 16, the secondary reduced image frame memory 18, and the original image frame memory 20 are sent to the DA converter 24 via the switch 22. The switch 22 is switched by the control signal sent from the control unit 30 in the same manner as the switch 14, and the frame memory for reduced image is
16, a switching means for outputting an output from either the frame memory for secondary reduced image 18 or the frame memory for original image 20 to the DA converter 24.

The DA converter 24 is a converter that converts an image signal sent from any of the three frame memories into a corresponding analog signal. The output from the DA converter 24 is output to the video monitor 26. The video monitor 26 is a display for displaying an image signal from the DA converter on a monitor screen. Although not shown, a printer for printing a hard copy of an image displayed on the video monitor 26 together with the video monitor 26 as necessary is provided.
It may be connected to the DA converter 24. As this printer,
For example, a thermal transfer printer that records a color image on recording paper with a thermal transfer thermal head is used.

The control unit 30 is a central processing unit that controls each unit of the present apparatus. The input operation unit 32 is connected to the control unit 30. An instruction from the operator is input from the input operation unit 32. In particular, in the present embodiment, for example, an instruction to display a multi-screen by a reduced image as shown in FIG. 3A, an instruction to an image to be enlarged in a multi-screen as shown in FIG. 3B, reproduction by an original size as shown in FIG. 3D An image instruction is input.

 The operation of the present device will be described.

First, the operator mounts the optical disk 10 on the reading unit 12 and inputs an image search instruction by a multi-screen display into the input operation unit.
Enter from 32. As a result, a control signal is output from the control unit 30 to the reading control unit 28. The read control unit 28 reads the first part of the reduced screen data recorded in the reduced screen data area 102 of the optical disc 10 as shown in FIG. 3A, for example.
The reading address from the optical disc 10 in the reading unit 12 is controlled so that 10 × 10 readings are performed. The image data read by the reading unit 12 is output to the switch 14. At this time, the switch 14 is connected to the reduced image frame memory 16 by a control signal sent from the control unit 30.

The reduced image data from the reading unit 12 is input to and stored in the reduced image frame memory 16. The image data stored in the reduced image frame memory 16 is read out by a control signal from the control unit 30, is DA-converted by the DA converter 24, is sent to the video monitor 26, and is sent to the video monitor 26.
A reduced multi-image as shown in FIG. 3A is displayed.

The operator views the plurality of images displayed on the video monitor 26 and determines an image to be reproduced. In this case, the video monitor 26
Is small, accurate determination cannot be made when there are a plurality of similar images. Therefore, the operator selects, for example, the image 202 determined to be highly likely to be the desired image from the multiple images shown in FIG. 3A, and enlarges the data specifying the image and the image from the input operation unit 32. Input an instruction to display. Note that, instead of inputting an instruction from the input operation unit 32 such as a keyboard, an instruction for an enlarged image may be input by a method such as contacting a mouse with a monitor screen.

When an operator's instruction is input, a control signal is output from the control unit 30 to the reading control unit 32. Read control unit 28
Controls the reading address of the reading unit 12 from the optical disk 10 so that the data of the image 202 instructed to be enlarged by the operator is read from the secondary reduced screen data area 104 of the optical disk 10. The image data for the secondary reduced screen read by the reading unit 12 is output to the switch 14. At this time, the switch 14 is connected to the secondary reduced image frame memory 18 by a control signal sent from the control unit 30.

The secondary reduced image data from the reading unit 12 is input to the secondary reduced image frame memory 18 and stored. When the storage in the frame memory 18 for the secondary reduced image is completed, the control unit
30 detects this, and outputs a control signal to the frame memory 18 for the secondary reduced image. Frame memory for secondary reduced image 18
The secondary reduced image data stored in the memory is controlled by a control signal from the control unit 30 so that a secondary reduced image 202a that is enlarged to some extent at the position of the original reduced image as shown in FIG. 3B is displayed. At the timing described above, and after DA conversion by the DA converter 24, it is sent to the video monitor 26. Thereby, the image 202 specified by the operator as shown in FIG. 3A is enlarged and displayed around the position of the image as shown in FIG. 3B on the video monitor 26. Enlarged image
Other original reduced images are displayed other than the portion where 202a is displayed.

In this manner, the reduced image is displayed on the multi-screen, the image considered to be the image to be selected is designated, and the enlarged image is displayed as shown in FIG. 3B, so that the image can be easily checked. When the operator determines that the image is to be reproduced by the enlarged display, the operator inputs an instruction to reproduce the image 202a into the input operation unit.
Enter from 32. As a result, a control signal is output from the control unit 30 to the reading control unit 28. The reading control unit 28 reads the data of the image instructed to be reproduced by the operator from the original image data area of the optical disc 10 so as to read the data.
Control the read address from the optical disk 10 at the time. The original image data read by the reading unit 12 is output to the switch 14. At this time, the switch 14 is connected to the original image frame memory 20 by a control signal sent from the control unit 30.

