JP4126665B2 - Digital still camera and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital still camera, and in particular, a digital still camera having a function of adding identification information such as a keyword to a photographed image so that a desired image can be easily searched from image data recorded and stored in large quantities. And a control method thereof.

When organizing images recorded with a digital still camera later, it is helpful to classify and identify each image, for example, in the file name of the image data, the file creation date and time, the index image, or the image data. It is identification information such as keywords and identifiers additionally embedded as information, and a desired image is searched from a plurality of image data using these information as clues. As described above, a number of methods for searching for a desired image by adding information such as a keyword, an index, and a classification tag to the image have been proposed, including Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-50436.
JP-A-9-50436

  However, the information used for conventional searches, such as the file name and file creation date, is scarce of specific information. After all, if you do not open the image data individually and check the image, the final decision will be made. I could not. Also, when adding information such as keywords for each image, it is very laborious to input specific information useful for organizing and searching later after shooting.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a digital still camera capable of easily adding specific identification information useful for later organization / search to a captured image and a control method thereof. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above object, in a digital still camera that records image data indicating a subject image obtained via a photographing lens and an image sensor in a recording unit, a display unit that displays a captured image, and the display A first touch panel disposed on the front surface of the unit, a first icon row having a configuration in which a plurality of first icons representing first image identification information are continuously arranged in one direction on the screen of the display unit, And a second icon row having a configuration in which a plurality of second icons representing the image identification information of 2 are continuously arranged in one direction, and the first icon row or the second icon row is displayed via the touch panel. By selecting an icon, input means for inputting subject identification information associated with the icon, and subject identification information selected and input by the input means are added to the image data. Information adding means for recording in the recording section, and a forward button at one end of each of the first icon row and the second icon row, and a reverse button at the other end. Two icon rows are displayed at the same time along the different sides of the display unit at the edge of the screen, and either one or both of the first icon and the second icon are selected by the touch panel. Thus, the process of adding the subject identification information associated with the icon related to the selection to the image data of the photographed image and recording it in the recording unit is performed.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital still camera control method for recording image data indicating a subject image obtained via a photographing lens and an image sensor on a screen of a display unit for displaying a photographed image. A first icon row having a configuration in which a plurality of first icons representing one image identification information are arranged in one direction and a plurality of second icons representing second image identification information in one direction. A second icon row having a side-by-side configuration, and by selecting an icon in the first icon row or the second icon row via a touch panel disposed on the front surface of the display unit, The associated subject identification information is input, and the selected subject input subject identification information is added to image data and recorded in the recording unit. Each of the row and the second icon row is provided with a forward button at one end of each end and a reverse button at the other end, and the first icon row and the second icon row are arranged at the end of the screen along different sides of the display unit. When one or both of the first icon and the second icon are selected by the touch panel, the subject identification information associated with the selected icon is photographed. A process of adding to image data of an image and recording the image data in the recording unit is executed.

  According to the digital still camera and the control method thereof according to the present invention, the information associated with the icon is recorded together with the image only by selecting the icon displayed on the screen of the display unit. Necessary information for identifying image contents can be added. Further, by utilizing the information added in this way, images stored after shooting can be easily organized, and image search can be facilitated.

  A preferred embodiment of a digital still camera and a control method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front external view of a digital still camera to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, an imaging unit 2 is provided in the upper left corner of the front of the digital still camera 1, and the left side of the front of the camera including the imaging unit 2 is easy for the photographer to hold the camera with the right hand. Thus, the grip portion 4 is formed. The imaging unit 2 has a photographic lens, and a CCD (imaging device) (not shown) is disposed behind the photographic lens. Although the configuration of the photographing lens is not shown, for example, a rear focus type zoom lens including a zooming group and a correction group is used. In addition, an auxiliary light emitting unit 6 is disposed in the upper right corner of the front of the camera, and a power switch 8 and a shutter button 9 are disposed on the upper surface of the camera.

  FIG. 2 shows the digital still camera of FIG. 1 viewed from the back side. A single image display unit (display unit) 10 is provided on the back of the camera. The display unit 10 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a touch panel 12 having optical transparency is disposed on the front surface of the display unit 10.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital still camera 1. The digital still camera 1 mainly includes an imaging unit 2, a signal processing unit 14, a built-in memory (or external memory) 16, an output memory 18, a D / A converter 20, a display unit 10, a touch panel 12, and a central processing unit ( CPU) 22 and the like.

  The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD via the photographing lens of the imaging unit 2 is photoelectrically converted in the CCD and sequentially read out as a video signal. Although a detailed configuration of the signal processing unit 14 is not illustrated, the signal processing unit 14 is, as is well known, an analog processing circuit such as a CDS clamp circuit or a gain adjustment circuit, an A / D converter, and a luminance signal generation circuit. , A color difference signal generation circuit, and a digital image processing circuit such as a gamma correction path.

  The video signal read from the image pickup unit 2 is appropriately processed in the signal processing unit 14 and, for example, according to an Exif (Exchangeable image file format) file specification or other predetermined format, a built-in memory 16 (for example, a camera built-in flash) Memory) or a recording unit such as a removable external memory card.

  The video signal read from the photographing unit 2 and the video signal read from the built-in memory (or detachable external memory) 16 are processed by the signal processing unit 14 and then output to the output memory 18. The Then, the video signal is guided to the display unit 10 via the D / A converter 20, and a captured image is displayed on the display unit 10. The display unit 10 can display not only a still image taken by a shutter release operation but also a video (moving image or intermittent image) before the shutter release operation.

  The digital still camera 1 has a known automatic exposure adjustment (AE) function and autofocus (AF) function, and an optimum exposure adjustment and focusing can be performed only by the photographer pointing the camera at the subject. Done automatically.

