JP3358595B2 - Image display method, image display device, and recording medium recording image display program - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for enlarging and displaying image information. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image display method capable of simultaneously and efficiently displaying an entire image and an enlarged image on such data, an apparatus for implementing the method, and a recording medium on which an information display program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of a conventional technique for efficiently displaying an entire image and an enlarged image simultaneously in an enlarged display device for image information is disclosed in Reference 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-141616. According to the technology disclosed in this publication, the enlarged image is displayed over the entire image while matching the enlarged portion of the entire image with the center position of the enlarged image at the enlarged portion.

Also, by using a translucent process, a translucent enlarged image having the same size as the entire image is displayed over the entire image, and an enlarged portion area indicated by a rectangle in the entire image is manipulated. By doing so, a method of performing switching processing such as zooming and panning of an arbitrary area in the entire image,
Reference 2: "Power of Ten Thousand: Navigating in Lar
ge Information Spaces, Henry Lieberman, Media Labo
ratory UIST '94.

[0004]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, Document 2
In the case of performing a zooming operation by switching in a state where the size of the enlarged image display layer is fixed as in the technique disclosed in JP-A-2003-110, it may be difficult to recognize the continuity and correspondence between the entire image and the enlarged image. For this reason, there is a problem that an enlarged portion indicated by a rectangular area in the entire image is easily lost due to the enlarged image display.

[0005] Further, when an enlarged image is displayed in a large size even in a state of high transparency, the whole image may be difficult to see. Therefore, reading of information of the entire image is hindered, and as a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to effectively use the display area.

[0006] Further, when the enlarged image is displayed so as to overlap a part of the entire image as in the technique disclosed in Document 1, information of a portion of the entire image hidden below the enlarged image cannot be read. In such a case, as in Document 2, even if the enlarged image is made translucent with a certain degree of transparency, the entire image portion below the enlarged image may be difficult to see.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem. By providing an environment in which an enlargement operation is performed more continuously, it is easy to grasp an enlargement point, and a display screen area is provided. The aim is to provide technology that can make effective use of.

[0008]

In order to achieve this object, according to the image display method of the first aspect of the present invention, an enlarged image of an enlarged area which is a part of the whole image displayed on the display screen. Is superimposed and displayed on the entire image, the enlarged image is continuously enlarged from the enlarged area and displayed, and the transparency and display size of the enlarged image are displayed.
A's, as the display size of the enlarged image becomes transparent when equal to the display size of the enlarged region, the opaque when the display size of the enlarged image is equal to the display size of the entire image changes in conjunction with each other There is a way to make it.

[0009] Thus, according to the image display method of the present invention, displays an enlarged magnified image continuously, expansion
The transparency and display size of the large image are changed in conjunction with each other. As a result, the enlarged image is visually perceived so as to emerge from the enlarged area while gradually increasing.

As a result, the continuity between the whole image and the enlarged image is ensured, the position of the enlarged region in the entire image is easily grasped, and the enlarged region is not easily lost even during the display of the enlarged image. Can be. In addition, by linking the transparency of the enlarged image with the display size, it becomes easy to read the information of the entire image portion below the enlarged image, and as a result, the display area can be effectively used.

In the present invention, when the transparency of the enlarged image and the display size are linked, for example, the transparency of the enlarged image is mainly used, and the display size of the enlarged image may be enlarged as the transparency is reduced. Alternatively, the display size of the enlarged image may be mainly used, and the transparency may be reduced as the display size is enlarged.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, as the display size of the enlarged image approaches the display size of the entire image, the enlarged image becomes closer to the center point of the enlarged image. Is moved from the display position of the enlarged area in conjunction with the enlargement of the display size of the enlarged image.

As described above, if the display position of the enlarged image is moved, as the display size of the enlarged image is enlarged, the enlarged image moves to, for example, the center of the display screen and overlaps the display area of the entire image. Therefore, the display of the enlarged image can be easily viewed. Further, even when the enlarged area is a peripheral part in the whole image, in the display area of the whole image,
The enlarged area can be easily enlarged.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for reducing the clarity of the entire image in conjunction with the decrease in the transparency of the enlarged image or the enlargement of the display size. With this configuration, the enlarged image can be displayed relatively more clearly. For this reason, the enlarged image can be emphasized by making the positional relationship that the enlarged image is arranged on the entire image clearer. As a result, the visibility of the enlarged image can be improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making the transparency of a partial area in an enlarged image transparent regardless of the display size of the enlarged image. With this configuration, a transparent portion is provided at a desired portion in the enlarged image, and information of the entire image portion below the transparent portion can be easily obtained regardless of the transparency of the enlarged image.
As a result, the display area can be effectively used.

According to the image display device of the present invention, an enlarged image of an enlarged area which is a part of the whole image displayed on the display screen is displayed so as to be superimposed on this whole image. In the enlarged display device, input data including a data storage unit storing a plurality of image data having different resolutions, and input information including a designated display size of the enlarged image or a designated portion indicating the designated transparency and the enlarged area are inputted. Means, an enlarged area, a transmission enlarged image control unit for determining and outputting a display size , transparency, and a display position of the enlarged image based on the input information; and a data storage unit based on an output from the transmission enlarged image control unit. A transparent layer drawing unit for generating data to be displayed using the image data stored in the display unit, and displaying the data generated by the transparent layer drawing unit on a display unit. And a display control unit for controlling,
The transmission magnified image control unit controls the transparency of the magnified image such that the magnified image becomes transparent when the display size of the magnified image is equal to the display size of the designated portion and becomes opaque when the display size of the magnified image is equal to the display size of the entire image. And its display size are determined to change in conjunction with each other, and the transparent layered layer drawing unit is configured to generate data such that the enlarged image is continuously enlarged and displayed from the designated portion.