The original image data from the reading unit 12 is input to the original image frame memory 20 and stored. When the accumulation in the original image frame memory 20 is completed, the control unit 30 detects this and outputs a control signal to the original image frame memory 20.
The original image data stored in the original image frame memory 20 is read out by a control signal from the control unit 30, and is output from a DA converter.
After the D / A conversion at 24, the data is sent to the video monitor 26.
Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3D, the image 202C selected by the operator is displayed on the video monitor 26 in its original size.

When the operator determines that the image 202a displayed in an enlarged manner as shown in FIG. 3B is not an image to be selected, and when the operator determines that another image 204 is to be enlarged, the operator operates the input operation unit 32 to And an instruction to enlarge and display this image. As a result, similarly to the above, the data of the image instructed to be enlarged by the operator is read out from the secondary reduced screen data area 104 of the optical disk 10 through the reading unit 12, and as shown in FIG. Is displayed. When an instruction to reproduce the image 204a is input by the operator, reproduction of an original image as shown in FIG. 3D is performed in the same manner as described above. In addition, when another image 204a is displayed in an enlarged manner as shown in FIG.3C, instead of the image 202a which is initially enlarged is displayed as being enlarged as shown in FIG. The original reduced image 202 may be used. In this case, the first enlarged image 202a
The reduced image data corresponding to the displayed portion may be read out again from the reduced image frame memory 16 and displayed on the monitor 26.

According to the present embodiment, an image is searched by the multi-screen display that displays a large number of small images in this manner, so that the search can be performed at high speed. In addition, when the operator inputs an instruction for an image determined to be an image to be reproduced, the image is enlarged and displayed to a certain extent. And a correct image can be reproduced. As described above, only the image selected by the operator is enlarged and confirmed, so that a high-speed search can be performed.

In the above-described embodiment, three frame memories are provided to store the reduced image data, the secondary reduced data, and the original size data, respectively. If it is not necessary to return to the display, the reduced image data and the secondary reduced data may be commonly stored in the same memory.

Further, in the above embodiment, the recording on the optical disc 10 is performed by dividing the area for each of the reduced image data, the secondary reduced image data, and the original size data. The image data and the original size data may be collectively recorded for each image.

Also, only the original size data is recorded on the optical disc 10,
By thinning out and reading out the pixels of this image data,
You may make it obtain reduced image data or secondary reduced image data.

Note that other recording media such as a memory card may be used instead of the optical disc 10.

Advantageous Effects According to the present invention, an image is searched by multi-screen display using reduced images, and only the image selected by the operator is enlarged and displayed at a predetermined ratio, so that high-speed search can be performed. The image can be checked accurately.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image search apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an array of image data recorded on the optical disk of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIGS. 3B and 3C are diagrams showing a display example of an image, FIGS. 3B and 3C are diagrams showing a state in which a specific image is enlarged at the time of retrieval, and FIG. 3D is a diagram showing a display example of an original image. Description of Signs of Main Parts 10 Optical Disk 16 Frame Memory for Reduced Image 18 Frame Memory for Secondary Reduced Image 20 Frame Memory for Original Size Image 26 Video Monitor 32 Input Operation Unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Agency reference number FI Technical display location H04N 5/937 G06F 15/40 530G

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image retrieval apparatus for selecting a desired image from a recording medium, the apparatus comprising: image data reading means for reading out image data having a large reduction rate and image data having a small reduction rate from the recording medium; Image data storage means for storing the image data of the large size of the reduction rate read by the image data reading means and the image data of the small size of the reduction rate, read out from the image data storage means A display means for displaying an image by image data, and a plurality of image data having a large reduction rate and a plurality of image data having a small reduction rate of an image designated from the outside which constitute a multi-screen designated from the outside are read out. Controlling the image data reading means, and the plurality of image data of a large Image retrieval apparatus according to claim image data of the small size of the reduced rate to a control means for reading selected from the image data storage means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means controls said image data reading means so as to read a plurality of image data having a large reduction ratio and constituting a multi-screen specified from the outside. The multi-screen is displayed on the display by reading out the plurality of image data having a large reduction rate from the image data storage, and then a reduction corresponding to an externally designated image in the multi-screen is performed. Controlling the image data reading means so as to read out image data of a small size, and a part of the plurality of large-size image data constituting the multi-screen from the image data accumulating means and the reduction rate; The image data of the small size is read out and the image of the small size of the reduction rate is displayed on the display means on a part of the multi-screen. An image search device characterized by displaying a fitted screen.