  The CPU 22 controls and controls each circuit of the camera. The CPU 22 determines the pressing position (touched position) of the touch panel 12 based on an input signal from the touch panel 12, and performs imaging such as zooming and focusing. Control of the unit 2, display control on the display unit 10, image data writing / reading control to the built-in memory 16, and the like are performed.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the screen of the display unit 10 after shooting. As shown in FIG. 4, the REC Review (REC.review) screen after shooting displays an image taken on the right side of the screen, and an icon (hereinafter referred to as a person icon) 30 representing a person's face on the left end of the screen. 30, forward button 34, reverse button 36, etc., are displayed in a vertical line. Although the detailed contents will be described later, the photographer selects the face of the subject from the person icon 30 at the left end of the screen after photographing, so that personal information (person ID) of the person registered in the icon is identified with the identification information ( As one of the subject IDs).

  An arrow icon indicated by reference numeral 38 in the lower left of the screen in the figure is a mode end button (return button), and after recording the above identification information, pressing the icon returns the subject ID addition mode to the shooting screen. It is like that.

  FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the sequence of the digital still camera configured as described above. When the power switch 8 is turned on and the shooting mode is started, it is first determined whether or not the shutter button 9 has been pressed (step S101). The process of step S101 is repeated until the shutter button 9 is pressed, and when the shutter button 9 is pressed, the process proceeds to the photographing process (step S102). In the photographing process, a well-known AE / AF function operates to capture a subject image, and the image signal is appropriately processed to generate image data.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the subject ID addition mode is set (step S104). If the subject ID addition mode is not set, a captured image is displayed on the display unit 10 (step S106), and the processing is step. Return to S101.

  There are various methods for setting the subject ID addition mode. For example, the subject ID addition mode may be selected in advance from a mode selection menu (not shown) or the like before shooting, or shooting processing ( After step S102), a mode selection menu may be displayed on the display unit 10 together with the captured image to provide an opportunity for mode setting.

  When it is determined in step S104 that the subject ID addition mode is set, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the captured image and the subject ID input icon (in this case, the person icon 30) are simultaneously displayed on the display unit 10. (Step S108).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the feed button (reference numerals 34 and 36) has been pressed (step S110). When the forward button 34 is pressed, the person icon 30 displayed on the left end (operation button display field) of the display unit 10 is forward-processed (step S112), and replaced with another person's icon. Return to S110. If the reverse button 36 is pressed in step S110, the person icon 30 is reversely processed (step S114), replaced with another person icon, and the process returns to step S110.

  If the feed button (reference numerals 34 and 36) is not pressed in step S110, it is then determined whether or not the subject ID icon (person icon 30) has been selected (step S116). When the photographer obtains an icon display of a desired person and selects the person icon 30, personal information (person ID) registered in the person icon 30 is added to the image data and recorded (step S118). ). For example, when recording in accordance with the Exif file rule, the personal information is recorded in the application marker segment (APP1). The icon registration method will be described later (FIGS. 11 to 15).

  On the other hand, if the photographer does not select the subject ID icon in step S116, the process proceeds to step S120 without performing the process in step S118.

  After the process of step S118, or when the photographer has not selected the subject ID icon in step S116, it is subsequently determined whether or not the return button 38 has been pressed (step S120). If the return button 38 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S110, the processes in steps S110 to S120 described above are repeated, and if the return button 38 is pressed, the process returns to step S101.

  Thereby, the information of the person included in the captured image can be easily added as identification information.

  The content of the identification information added to the image by the icon operation may be a genre indicating the classification of the image in addition to the personal information of the person as described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, an icon 40 representing a genre (hereinafter referred to as a genre icon) 40 is displayed together with the person icon 30 at the left end of the REC review screen, and both personal information and genre information of the person are displayed. You may make it possible to add.

  Specifically, by selecting the subject ID icon (person icon 30) in step S116 shown in FIG. 5 and adding information about the person, the forward button 34 or the reverse button 36 is operated, thereby operating the FIG. The genre icon 40 is displayed under the person icon 30 as shown in FIG. When the photographer obtains the display of the desired genre icon 40 and selects the genre icon 40, the genre registered in the icon (the genre icon shown in FIG. 6 is “soccer”) is one of the identification information of the image. Is entered and recorded.

  The flow of operation in this form is substantially the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, and the description of the subject ID is omitted because it is a person ID or a genre ID.

  Next, another mode for simultaneously displaying both the person icon and the genre icon on the REC review screen will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows another display example of the display unit 10 after photographing. In the figure, parts common to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  On the screen after shooting, person icons 30, 30, and 30 are displayed in a vertical row at the left end of the screen, and genre icons 40, 40, and 40 are displayed in a horizontal row at the top of the screen. Reference numerals 44 and 46 respectively denote a forward button and a backward button for the genre icon.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a photographing sequence of the digital still camera having the configuration shown in FIG. When the power switch 8 is turned on and the photographing mode is started, it is first determined whether or not the shutter button 9 has been pressed (step S201). Until the shutter button 9 is pressed, the process of step S201 is repeated. When the shutter button 9 is pressed, the process proceeds to the photographing process (step S202). In the photographing process, the AE / AF function operates to capture a subject image, and the image signal is appropriately processed to generate image data.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the subject ID multi-addition mode is set (step S204). If the subject ID multi addition mode is not set, it is then determined whether or not the subject ID addition mode is set. If the subject ID addition mode is set, the processing in steps S104 to S120 described in FIG. 5 (subject ID addition processing) is executed (step S208), and the processing returns to step S201. If the subject ID addition mode is not set in step S206, the captured image is displayed on the display unit 10 (step S210), and the process returns to step S201.