[0017] Thus, according to the image display apparatus of the present invention, displays an enlarged magnified image continuously, expansion
The transparency of the large image and its display size are changed in conjunction with each other. As a result, the enlarged image is visually perceived so as to emerge from the enlarged area while gradually increasing.

As a result, the continuity between the whole image and the enlarged image is ensured, the position of the enlarged region in the entire image is easily grasped, and the enlarged region is not easily lost even when the enlarged image is displayed. Can be. In addition, by linking the transparency of the enlarged image with the display size, it becomes easy to read the information of the entire image portion below the enlarged image, and as a result, the display area can be effectively used.

According to the invention, the input means includes a slider for inputting the transparency. As described above, the use of the slider makes it possible to specify the transparency continuously and easily. Therefore, a desired enlarged image can be easily displayed.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the transmission magnified image control unit determines the transparency based on the designated transparency indicated by the input information, and enlarges the transparency based on the designated portion indicated by the input information. An enlarged area determining unit for determining an area;
The configuration includes a layer size determining unit that determines the display size of the enlarged image corresponding to the transparency indicated by the output of the transparency determining unit, and a layer position determining unit that determines the display position based on the transparency.

With this configuration, the display size of the enlarged image can be easily enlarged in conjunction with the decrease in the transparency, and the display position of the enlarged image can be easily determined in conjunction with this display size. be able to.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the display size of the enlarged image is equal to the display size of the entire image, the layer position determining unit sets the center point of the enlarged image to the center point of the entire image. The configuration is such that the display position of the enlarged image is moved from the display position of the enlarged area in conjunction with the enlargement of the display size of the enlarged image so as to coincide with each other.

As described above, if the display position of the enlarged image is moved, as the display size of the enlarged image is enlarged, the enlarged image moves to, for example, the center of the display screen and overlaps the display area of the entire image. Therefore, the display of the enlarged image can be easily viewed. Further, even when the enlarged area is a peripheral part in the whole image, in the display area of the whole image,
The enlarged area can be easily enlarged.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the transparent laminated layer drawing section stores the image data of the resolution used for the enlarged image and the whole image on the basis of the output of the transparent enlarged image control section. A display image determining unit that selects and determines each of the image data stored in the image data, and uses the image data determined by the display image determining unit. And a layer drawing unit for generating the entire image data.

By doing so, it is possible to select appropriate image data as the original image of the whole image and the enlarged image, and to generate the whole image data and the enlarged image data, respectively.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the transparent magnified image control unit reduces the clarity of the entire image in conjunction with the reduction of the transparency of the enlarged image or the enlargement of the display size. Is provided.

As described above, if the clarity of the entire image is reduced, the enlarged image can be displayed relatively more clearly. For this reason, the enlarged image can be emphasized by making the positional relationship that the enlarged image is arranged on the entire image clearer. As a result, the visibility of the enlarged image can be improved.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the transmission magnified image control unit includes a perforated shape determining unit that makes the transparency of a partial area in the magnified image transparent regardless of the display size of the magnified image. It is provided as a configuration.

In this way, it is possible to provide a transparent portion at a desired position in the enlarged image and easily obtain information on the entire image portion below the transparent portion regardless of the transparency of the enlarged image. As a result, the display area can be effectively used.

According to the recording medium of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the computer is controlled so that the enlarged image of the enlarged area, which is a part of the whole image displayed on the display screen, is displayed.
In order to superimpose it on this whole image,
An enlarged image, and displays continuously enlarged from the enlarged region, the transparent degree of the enlarged image and the display size, becomes transparent when the display size of the enlarged image is equal to the display size of the enlarged region, the enlarged image An image display program that changes in conjunction with each other so as to be opaque when the display size is equal to the display size of the entire image is recorded.

By reading and executing the program recorded on the recording medium of the present invention by the computer of the server, the enlarged image is continuously enlarged and displayed, and the transparency and the display size of the enlarged image are determined. It is possible to change in conjunction with each other.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The information display processing in each of the following embodiments is executed by a computer controlled by a program. This information display program is provided, for example, by a recording medium. As the recording medium, for example, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, or any other computer-readable medium can be used. Also, the program recorded on the recording medium can be read by a computer via a communication line.

[First Embodiment] First, referring to FIG.
The configuration of the image display device according to the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the image display device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, this image display device is a device for displaying an enlarged image of an enlarged area, which is a part of the whole image displayed on the display screen, so as to be superimposed on this whole image so as to appear. It comprises a unit 1, a data storage unit 2, a transmission enlarged image control unit 3, a transmission laminated layer drawing unit 4, a display control unit 5, and an output unit 6. Note that the output unit 6 does not necessarily need to be included in the image display device of the present invention.

The data storage unit 2 stores image information to be displayed. In this embodiment, several pieces of image information having different resolutions are recorded for each image in the data storage unit 2.

In this embodiment, the image data shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, Pro Photo CD data of a world map of the whole Asia of the same image at six different resolutions from PicA to PicF is stored. In addition,
In the present embodiment, an example in which images of a plurality of resolutions are stored in the data storage unit 2 in advance will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, image information of a new resolution is added or changed. You may.

As shown in FIG. 2, PicA image data represents a world map with a resolution of 128 × 192 dots.
It has a data capacity of about 73 KB (kilobytes). The PicB image data represents a world map with a resolution of 256 × 384 dots, and has a data capacity of about 295 KB. The image data of PicC is 512 × 76.
It represents a world map with a resolution of 8 dots and has a data capacity of about 1.2 MB (megabyte).