  As described in the explanation of FIG. 5, for example, the mode setting method may select a desired mode from a mode selection menu or the like before shooting, or after shooting processing (step S202). An opportunity for mode setting may be provided by displaying a mode selection menu on the display unit 10 together with the captured image.

  If it is determined in step S204 that the subject ID multi-addition mode is set, the photographed image and the subject ID icon (person icon 30 and genre icon 40) are simultaneously displayed on the display unit 10 as shown in FIG. Step S212).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the person icon feed button (reference numerals 34 and 36) has been pressed (step S214). When the forward button 34 is pressed, the person icon 30 displayed at the left end of the display unit 10 is forwardly forwarded (step S216), replaced with another person's icon, and the process returns to step S214. If the reverse button 36 is pressed in step S214, the person icon 30 is reversely processed (step S218), replaced with another icon, and the process returns to step S214.

  If the feed buttons (reference numerals 34 and 36) are not pressed in step S214, it is then determined whether or not the genre icon feed buttons (reference numerals 44 and 46) have been pressed (step S220). When the forward button 44 is pressed, the genre icon 40 displayed on the upper part of the display unit 10 is forwardly forwarded (step S222), replaced with another icon, and the process returns to step S214. If it is determined in step S220 that the reverse button 46 is pressed, the genre icon 40 is reversely processed (step S224), replaced with another icon, and the process returns to step S214.

  If the feed button (reference numerals 44 and 46) is not pressed in step S220, it is then determined whether or not the subject ID icon (person icon 30 or genre icon 40) has been selected (step S226). When the photographer obtains a desired icon display and selects the person icon 30 or the genre icon 40, information (person ID or genre ID) defined for the selected icon is added to the image data and recorded. (Step S228).

  On the other hand, if the photographer does not select any subject ID icon, the process proceeds to step S230 without performing the process in step S228.

  After the process of step S228 or when the photographer does not select the subject ID icon in step S226, it is subsequently determined whether or not the return button 38 has been pressed (step S230). If the return button 38 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S214, the processes in steps S214 to S230 described above are repeated, and if the return button 38 is pressed, the process returns to step S201.

  Thereby, information about a person and information about a genre can be easily added as identification information to a captured image.

  Also, the operation of adding identification information to an image is not limited to immediately after shooting, but can also be performed during image reproduction after shooting. That is, when an image is reproduced in the reproduction mode, an ID registration button 50 is displayed at the left end of the screen as shown in FIG. 9, and when this ID registration button 50 is pressed during reproduction, FIGS. Alternatively, the display screen as shown in FIG. 7 is switched so that the subject ID can be added and corrected later.

  The sequence in such a case is shown in FIG. When the playback mode is selected and the playback mode process is started, it is first determined whether or not the feed button (reference numerals 34 and 36) has been pressed (step S301). When the forward button 34 or the backward button 36 is pressed, the frame of the recorded image is forwardly or backwardly processed according to the pressed button (step S302), the frame to be reproduced is changed, and the process proceeds to step S301. Return.

  If it is determined in step S301 that the feed button has not been pressed, it is then determined whether or not the ID registration button 50 has been pressed (step S304). If the ID registration button 50 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S301 and continues to display the reproduced image on the display unit 10.

  When the ID registration button 50 is pressed by the user, the mode shifts to the subject ID addition mode, and the subject ID icon is displayed together with the reproduced image on the display unit 10 in a predetermined display form as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6, or FIG. Step S306). Next, it is determined whether any subject ID icon has been selected (step S308). When the user obtains a desired icon display and selects the person icon 30 or the genre icon 40, information (person ID or genre ID) defined for the selected icon is added to the image data and recorded. (Step S310).

  On the other hand, if the user does not select any subject ID icon, the process proceeds to step S312 without performing the process of step S310.

  After the process of step S310 or when the photographer does not select the subject ID icon in step S308, it is subsequently determined whether or not the return button 38 has been pressed (step S312). If the return button 38 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S308, and the above-described steps S308 to S312 are repeated. If the return button 38 is pressed, the screen display returns to the display as shown in FIG. The mode returns (step S314). Thereafter, the process returns to step S301. Thereby, identification information can be easily added to the image being reproduced.

  Next, an icon registration method will be described.

  When a first person is photographed and personal information (person ID) about the person is to be input, the person can be registered on the screen immediately after photographing. That is, when the icon is sent by operating the forward button 34 or the reverse button 36 on the REC review screen after shooting (see FIG. 4, FIG. 6, or FIG. 7), the registration icon 52 as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  When the registration icon 52 is touched, the mode shifts to the registration mode, and a square frame (registration frame) 54 is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. This registration frame 54 is a frame indicating an area to be iconized. When a user touches the face of a person to be registered (for example, a boy on the right of the screen) on the screen, the registration frame 54 is displayed on the face of the person. The person selected by moving can be confirmed.

  At this time, the button functions of the forward button 34 and the reverse button 36 are changed so as to function as an enlargement button and a reduction button, respectively, and by operating these buttons, the registration frame 54 is enlarged / reduced, or The screen can be enlarged / reduced. Therefore, by operating these buttons as necessary, it is possible to select an icon image with an optimum size.

  When the image to be iconified is thus determined, the image in the registration frame 54 is automatically resized to the icon size and displayed as a preview image in the icon registration preview area 56 at the left end of the screen in FIG. Here, when the registration button 53 is pressed, the icon is registered.

  The personal information regarding the registered icon person may be directly input with necessary items such as name, relationship, date of birth, telephone number, office, etc. by handwriting input with a pen 58 or the like as shown in FIG. Alternatively, key input may be performed by displaying character keys on the screen. In addition, it is possible to connect the digital still camera to a personal computer (not shown) or the like and input necessary information to the digital still camera side via the computer.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the main sequence when the above-described registration process is performed at the time of shooting. In FIG. 14, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 14, when it is detected that the subject ID icon is pressed in step S116, a process (step S117) for determining whether or not the icon selected at this time is the registered icon 52 is added. When the registration icon 52 is pressed, the process shifts to the ID registration mode (step S119), which is different from FIG. The ID registration mode processing will be described later (FIG. 15), but after the ID registration mode processing (step S119), the process proceeds to step S120, and the subsequent processing is as described in FIG.

  If the icon selected in S116 is not the registered icon 52 but another person icon or the like, in step S180, information corresponding to each icon is added to the image and recorded, and the subsequent processing is as follows. This is the same as the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 15 shows a registration sequence subroutine in the ID registration mode. When it is detected in step S117 in FIG. 14 that the registration icon 52 has been pressed and the process of the ID registration mode in FIG. 15 is started, a registration frame 54 is first displayed on the screen of the display unit 10 as shown in FIG. (Step S401). Then, the image in the registration frame 54 is displayed in the preview area 56 at the left end of the screen (step S402).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the enlargement / reduction button (reference numerals 34 and 36) has been pressed (step S404). If the enlargement button (reference numeral 34 in FIG. 12) is pressed, A screen enlargement process is performed (step S406), and the process returns to step S404. On the other hand, when the reduction button (reference numeral 36 in FIG. 12) is pressed, the reduction process of the registration frame 54 or the reduction process of the screen is performed (step S408), and the process returns to step S404.

  If the enlargement / reduction button has not been pressed in step S404, it is then determined whether or not the registration button (reference numeral 53 in FIG. 12) has been pressed (step S410). When the user obtains a desired iconized image and presses the registration button 53, a registration confirmation screen is displayed (step S412). Although not shown in the drawing, an OK button and a cancel button are displayed on the confirmation screen, and a confirmation instruction for whether or not final registration is possible is input by the user (step S414).

  Here, if the cancel button is pressed, the icon registration is stopped and the process proceeds to step S416. On the other hand, when the OK button is pressed in step S414, a new icon is registered, and then a button asking whether to input personal information (image additional information) to be added to the image is displayed (step S418). If it is selected not to input the image additional information, the registration mode is terminated (step S424), and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. Even in this case, the image additional information can be registered later (at the time of reproduction).

  If it is selected to input the image additional information in step S418, for example, an information input screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed and information input by the user is accepted (step S420). After the user inputs various information via the input means such as the pen 58 or the keyboard, the input is confirmed (step S422). If the input is NG (input is not completed), the process returns to step S420 and the information is re-input. Accept.

  When the information input operation in step S420 is completed and it is confirmed that the input is OK, the information is registered, and the registration mode is ended (step S424).

  In step S410 described above, if the user has not pressed the registration button 53, it is then determined whether or not the return button 38 has been pressed (step S416). If the return button 38 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S410. Returning to S404, if the return button 38 is pressed, the registration mode is terminated (step S424), and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. In this way, a new icon can be created from the captured image.

  It is also possible to change (replace) the face of an icon that has already been registered, or to delete an already registered icon and its personal information. For example, at the time of product sales, as shown by reference numerals 60 and 61 in FIG. 16, only the icon of the empty face (silhouette) image such as the owner and family 1 is registered in the person icon portion, and the user However, you can customize your digital still camera by replacing the silhouette icon with a person's face and registering the icon. Hereinafter, a specific example of this form will be described.

  When the forward button 34 or the reverse button 36 is pushed in the screen state shown in FIG. 16, the icons (reference numerals 60 and 61) are sent, and a registration button 62 and an icon change button 64 as shown in FIG. Appears. Here, when the user presses the icon change button 64, the mode changes to an icon change mode, and the display changes to that shown in FIG.

  Next, the forward button 34 and the backward button 36 are operated on the screen of FIG. 18 to display the icon to be changed in the area between the forward button 34 and the backward button 36. FIG. 18 shows an example in which the silhouette icon 61 of the family 1 is displayed.

  When the icon selection button 66 is touched in this state, the registration frame 54 is displayed as shown in FIG. 19 and the image in the registration frame 54 is displayed in the preview area 56. The operation method for moving and enlarging / reducing the registration frame 54 is as described with reference to FIG. When the registration button 53 is pressed, the image in the registration frame 54 is registered as a new icon instead of the family 1 silhouette icon 61.

  Even if the icon image is changed in this way, the content of the personal information itself is not lost (replaced). Therefore, even if the face image of the icon is replaced because the actual appearance of the registered person has changed, the information on the same person can be used as it is.

  Further, when image additional information is input later, the information is automatically updated for all images stored in the digital still camera in which identification information is input by the icon.

  FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the above-described change mode sequence. When the change mode is started, a subject ID icon (reference numeral 61 in FIG. 18) and an icon selection button 66 are displayed on the display unit 10 together with the captured image as shown in FIG. 18 (step S501). Next, it is determined whether or not the feed button (reference numerals 34 and 36) has been pressed (step S502). If the forward button 34 has been pressed, the icon is forwarded (step S504) and replaced with another icon, and the process returns to step S502. If the reverse button 36 is pressed, the icon is reversely processed (step S506) and replaced with another icon, and the process returns to step S506.

  If the feed button (reference numerals 34 and 36) has not been pressed in step S506, it is then determined whether or not the icon selection button 66 has been pressed (step S508). If the icon selection button 66 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S502. When the icon selection button 66 is pressed, the registration frame 54 is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 19 (step S510). Then, the image in the registration frame 54 is displayed in the preview area 56 at the left end of the screen (step S512).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the enlargement / reduction button (reference numerals 34 and 36 in FIG. 19) has been pressed (step S514). If the enlargement button (reference numeral 34 in FIG. 19) has been pressed, the registration frame 54 is enlarged. After performing the process or the screen enlargement process (step S516), the process returns to step S514. On the other hand, when the reduction button (reference numeral 36 in FIG. 19) is pressed, the registration frame 54 is reduced or the screen is reduced (step S518), and the process returns to step S514.