Further, the image data of PicD is 102
Represents a world map with a resolution of 4 x 1536 dots, approx.
It has a data capacity of 7 MB. The PicE image data represents a world map with a resolution of 2048 × 3072 dots, and has a data capacity of about 18.9 MB. The PicF image data represents a world map with a resolution of 4096 × 6144 dots, and has a data capacity of about 75.5 MB.

The input means 1 provides a means for a user to input data. For example, input means such as a mouse and a keyboard can be used. In this embodiment, a slider is also used. And in this embodiment,
As input information, the designated transparency of the enlarged image is easily and continuously input in association with the display size by the slider 1105 as shown in FIG. Is entered.

The transmission magnified image control unit 3 determines the magnified area in the whole image based on the input information, and determines and outputs the display size, transparency, and display position of the magnified image.

To realize this function, the transmission magnified image control unit 3 includes a transparency determining unit 31 and an enlarged area determining unit 3
2. Layer size determination unit 33 and layer position determination unit 34
It consists of.

The transparency determining section 31 determines the transparency of the enlarged image apparently arranged in the upper layer of the entire image based on the designated transparency indicated by the input information input by the slider. Further, the enlargement area determination unit 32 determines an enlargement area as an area to be enlarged in the entire image based on the designated portion indicated by the input information.

Further, the layer size determining unit 33 determines the display size of the enlarged image according to the transparency indicated by the output of the transparency determining unit 31. At that time, the layer size determination unit 3
3 is transparent (transparency α = 1) when the display size of the enlarged image is equal to the display size of the designated portion, and opaque (transparency α = 0) when the display size of the enlarged image is equal to the display size of the entire image. Thus, the transparency of the enlarged image and the display size thereof are determined to change in conjunction with each other. That is, as the transparency is reduced by the operation of the user and the enlarged image is gradually displayed, the size of the enlarged image display layer increases, and the transparency becomes 0.
The layer size is maximized in a state where the enlarged image is completely displayed.

Then, the layer position determining section 34 determines the display position of the enlarged image based on the transparency indirectly.
As a result, the display position of the enlarged image approaches the center of the display screen as the transparency is reduced by the operation of the user and the enlarged image is gradually displayed.

The transparent laminated layer drawing unit 4 generates data to be displayed based on the output from the transmitted enlarged image control unit 3 using the image data stored in the data storage unit 2. At this time, the transparent laminated layer drawing unit 4 generates data so that the enlarged image is continuously enlarged from the designated portion and displayed.

That is, based on the output of the transmission magnified image control unit 3, the transparent laminated layer drawing unit 4 arranges the entire image as if it were a lower layer, and arranges a translucent enlarged image in the upper layer. The entire image and the enlarged image are drawn so as to be superimposed as if the enlarged image was viewed from a viewpoint directly above.

Here, FIG. 3 virtually shows an enlarged image layer 110 on an entire image layer 1101 showing the entire image.
FIG. This enlarged image layer 1102
Shows an enlarged area 1103 surrounded by a rectangular frame in the entire image.
Is displayed as a translucent enlarged image. Then, actually, the viewpoint 1104 directly above the enlarged image layer 1102
Thus, image data for displaying an image corresponding to the appearance of the whole image layer 1101 is generated through the translucent enlarged image layer 1102.

Then, in order to realize such a function,
The transparent layer drawing unit 4 includes a display image determining unit 41 and a layer drawing unit 42.

The display image determining section 41 converts the image data having the resolutions used for the enlarged image and the whole image into the image data stored in the data storage section 2 based on the output of the transmission enlarged image control section 3. An image having a suitable resolution is selected from among them and determined. Then, when displaying a partial region of the image like an enlarged image, an image data portion for the enlarged image corresponding to the enlarged region shown in the whole image is extracted and arranged on the enlarged image layer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the data capacity of the image data stored in the data storage unit 2 is rapidly increased as the resolution of the image data is increased. Therefore, in the display image determination unit 41 of the present embodiment, when the original image is displayed on the entire display screen, that is, when the entire world map is displayed on the display screen, both the beauty of the display image and the data capacity are improved. The image data of the most suitable image PicB (resolution 128 × 192 dots) is used for the entire image when displaying the entire world map.

That is, the image PicA (resolution 128)
(192 x 192 dots) at full size requires a small amount of data, but the image becomes rough. On the other hand, when the image PicC (512 x 768 dots) is displayed at full size, the appearance of the display is as good as the image PicB. No change, but unnecessarily large data capacity. Then, the display image determining unit 41 selects any one of the images PicC to PicF having a higher resolution than the image PicB as the enlarged image.

The layer drawing section 42 uses the image data determined by the display image determining section 41, respectively.
In order to draw a state in which the stacked whole image and the enlarged image are viewed from directly above, the enlarged image data is generated based on the output of the transmission enlarged image control unit, and the entire image data is generated.

In displaying the translucent enlarged image on the entire image as if it were superimposed, in the present embodiment, the color information of the entire image and the color information of the enlarged image at any pixel of the display image are used as image data. Are mixed according to the transparency of the enlarged image to generate color information.

Here, as an example, the transparency α = 0.5
The color information of a pixel in the enlarged image of the color represents red, and the value of each component of the three primary colors is (R, G, B) = (255, 0, 0). The color information of the pixel to be displayed represents blue, and the value of each component of the three primary colors is (R,
G, B) = (0, 0, 255) will be described.

In this case, the values R, G, and B of the components of each of the three primary colors in the actual color information are obtained by adding the sum of the value obtained by multiplying the transparency value to the value of the entire image and the value of the enlarged image for each color.
It is given as the value divided by. Specifically, it is calculated as follows. Red R = (255 + 0 × 0.5) / 2 = 127 Green G = (0 + 0 × 0.5) / 2 = 0 Blue B = (0 + 255 × 0.5) / 2 = 64 Therefore, the actual display of the pixel The color information on the screen is such that the value of each of the three primary color components is (R, G, B) = (1).
27, 0, 64), which represents a slightly darker magenta color.

The display control unit 5 controls the display unit as the output unit 6 to display the data generated by the transparent layer drawing unit 4. The display unit 6 is a display unit that performs display based on an instruction from the display control unit 5,
For example, an electron beam tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD)
Is mentioned.

Next, an example of the operation of the image display device of the present embodiment, that is, an example of the image display method will be described in more detail. When displaying the enlarged image, the range and position of the enlarged region 1103 in the entire image can be easily designated by using, for example, a mouse as the input unit 1. Hereinafter, control of the transparency, display size, and display position of the enlarged image of the enlarged area 1103 specified by the input unit 1 will be sequentially described as an operation example of the transmission enlarged image control unit 3.

First, the transparency of the enlarged image is determined by the slider 11.
The designated transparency can be input using a direct operation component such as 05. The slider may be shown on the display screen and operated by moving the slider of the slider with a mouse.

Here, in controlling the transparency of the enlarged image display layer 1102, the transparency is set to a variable α (0.0
≦ α ≦ 1.0). When the transparency α = 0.0, the enlarged image becomes completely opaque, and the transparency α = 1.
When it is 0, it is completely transparent.

Next, the control of the transparency by the slider will be described in more detail. Slider 11 shown in FIG.
05 has a scale of B at the left end, a scale of D at the center, and a scale of F at the right end. FIG. 4 shows this slider 11.
5 shows a relationship between the position of the slider on the reference numeral 05 and the transparency α designated by the position. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 4 represents the position of the slider on the slider. Here, the coordinates of the scale B on the slider are set to the origin (0, 0), the coordinates of the scale D are set to (d, 0), and the coordinates of the scale F are set to (f, 0). Also,
The vertical axis of the graph represents the transparency α. The solid line I in the graph of FIG. 4 indicates the transparency α depending on the position of the slider. The solid line I is given, for example, by a function α = f (x) shown in the following equations (1) and (2).

Α = f (x) = − x / d + 1.0 (0 ≦ x ≦ d) (1) α = f (x) = − (x−d) / (f−d) +1.0 ( d <x ≦ f) (2) In the present invention, the function α = f (x) is obtained by the above (1)
The function is not limited to the equation (2) and may be any suitable function. For example, the value of α may be changed continuously or stepwise.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the slider of the slider 1105 is at the position of the scale B at the left end, the transparency α =
At 1, the enlarged image is completely transparent. Further, when the slider is moved from the position of the scale B to the position of the scale D,
As the slider approaches the scale D, the transparency α of the enlarged image
Gradually decreases. When the slider reaches the position of the scale D, the enlarged image becomes completely opaque with the transparency α = 0.

Subsequently, when the slider exceeds the scale D, the image which has been displayed on the enlarged image display layer 1102 until then is switched to the entire image display layer 1101 as a new entire image by the display image determining section 41. Is displayed.
Then, on the enlarged image display layer 1102, a new enlarged image obtained by further enlarging the new whole image display layer 1101 is displayed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the slider exceeds the scale D, the value of the transparency α returns to 1.0 once.
Then, as the slider approaches the scale F of the slider,
The value of the transparency α gradually decreases again, and when the slider reaches the position of the scale F, the transparency α becomes 0 again.

Next, control of the display size of the enlarged image display layer by the transparency α in the layer size determination section 33 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the display size is represented by the diagonal length of the layer. That is, the diagonal length of the entire image display layer 1201 is set to the constant L1,
2 is a constant L2, and the enlarged image display layer 12
The diagonal length of 03 is a variable L.

Here, the graph of FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the transparency α and the diagonal length L. The horizontal axis of the graph of FIG.
And the vertical axis represents the diagonal length L. A solid line II in the graph represents a diagonal length L with respect to the transparency α. This solid line II represents, for example, a function L = g (α) of the transparency α,
It is given by the following equation (3).

L = g (α) = (L2−L1) * α + L1 (3) The function L = g (α) is not limited to the above equation (3), but may be any suitable one. Can be adopted. For example,
The value of L may be changed continuously or stepwise.

Then, as shown in the graph of FIG. 6, the diagonal length L of the enlarged image display layer 1203 changes continuously with a change in the value of the transparency α. And the transparency α =
At 0.0, L = L1 and the maximum, and the transparency α = 1.
When 0, L = L2, which is the minimum.

That is, when the enlarged image is completely opaque with the transparency α = 0.0, the display size of the enlarged image (diagonal line
Becomes equal to the display size of length L) the entire image (diagonal length L1). The display size of the enlarged image enlarged As the reduced transparency, when the enlarged image with transparency alpha = 1.0 was Tsu Do completely transparent, the display size of the enlarged image (diagonal
Length L) is the display size (diagonal length L) of the enlarged portion of the entire image
2) .

Therefore, when the slider of the slider is at the position of the scale B, the display size is minimized with the transparency α = 1.0 , and when the slider reaches the position of the scale D, the transparency α = 0.0. Is displayed so as to maximize the display size. Furthermore, when the slider moves beyond the position of the scale D, the enlarged image up to that point is switched to the entire image by the display image determining unit 41, and a new enlarged image for enlarging and displaying an enlarged area in the new entire image is displayed. The display size is controlled. That is, immediately after the slider exceeds the position of the scale D, the display size is minimized again with the transparency α = 1.0 , and when the slider reaches the scale F, the transparency is again changed to α = 0.0 . The image is displayed so that the display size is maximized.