  If the enlargement / reduction button has not been pressed in step S514, it is then determined whether or not the registration button (reference numeral 53 in FIG. 19) has been pressed (step S520). When the user obtains a desired iconized image and presses the registration button 53, a registration confirmation screen is displayed (step S522). On this confirmation screen, an OK button and a cancel button are displayed (not shown), and the user inputs whether or not final registration is possible (step S524).

  If the cancel button is pressed, the icon change registration is canceled and the process proceeds to step S526. On the other hand, when the OK button is pressed in step S524, the icon specified in the registration frame 54 is newly registered instead of the old icon. Subsequently, a button asking whether to input personal information (image additional information) to be added to the image is displayed (step S528). If it is selected not to input the image additional information, the change mode is ended (step S534). Even in this case, the image additional information can be registered later (at the time of reproduction).

  When it is selected to input the image additional information in step S528, for example, an information input screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed and information input by the user is accepted (step S530). After the user inputs various information via the input means such as the pen 58 or the keyboard, the input is confirmed (step S532). If the input is NG (input is not completed), the process returns to step S530 to re-enter the information. Accept.

  When the information input operation in step S530 is completed and it is confirmed that the input is OK, the information is registered and the change mode is ended (step S534).

  In step S520 described above, if the user has not pressed the registration button 53, it is next determined whether or not the return button 38 has been pressed (step S526). If the return button 38 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S520. Returning to S512, if the return button 38 is pressed, the change mode is terminated (step S534).

  Next, a method for deleting (deregistering) an icon will be described. The icon can be erased only during reproduction. That is, when the feed button (reference numerals 34 and 36) is operated from the screen of FIG. 4 or 16 during reproduction and the icon is sent, an erase button (not shown) appears. When this erase button is pressed, an erase menu as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. The forward button 34 or the reverse button 36 is pressed to display an erase menu for the icon to be erased. When the delete button 68 is pressed on the screen of the delete menu, as shown in FIG. 22, the delete item selection icons 70 and 71 are displayed together with a message asking whether to delete only the icon or all information including personal information. Is displayed.

  When the icon 70 for deleting only the icon is selected, a confirmation dialog 72 as shown in FIG. 23 appears. When the delete button 68 is pressed according to this display, the icon is deleted. In this case, only the person image of the icon is erased and the line image (silhouette) icon at the time of purchase as shown in FIG. 18 is restored, but the personal information associated with the icon is stored.

  On the other hand, when the icon 71 for deleting all information is selected on the screen of FIG. 22, a confirmation dialog 73 as shown in FIG. 24 appears. When the delete button 68 is pressed according to this display, all information including the icons and personal information associated with the icons is deleted. And it returns to the icon of the line drawing (silhouette) at the time of purchase as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 shows a flowchart of the above-described erase mode sequence. When the erasing mode is started, the information accompanying the icon and the erasing button 68 are displayed on the display unit 10 as described in FIG. 21 (step S601). Next, it is determined whether or not the feed button (reference numerals 34 and 36) has been pressed (step S602). If the forward button 34 is pressed, the icon is forwarded (step S604) and replaced with another icon, and the process returns to step S601. If the reverse button 36 is pressed, the icon is reversely processed (step S606), and replaced with another icon, and the process returns to step S601.

  If the feed button (reference numerals 34 and 36) has not been pressed in step S601, it is then determined whether or not the delete button 68 has been pressed (step S608). If the erase button 68 has not been pressed, the process jumps to step S626 to determine whether the return button 38 is pressed (step S626). If the return button 38 is not pressed, the process returns to step S601. If the return button 38 is pressed, the erasure mode is terminated (step S628).

  On the other hand, when the delete button 68 is pressed in step S608, the delete item selection icons 70 and 71 are displayed (step S610) as described with reference to FIG. 22, and only the icon is deleted or all information is deleted. The selection of whether to perform is accepted. Then, it is determined which erase item the user has selected (step S612).

  When the user selects to delete only the icon, the confirmation display described with reference to FIG. 23 is performed (step S614), and an input of final confirmation as to whether to execute the deletion or cancel the deletion operation is accepted.

  Next, it is determined whether the user has instructed to delete / cancel (step S616), and when the user inputs an instruction to execute the deletion, only the icon is deleted (step S618), and the process proceeds to step S626. Proceed to On the other hand, when cancellation is instructed by the user in step S616, the erasure is stopped and the process proceeds to step S626.

  If the user selects to delete all information in step S612, the confirmation display described with reference to FIG. 24 is performed (step S620), and the final confirmation of whether to execute deletion or cancel the deletion operation is performed. Accept.

  Next, it is determined whether the user has instructed to delete or cancel (step S622), and when the user inputs to instruct execution of deletion, the information of all items associated with the icon and the icon is deleted ( Step S624), the process proceeds to step S626. On the other hand, when cancellation is instructed by the user in step S622, the erasing operation is stopped and the process proceeds to step S626.

  In step S626, it is determined whether or not the return button 38 has been pressed. If the return button 38 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S601. If the return button 38 has been pressed, the erase mode is terminated (step S628). ).

  As described above, according to the digital still camera according to the present embodiment, a person icon is created from a photographed image, and information on the person can be registered in the icon. Identification information can be easily added to an image by a simple operation.