Next, the control of the display position by the transparency α of the enlarged image display layer in the layer position determining section 34 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows an enlarged area 130 for the entire image display layer 1301 on the display screen.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a position 2 and a display position of an enlarged image display layer 1303.

Here, the horizontal axis of the display screen shown in FIG. 7 is the x-axis, and the vertical axis is the y-axis, and the display position of each image is conveniently represented by the coordinates of the intersection of the diagonal lines of the image display layer. . That is, the coordinates of the intersection of the diagonals of the entire image display layer 1301 are fixed points P1 (X1, Y1), the coordinates of the intersection of the diagonals of the enlarged area 1302 are fixed points P2 (X2, Y2), and the coordinates of the intersection of the diagonals of the enlarged image display layer 1303 are P (Xp, Y
p).

Here, the graph of FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the transparency α and the x component Xp of the intersection coordinates P. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 8 represents the transparency α, and the vertical axis represents the value of Xp. And
The solid line III in the graph represents the value of Xp with respect to the transparency α. This solid line III is, for example, a function of transparency α, Xp = h
x (α) is given by the following equation (4).

Xp = hx (α) = (X2−X1) * α + X1 (4) Note that the function Xp = hx (α) is not limited to the above equation (4), and any suitable one is adopted. be able to. For example, the value of Xp may be changed continuously or stepwise.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the transparency α and the y component Yp of the intersection coordinates P. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 9 represents the transparency α, and the vertical axis represents the value of Yp. The solid line IV in the graph represents the value of Yp with respect to the transparency α.
This solid line IV is, for example, a function Yp = hy of the transparency α.
(Α) is given by the following equation (5).

Yp = hy (α) = (Y2−Y1) * α + Y1 (5) Note that the function Yp = hy (α) is not limited to the above equation (5) but may be any suitable one. be able to. For example, the value of Yp may be changed continuously or stepwise.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the above equations (4) and (5), the enlarged image display layer 1303
The coordinates P (Xp, Yp) of the intersection of the diagonal lines f vary continuously with changes in the transparency α. Then, the intersection coordinates P match the fixed point P1 with the transparency α = 0.0, and the transparency α =
At 1.0, it matches the fixed point P2.

That is, as the transparency α decreases and the display size of the enlarged image approaches the display size of the entire image,
The display position of the enlarged image moves from the display position of the enlarged area in conjunction with the enlargement of the display size of the enlarged image so that the center point of the enlarged image approaches the center point of the entire image.

Next, an operation example of the transparent laminated layer drawing section 4 will be described. First, an operation example of the display image determination unit 41 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 summarizes the image information of the original image used as the entire image and the enlarged image for each position of the slider.

In the present embodiment, when the slider is between the scale B and the scale D of the slider, the whole image is displayed as shown in FIG.
Of the image information shown in FIG. Then, when the slider is between the scale D and the scale F of the slider, the image PicD is used as the entire image.

Further, the scale C is set at the midpoint between the scales B and D of the slider, and the slider is located between the scales B and C, that is, the transparency is 0.5 ≦ α ≦ 1. If it is 0 , an image PicC having a resolution four times that of the image PicB is adopted as the enlarged image. When the slider is between the scale C and the scale D, that is, the transparency is 0.
When ≦ α ≦ 0.5 , PicD is adopted as an image further enlarged.

The size of the rectangular frame indicating the enlarged area is
For example, if the display size of the entire image display layer is initially set to a quarter of the display size in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the maximum magnification of the enlarged image display layer for the enlarged area is 16 times (area ratio).
Becomes Therefore, in this case, when the slider is positioned at the scale D, the use of the image PicD can sufficiently secure the appearance. Therefore, the resolution of the original image used for the enlarged image may be switched according to the enlargement ratio of the display size of the enlarged image to the display size of the enlarged region.

When the slider exceeds the position of the scale D, the image PicD of the enlarged image up to that point is switched to the image of the entire image. Then, the display size of the new enlarged image for enlarging and displaying the enlarged area in the new whole image is controlled.

Further, in the present embodiment, the scale E is set at the midpoint between the scales D and F of the slider, and the slider is located between the scales D and E, that is, the transparency is 0.
When 5 ≦ α ≦ 1.0 , as a new enlarged image,
An image PicE having a resolution four times that of the image PicD is adopted. Then, when the slider is between the scale E and the scale F, that is, when the transparency is 0 ≦ α ≦ 0.5 ,
Further, PicF is adopted as an enlarged image.

In displaying the entire image or the enlarged image in the display image determining unit 41, the data storage unit 2
If the image having the optimum resolution is not stored, the image having the resolution closest to the optimum resolution may be selected.

Next, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, when continuously operating the slider, the whole image drawn by the layer drawing unit 42 and displayed on the output means 6 by the display control unit 5 And a display example of an enlarged image will be described.

First, the slider 1106 is moved to the slider 1105
11A, the display screen 1401 includes the entire image display layer 141 as shown in FIG.
As 1, a world map of the whole of Asia using the image PicB as an original image is displayed. Then, the whole image display layer 1411
Enlarged area 14 at the position shown by the rectangular broken line frame surrounding Japan inside
12 is set. At the position of the scale B, since the transparency α of the enlarged image display layer is 1.0 (transparent), the enlarged image display layer is at the position of the enlarged area 1412, but is not actually displayed.

Subsequently, the slider 1106 is moved to the slider 110.
When the transparency α is lowered by shifting to the right from the position of the scale B of 5 to the position of the scale D, as shown in FIG. 11B, the image PicD is passed through the image PicC as the enlarged image 1414 as shown in FIG. The enlarged image display layer 1414 on which the entire map of Japan corresponding to the enlarged area is displayed is displayed so as to appear as it becomes larger.