  In the above embodiment, the case where a shooting (release) instruction is given by the shutter button 9 has been described. However, it is also possible to use a touch of an icon as a shutter trigger. For example, the person icon 30 is displayed as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 7 at the time of shooting (while the moving image is displayed), and the person icon 30 displayed on the screen is touched to simultaneously record an image. You may comprise so that the information of an icon may be added.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 26 shows an external configuration of a digital still camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 27 shows an internal configuration thereof. In the second embodiment, the same or similar parts as those in the embodiment (first embodiment) described in FIGS. 1 to 25 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The digital still camera shown in FIG. 26 is different from the digital still camera of FIG. 1 in that a card reading unit 74 is added as an input unit for personal information (image additional information).

  A card reading unit 74 is formed on the right side surface of the digital still camera 1, and information acquisition control from the card reading unit 74 is performed by the CPU 22 built in the camera.

  In the recording unit 77 of the ID card 76 (recording medium), for example, information such as image information representing a person's face, name, relationship, date of birth, telephone number, office or school name is recorded in advance. When the ID card 76 is passed through the groove of the card reading unit 74 of the digital still camera 1, the information of the ID card 76 is read and the information recorded in the recording unit 77 is taken into the digital still camera 1.

  The form of the ID card 76 is not particularly limited, and may be a magnetic card or an IC card. Also, the reading method may be any method such as magnetic, optical, and electromagnetic. Of the information recorded on the ID card 76, it is preferable that the information to be captured in the captured image can be selectively restricted by the card owner protecting the information of specific items.

  Next, a method for registering information using an ID card will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 28, when an icon is sent by operating the forward button 34 or the backward button 36 after shooting or during reproduction, an ID card registration button 80 is displayed. Touching the ID card registration button 80 on this screen shifts to the ID card registration mode.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the sequence of the ID card registration mode. When the ID card registration mode is started, first, a message prompting the user to insert the ID card 76 into the card reading unit 74 is displayed on the screen of the display unit 10 to instruct the user to insert the ID card 76. (Step S701).

  When the user passes the ID card 76 through the groove of the card reading unit 74 according to this instruction, the information of the ID card 76 is read (step S702). Next, it is determined whether or not the information on the ID card 76 has been read (step S704). If the information on the ID card 76 has not been read, such as an ID card not inserted or an ID card reading error, the process will be described later. The process jumps to step S712.

  On the other hand, when the ID card 76 is correctly read in step S704, the acquired information is displayed on the display unit 10 (step S706). At this time, an OK button and a cancel button for confirming whether or not to register the acquired information are displayed on the screen, and a confirmation input by the user is accepted. At this time, among the read subject information, an image of the person's face as an icon picture may be displayed in the upper left area 10A of the display unit 10 or the like.

  Next, a confirmation instruction by the user is determined (step S708). If the OK button is pressed, registration of information read from the ID card 76 is executed (step S710). On the other hand, if the cancel button is pressed, registration of information read from the ID card 76 is stopped. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S712 to determine whether or not the return button 38 has been pressed. If the return button 38 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S701, and if the return button 38 has been pressed, the ID card registration mode is terminated.

  By inputting information using the ID card 76 in this way, operations such as extracting an icon image and inputting various information are not required at the time of icon registration, and information registration can be performed more easily. it can.

  In the second embodiment described above, the case where information to be registered is read from the ID card 76 has been described. However, the information acquisition method is not limited to this, and other information recording media may be used.

  In addition, a mode is also conceivable in which information to be registered is acquired by using communication means that transmits information to a remote place by electromagnetic or optical action or receives information from a remote place.

  FIGS. 30 and 31 show a mode (third embodiment of the present invention) in which image additional information can be directly received from a subject using a communication means. In the third embodiment, the same or similar parts as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The digital still camera 1 shown in FIG. 30 is different from the digital still camera shown in FIG. 1 in that a card reading unit (communication unit) 82 is added as information acquisition means on the front surface of the camera. The card reading unit 82 communicates with the information communication unit 85 of the ID card 84 shown in FIG. 31 and reads information recorded on the ID card 84. The communication method may be optical or electromagnetic. However, when the optical communication method is adopted, the ID card is captured when the subject is photographed. Therefore, it is desirable to adopt the electromagnetic communication method.

  The internal configuration of the digital still camera 1 is the same as the configuration of FIG. 27 except that the card reading unit 74 described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 31, when the camera is pointed at the subject 86 wearing the ID card 84 and the shutter button 9 is pressed, shooting is performed and communication with the ID card 84 of the subject 86 is made via the communication unit 82. The subject information is read from the ID card 84. The read subject information is automatically taken into the captured image and registered as a subject ID. Of the subject information read at this time, an image of the person's face as an icon picture is displayed (flashed) as a confirmation image in the upper left area 10 </ b> A of the image display unit 10. In this way, it is possible to check whether the person of the subject 86 is correct by displaying the confirmation image in a partial area 10A of the image display unit 10.

  In addition, when another person not to be photographed wears the same ID card 84, information of all persons in the direction facing the camera is taken into the digital still camera 1 and recorded together with the photographed image. In order to avoid such inconvenience, the person (subject) to be photographed with this camera has previously registered information that identifies the person in the camera in advance, and the registered person It is preferable that the information on the ID card 84 other than the above is not taken in.

  In this way, by registering a person to be photographed in advance in the camera, it is possible to prevent irrelevant information from being taken in and to prevent personal information from being stolen by a third party.

  By adopting a form in which the information of the ID card 84 is captured by communication as described above, image additional information can be input to the camera more easily, and personal information of the subject 86 is automatically added to the image at the same time as shooting. Is possible.

  Next, an example of a search unit for images recorded by the digital still camera described in the first to third embodiments will be described.