Further, the slider 1106 moves to the right,
After reaching the position of the scale D of the slider 1105, the transparency α =
When the state becomes 0.0 , the display screen 14 shown in FIG.
As shown at 03, the display size of the enlarged image display layer 1415 becomes equal to the display size of the entire image display layer, and the layer which has been treated as the enlarged image display layer is switched to the entire image display layer 1415.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the entire image display layer 1415 displays the entire map of Japan using the image PicD. A new enlarged display area 1416 is displayed at a position indicated by a rectangular broken line frame surrounding Japan. At the position of the scale D, the transparency α of the new enlarged image display layer
= 1.0 (transparent), the new enlarged image display layer is at the position of the enlarged area 1412, but is not actually displayed.

Subsequently, the slider 1106 is moved to the slider 110.
When the transparency α is lowered again by shifting to the right from the position of the scale D of 5 to the position of the scale F, as shown in FIG. 12B, as the enlarged image 1417, the image PicF is passed through the image PicE as the enlarged image 1417. The enlarged image display layer 1417 displaying the entire map of Japan corresponding to the enlarged region using is displayed as if it were growing up and emerged.

Note that in the present embodiment, the slider for performing the transparency operation performs a whole image switching process of selecting a part of the enlarged image and further displaying the enlarged image once at the center of the slider. However, it is not limited to this. For example, more whole image switching points may be provided.

As described above, the transmission enlarged image control unit 3
In addition, the continuity of the enlargement operation is improved by providing the transparent laminated layer drawing unit 4 and controlling the display size and display position of the enlarged image display layer together with the operation of the transparency of the enlarged image display layer. As a result, the intuition for the user's enlargement operation is improved, and the problem of losing the enlarged portion can be solved.

In the state where the transparency of the enlarged image image layer is high and makes little sense as image information, the enlarged image is displayed on the entire image and does not disturb the image information of the entire image. Can be effectively utilized.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram for describing a configuration of an image display device according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and components different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

In the image display device of the second embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the above-described first embodiment, the transmission magnified image control unit 3 lowers the clarity of the entire image in conjunction with the decrease in the transparency of the magnified image. An intelligibility determining unit 2001 is provided. When the clarity of the entire image is reduced by the clarity determining unit 2001, the positional relationship between the entire image display layer and the enlarged image display layer disposed thereon is emphasized, and the enlargement operation is performed. Can be improved. Note that the clarity may be reduced in conjunction with the enlargement of the display size of the enlarged image.

The clarity determining unit 2001 includes the transparency determining unit 3
Based on the output of No. 1, the saturation, the degree of focus, and the like of the display image on the entire image display layer arranged below are determined. As a result, the upper layer image is emphasized, and the fact that the enlarged image is superimposed on the entire image is emphasized. Then, as the transparency decreases, the saturation of the entire image decreases, and the whole image is displayed blurred.

Next, the display image determining section 41 selects an image having a resolution suitable for displaying each layer based on the outputs of the data storage section 2 and the transmission enlarged image control section 3. In addition,
In determining an image to be displayed on the entire image display layer, the degree of focus output from the clarity determination unit 2001 is also related.

Next, the layer drawing section 42 draws the stacked whole image and the enlarged image as viewed from directly above based on the outputs of the data storage section 2, the transmission enlarged image control section 3 and the display image determination section 41. I do. Note that, in drawing the entire image, image processing is performed and drawn based on the saturation and the degree of focus output from the clarity determination unit 2001.

Next, a specific operation example of the second embodiment will be described. The data storage unit 2 is the same as the first embodiment in FIG.
Has the image information shown in FIG. Based on the transparency of the enlarged image display layer determined by the transparency determining unit 31,
The clarity determination unit 2001 determines the saturation and the focus of the entire image display layer.

Hereinafter, the transparency of the enlarged image display layer will be described as a variable α, and the saturation and focus of the entire image display layer will be described as variables S and P, respectively. Here, the graph of FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the transparency α and the saturation S. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 14 represents the transparency α, and the vertical axis represents the value of the saturation S. Saturation indicates the vividness of the color of an image. The solid line V in the graph represents the value of the saturation S with respect to the transparency α. This solid line V indicates, for example, the saturation S
As a function S = s (α) for determining the value of
Given by the formula.

S = s (α) = 100 * α * α−100 (0.0 ≦ α ≦ 1.0) (6) Note that the function S = s (α) is given by the above equation (6). There is no limitation, and any suitable one can be adopted. For example,
The value of S may be changed continuously or stepwise. Then, as shown in FIG. 14 and the above equation (6), in the present embodiment, the case where the saturation S = 0 is set as the original image,
It is assumed that when the saturation S = -100, the color completely disappears and the image is displayed in gray scale.

Next, the degree of focus of the entire image display layer is determined. Here, the graph of FIG.
The relationship is shown below. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 15 represents the transparency α, and the vertical axis represents the value of the focus degree P. The in-focus degree is a word that originally indicates the degree of focus with respect to a shooting target of the camera, but in the present embodiment, indicates the degree to which the entire image is displayed with blurring. The solid line VI in the graph represents the value of the focus degree P with respect to the transparency α. The solid line VI is given by the following equation (7), for example, as a function P = p (α) for determining the value of the focus degree P based on the transparency α.

P = p (α) = 100 * α * α (0.0 ≦ α ≦ 1.0) (7) The function P = p (α) is limited to the above equation (7). Instead, any suitable one can be adopted. For example,
The value of P may be changed continuously or stepwise. Then, as shown in FIG. 15 and the above equation (7), the case where P = 100 is set as the original image, and the degree of blurring of the base image increases as the value of P decreases.