  In the description of the first to third embodiments, the case where identification information is added to an image has been mainly described. However, a digital still camera has a function of searching for an image using the added identification information. preferable.

  FIG. 32 shows an example of a search screen. When the image search mode is selected, for example, a search screen as shown in FIG. 32 is displayed. The search condition input icon is displayed at the left end of the screen. The user operates the forward button 34 and the reverse button 36 to select icons such as a person, a genre, and a date as appropriate. ) And OR (or) connectors, and a desired search condition is input.

  The current search condition displayed in the search condition display field 10B at the top of the screen can be scrolled in the left-right direction of the screen by a feed button (reference numerals 88 and 89).

  When the search condition is input with the icon at the left end of the screen, the index (reduced image) of the image that matches the condition is sequentially displayed on the index display portion 10C. The index images arranged and displayed on the index display section 10C can be enlarged and displayed by the enlargement display button 90, and can be scrolled to the left or right side of the screen by the feed buttons (reference numerals 91 and 92).

  Thus, the search condition can be easily input by adopting the same icon format as the input of the identification information for the input of the search condition. Further, by utilizing the information added to the image, it is possible to easily select an image that meets the search condition from the image data of a plurality of frames, and early search is possible.

[Appendix]
The present specification also discloses the following inventions (1) to (6).

  That is, the invention (1) is a digital still camera that records image data indicating a subject image obtained via a photographing lens and an image sensor in a recording unit, a display unit that displays the captured image, and a front surface of the display unit. An input touch panel, an input unit that displays an icon on the screen of the display unit, and selects an icon via the touch panel to input information associated with the icon; and the input unit There is provided a digital still camera comprising information adding means for adding input information to image data and recording the information in the recording unit.

  The invention (2) is the digital still camera of the invention (1), further comprising an icon creation means for creating an icon from the photographed image, and an information registration means for registering information associated with the icon created by the icon creation means; A digital still camera is provided.

  According to the invention (3), in the digital still camera of the invention (1), when an icon is further selected via the touch panel, the image data of the subject image is recorded in the recording unit and associated with the icon. It is possible to provide a digital still camera characterized by automatically adding information to the camera.

  The invention (4) is the digital still camera of the invention (1), further comprising reading means for reading information recorded on a recording medium, and icon creating means for creating an icon based on the information read from the reading means, And a digital still camera comprising at least one of information registration means for registering information associated with an icon based on information read from the reading means.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention provides the digital still camera according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the reading unit further includes a communication unit that communicates with a recording medium in a non-contact manner.

  The invention (6) is the digital still camera of the invention (1), further comprising a storage means capable of recording images for a plurality of frames in the recording section, and inputting a search condition using an icon of the input means. Search condition input means for searching, and image search means for searching for image data that meets the search condition from the image data stored in the storage means based on the information recorded by the information recording means And a digital still camera characterized by comprising:

  According to the invention (1), an image taken with a digital still camera is displayed on the display unit, and an information input icon is displayed on the screen. A touch panel is provided on the front surface of the display unit, and when the user selects a desired icon and touches the icon, information defined for the icon is added to the image as identification information. As described above, since the icon format is adopted as the information input means, the identification information can be easily added to the image.

  It is also possible to create an icon from the captured image, and a new icon can be created and registered by the icon creation means after shooting. In this case, new information may be defined for a newly created icon, or only the icon image that has already been registered may be replaced, and the information itself may not be changed.

  Further, selection of an icon from the touch panel may be used as a shutter trigger, and shooting (recording of a subject image) may be performed by touching the icon, and information about the icon may be added to the captured image. Thereby, the information input operation can be further simplified.

  According to another aspect of the invention (1), in the digital still camera having the above-described configuration, an icon is created based on reading means for reading information recorded on a recording medium and information read from the reading means. At least one of an icon creating unit for registering information associated with an icon based on information read from the reading unit.

  That is, information recorded on a recording medium such as an ID card can be read by a reading unit, an icon can be created based on the read information, and information associated with the icon can be registered.

  As a specific form of the reading unit, for example, a card reading unit that reads card information in a contact type or a non-contact type may be used, or a communication unit that communicates with a recording medium in a non-contact manner by an electromagnetic or optical action. The reading means having

  Furthermore, according to another aspect of the invention (1), the storage unit capable of recording images for a plurality of frames in the recording unit, and a search condition input for inputting a search condition using an icon of the input unit And image search means for searching, based on information recorded by the information recording means, image data that matches the search condition from among the image data of the plurality of frame portions stored in the storage means. It is characterized by that.

  By utilizing the information added to the image in this way, it is possible to easily select an image that meets the search condition from a large amount of stored image data, thereby enabling early search.

Front external view of a digital still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention Rear view of the digital still camera of FIG. Block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital still camera The figure which shows an example of the display screen of a digital still camera Flow chart showing the flow of operations in the shooting mode of a digital still camera Figure showing a display example of genre icons The figure which shows the other example of a genre icon display The flowchart which shows the imaging | photography sequence of the digital still camera which has a display form of FIG. Diagram showing a display example during image playback Flow chart showing the flow of operation in playback mode Figure showing a registration button display example Diagram showing how icons are registered Figure showing an example of personal information input Flowchart of the main sequence when performing a new icon registration process during shooting Flowchart of subroutine for inputting ID information and performing registration processing at the time of shooting A figure showing an example of the state of the icon at the time of product sales Figure showing a display example of the icon change menu screen Figure showing a display example of the icon selection screen Diagram showing how icons are registered Flow chart showing the flow of processing in icon change mode Figure showing a display example of the erase menu screen The figure which shows the example when the icon for the deletion item selection is displayed Figure showing an example of a confirmation dialog when deleting only the icon Figure showing an example of a confirmation dialog when deleting all information Flowchart diagram showing the flow of processing in the erase mode The block diagram of the digital still camera concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the digital still camera of FIG. The figure which shows the example of a display of ID card registration menu The figure which shows the processing content of ID card registration mode The block diagram of the digital still camera concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention Explanatory drawing used to describe the usage mode of the digital still camera shown in FIG. Figure showing a display example of the search screen