Further, in the display image determining section 41,
An image having a resolution suitable for display is selected according to the magnification. Here, the focus degree P is referred to, and the value of the focus degree P is 5
If it is lower than 0, an image having a lower resolution than the image having the optimum resolution is selected.

Here, an example of the operation of the display image determining unit 41 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 summarizes the image information of the original image used as the entire image and the enlarged image for an arbitrary slider position. As shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment, the same image as in the first embodiment is used for the enlarged image. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the resolution of the original image used for the entire image is switched in accordance with the magnification of the display size of the enlarged image with respect to the display size, in consideration of the degree of focus P, also for the entire image.

That is, when the slider is between the scale B and the scale C, that is, when the transparency is 0.5 ≦ α ≦ 1.0 , the image PicB is adopted as the entire image. And, when the slider is between the scale C and the scale D, that is,
When the transparency is 0 ≦ α ≦ 0.5 , PicA is adopted as a lower resolution image as the whole image.

Further, when the slider is between the scale D and the scale E, that is, when the transparency again satisfies 0.5 ≦ α ≦ 1.0 , the image PicD is adopted as the whole image. Then, when the slider is between the scale E and the scale F, that is, when the transparency is again 0 ≦ α ≦ 0.5 , PicC is adopted as a lower resolution image as the whole image.

Subsequently, when drawing the entire image display layer, the layer drawing section 42 refers to the saturation S and the focusing degree P, and performs image processing such as saturation conversion and blur processing on the original image. Draw from Then, when the transparency α of the enlarged image is reduced by operating the slider, the enlarged image is displayed so as to emerge while gradually increasing. On the other hand, the whole image is displayed while the image quality becomes rough due to the switching of the original image and the saturation gradually decreases.

As described above, the clarity determination unit 200
By providing 1, it is possible to emphasize the enlarged image by making the positional relationship that the enlarged image is arranged on the entire image clearer on the display screen. As a result, the visibility of the enlarged image can be improved.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram for explaining a configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and components different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

In the image display device of the third embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the transparency of the partial area in the enlarged image is added to the transmission enlarged image control unit 3 so that the display size of the enlarged image is changed. Drilling shape determination unit 300 that is transparent regardless
1 is provided. Then, the drilling shape determination unit 300
According to 1, by making an arbitrary position of the enlarged image display layer transparent (for example, making a hole partially), when the transparency of the enlarged image display layer is low, the entire image display layer is not changed without changing the transparency. Can be seen at a desired position, and operability can be improved.

When the drilling shape determination unit 3001 determines the shape of the hole to be drilled at an arbitrary position on the enlarged image display layer in accordance with the user's input from the input unit 1, the layer drawing unit 42 Based on the output of the perforated shape determination unit 3001, a transmission process is performed and rendering is performed.

Next, a specific operation example of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 shows a state where an enlarged image layer 3102 for enlarging and displaying a rectangular enlarged area 3103 is virtually arranged on an entire image layer 3101 indicating an entire image. This enlarged image layer 3
Reference numeral 102 denotes an enlarged area 3 surrounded by a rectangular frame in the entire image.
A translucent enlarged image obtained by enlarging 103 is displayed.

In practice, the enlarged image layer 310
2 is an image for displaying an image corresponding to a state where the area 3106 of the whole image layer 1101 immediately below the hole 3105 of the semi-transparent enlarged image layer 3102 is viewed from the viewpoint 3104 directly above the hole 3105. Data is generated. The hole portion 305 can be formed at a desired position on the enlarged image display layer 3102 in a desired size and shape by using the input unit 1, and a region 3106 of the entire image display layer immediately below the hole 3105. Image information can be displayed.

As described above, the drilling shape determination unit 3
If 001 is provided, the transparency of the enlarged image is changed by making a hole of a desired size at an arbitrary position in the enlarged image when the transparency of the enlarged image is low and the image of the entire lower layer image is difficult to understand. It is possible to see the image information of the entire image display layer at a desired position without any need. Thereby, operability such as reconfirmation of the enlarged area can be improved.

Further, since the information display processing device of the present invention is implemented by a computer, for example, in the configuration of each of the above-described embodiments, the transmission enlarged image control unit 3, the transparent laminated layer drawing unit 4, A computer program for generating the functions of the display control unit 5 is created, and the computer program is stored in a CD-RO
M, a flexible disk, a semiconductor memory, and the like, and the computer reads the recording medium on which this program is recorded,
The functions of the transmission magnified image control unit 3, the transmission laminated layer drawing unit 4, and the display control unit 5 can be generated, and the configuration described in the embodiment of the present invention can be constructed.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is configured under specific conditions has been described. However, the present invention can be variously modified. For example, in the embodiment described above, the transparency is first specified by the slider,
Although the enlarged image is enlarged to the display size corresponding to the specified transparency, in the present invention, the display size of the enlarged image may be specified first, and the enlarged image may be displayed with the transparency corresponding to the display size. .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a slider is used as input means for designating a designated portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a mouse with a jog dial may be used as the input means, and the display size of the enlarged image may be designated and designated by the jog dial.

[0119]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the transmission enlarged image control unit and the transmission laminated layer drawing unit are provided, and the enlarged image display is performed simultaneously with the transparency operation of the enlarged image corresponding to the upper layer displayed in a laminated manner. By controlling the size of the layer, the continuity of the enlargement operation and, consequently, the intuition of the user can be improved, and the grasp of the enlarged portion in the whole image can be made easier. Further, by displaying image information having an optimum resolution according to the display size of the enlarged image, the display screen can be effectively utilized as a result.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining a configuration of an image display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information stored in a data storage unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram virtually illustrating a state in which an enlarged image layer indicating a translucent enlarged image obtained by enlarging an enlarged region in the entire image is virtually arranged on an entire image layer indicating the entire image; It is a schematic diagram of a slider.

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating an example of a function for determining the transparency of an enlarged image display layer.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining control of an enlarged image display layer size.

FIG. 6 is a graph for explaining an example of a function for determining an enlarged image display layer size.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of determining an enlarged image display layer position.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a function for determining a screen horizontal axis coordinate table of an enlarged image display layer position;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function for determining a screen vertical coordinate table of an enlarged image display layer position.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of selecting image information to be displayed on each layer for a transparency operation.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of display screens for a transparency operation.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of display screens for a transparency operation.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a function for determining the saturation of the entire image display layer.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function for determining the degree of focus of the entire image display layer.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of selecting image information to be displayed on each layer for a transparency operation.

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation example of a drilling process of an enlarged display layer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input means 2 Data storage part 3 Transmission magnified image control part 4 Transparent laminated layer drawing part 5 Display control part 6 Output means 31 Transparency determination part 32 Enlarged area determination part 33 Layer size determination part 34 Layer position determination part 41 Display image determination part 42 Layer drawing unit 1105 Slider 1106 Slider 2001 Clarity determining unit 3001 Drilling shape determining unit

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] When displaying an enlarged image of an enlarged area which is a part of the whole image displayed on a display screen so as to be superimposed on the entire image, the enlarged image is continuously displayed from the enlarged area. with the expansion and displays, and the display size and transparency of the enlarged image, it becomes transparent when the display size of the enlarged image is equal to the display size of the enlarged region, displaying the display size of the enlarged image of the entire image An image display method characterized in that the images are changed in conjunction with each other so that they become opaque when they are equal in size. 2. The display position of the enlarged image is changed such that the center point of the enlarged image approaches the center point of the entire image as the display size of the enlarged image approaches the display size of the entire image. 2. The image display method according to claim 1, wherein the display area is moved from a display position of the enlarged area in conjunction with an increase in the display size of the image. 3. The image display method according to claim 1, wherein the clarity of the entire image is reduced in conjunction with a decrease in transparency of the enlarged image or an increase in display size. 4. The image display method according to claim 1, wherein the transparency of a partial area in the enlarged image is transparent regardless of the display size of the enlarged image. 5. An enlarged display device for displaying an enlarged image of an enlarged area, which is a part of the whole image displayed on the display screen of the image display means, superimposed on the whole image so as to be apparently overlapped with each other. A data storage unit in which image data is stored, input means for inputting input information including a designated display size of an enlarged image or a designated transparency thereof and a designated portion indicating the enlarged area, and, based on the input information, An enlarged area, a transmission enlarged image control unit that determines and outputs a display size, transparency, and a display position of the enlarged image; and an image stored in the data storage unit based on an output from the transmission enlarged image control unit. A transparent laminated layer drawing section for generating data to be displayed using data, and displaying the data generated by the transparent laminated layer drawing section on the image display means And a display control unit that performs control to, the transmission enlarged image control unit, becomes transparent when the display size of the enlarged image is equal to the display size of the enlarged region,
Wherein as the display size of the enlarged image becomes opaque when equal to the display size of the entire image, determining the transparency of the enlarged image and its display size so as to change in conjunction with each other, the transmission laminate layer draw The image display device, wherein the unit generates data such that the enlarged image is continuously enlarged and displayed from the designated portion. 6. The image display device according to claim 5, wherein said input means includes a slider for inputting said transparency. 7. A transmission magnified image control unit, comprising: a transparency determination unit configured to determine the transparency based on a designated transparency indicated by the input information; and an enlargement configured to determine the enlarged area based on a designated portion indicated by the input information. An area determining unit, a layer size determining unit that determines a display size of the enlarged image corresponding to the transparency indicated by the output of the transparency determining unit, and a layer position determining unit that determines the display position based on the transparency. The image display device according to claim 5, further comprising: 8. The layer position determining unit, wherein when the display size of the enlarged image is equal to the display size of the whole image, the layer position determining unit may make the center point of the enlarged image coincide with the center point of the whole image. 8. The image display device according to claim 7, wherein the display position of the image is determined by moving the display position of the enlarged area in conjunction with the enlargement of the display size of the enlarged image. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transparent laminated layer drawing section stores image data having a resolution used for an enlarged image and an entire image in the data storage section based on an output of the transparent enlarged image control section. And a display image determining unit that selects and determines each of the image data, and uses the image data determined by the display image determining unit to generate the enlarged image data based on an output of the transmission enlarged image control unit. The image display device according to claim 5, further comprising: a layer drawing unit configured to generate entire image data. 10. The transmission magnified image control unit includes a clarity determination unit that reduces the clarity of the entire image in conjunction with a decrease in the transparency of the enlarged image or an enlargement of a display size. The image display device according to claim 5. 11. The transmission magnified image control unit includes a perforated shape determination unit that makes the transparency of a partial area in the magnified image transparent regardless of the display size of the magnified image. The image display device according to any one of 5 to 10. 12. Controlling a computer to display an enlarged image of an enlarged area, which is a part of the entire image displayed on the display screen, superimposed on the entire image so that the enlarged image is displayed, and displays the enlarged area enlarged continuously, the display size and transparency of the enlarged image, becomes transparent when the display size of the enlarged image is equal to the display size of the enlarged region, the display size of the enlarged image A computer-readable recording medium in which an image display program that changes in conjunction with each other so as to be opaque when is equal to the display size of the entire image is recorded.