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital still camera, 2 ... Imaging part, 8 ... Power switch, 9 ... Shutter button, 10 ... Display part, 10B ... Search condition display column, 12 ... Touch panel, 16 ... Built-in memory (recording part), 22 ... Central processing Device (CPU), 30 ... person icon, 40 ... genre icon, 54 ... registration frame, 74 ... card reading unit, 76, 84 ... ID card (recording medium), 82 ... communication unit (card reading unit)

Claims (16)

In a digital still camera that records image data indicating a subject image obtained via a photographing lens and an image sensor in a recording unit,
A display unit for displaying captured images;
A touch panel disposed in front of the display unit;
A first icon row having a configuration in which a plurality of first icons representing first image identification information are continuously arranged in one direction on the screen of the display unit, and a second icon representing second image identification information And displaying a second icon string having a configuration in which a plurality of the icons are continuously arranged in one direction, and selecting the icon in the first icon string or the second icon string via the touch panel to associate with the icon. Input means for inputting the subject identification information,
Information adding means for adding subject identification information selected and input by the input means to image data and recording it in the recording section,
Each of the first icon row and the second icon row includes a forward button at one end of each end and a reverse button at the other end, and the first icon row and the second icon row are displayed along different sides of the display unit. Displayed at the same time, aligned with the edges of
When one or both of the first icon and the second icon are selected by the touch panel, subject identification information associated with the selected icon is added to the image data of the photographed image. The digital still camera is characterized in that the process of recording in the recording unit is executed.   2. The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the first icon row and the second icon row are displayed at the same time on the edge of the screen along different orthogonal sides of the display unit. .   3. The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the first image identification information is person identification information of a subject, and the second image identification information is subject identification information related to an image genre. A subject identification information multi-addition mode for adding a plurality of subject identification information to an image, and a subject identification information addition mode for adding a single subject information to an image;
When the subject identification information multi-addition mode is selected, one of the first image identification information and the second image identification information selected from the icons displayed on the display unit, Or multiple subject identification information can be added to the image,
When the subject identification information addition mode is selected, any one type of subject identification information selected from icons displayed on the display unit can be added to an image. The digital still camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   5. The digital still camera according to claim 4, wherein mode setting to the subject identification information multi-addition mode or the subject identification information addition mode is performed before photographing.   A captured image is displayed on the display unit, and at the same time, a mode selection menu for setting the subject identification information multi addition mode or the subject identification information addition mode is displayed, and the subject identification information multi mode is selected from the mode selection menu. 5. The digital still camera according to claim 4, wherein the setting is made to the addition mode or the subject identification information addition mode.   The icon is also used as a means for performing a shutter release operation, and the icon is selected via the touch panel while displaying a moving image during shooting obtained from the imaging means on the display unit. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a still image is recorded, and subject identification information of an icon related to the selection is added to the image and recorded in the recording unit. 6. Digital still camera. The recording unit has storage means capable of recording images for a plurality of frames,
Search condition input means for inputting a search condition using the icon of the input means;
Image search means for searching image data that meets the search condition from image data of a plurality of frames stored in the storage means based on information recorded by the information recording means;
The digital still camera according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: In a control method of a digital still camera for recording image data indicating a subject image obtained via a photographing lens and an image sensor in a recording unit,
A first icon row having a configuration in which a plurality of first icons representing first image identification information are continuously arranged in one direction on a screen of a display unit that displays a photographed image; and second image identification information And a second icon row having a configuration in which a plurality of second icons representing is continuously arranged in one direction,
By selecting an icon in the first icon row or the second icon row via a touch panel disposed on the front surface of the display unit, input of subject identification information associated with the icon is performed,
The selected subject input identification information is added to the image data and recorded in the recording unit.
Each of the first icon row and the second icon row includes a forward button at one end of each end and a reverse button at the other end, and the first icon row and the second icon row are displayed along different sides of the display unit. Display at the same time,
When one or both of the first icon and the second icon are selected by the touch panel, subject identification information associated with the selected icon is added to the image data of the photographed image. And executing a process of recording in the recording unit.   10. The digital still camera according to claim 9, wherein the first icon row and the second icon row are displayed at the same time in alignment with the edges of the screen along different orthogonal sides of the display unit. Control method.   11. The digital still camera control method according to claim 9, wherein the first image identification information is subject identification information of a subject, and the second image identification information is subject identification information related to an image genre. . A subject identification information multi-addition mode for adding a plurality of subject identification information to an image, and a subject identification information addition mode for adding a single subject information to an image;
When the subject identification information multi-addition mode is selected, one of the first image identification information and the second image identification information selected from the icons displayed on the display unit, Or add multiple subject identification information to the image,
12. When the subject identification information addition mode is selected, any one type of subject identification information selected from icons displayed on the display unit is added to an image. The control method of the digital still camera of any one of these.   13. The digital still camera control method according to claim 12, wherein mode setting to the subject identification information multi-addition mode or the subject identification information addition mode is performed before photographing.   A captured image is displayed on the display unit, and at the same time, a mode selection menu for setting the subject identification information multi addition mode or the subject identification information addition mode is displayed, and the subject identification information multi mode is selected from the mode selection menu. 13. The method for controlling a digital still camera according to claim 12, wherein the setting is made to the addition mode or the subject identification information addition mode.   The icon is also used as a means for performing a shutter release operation. If the icon is selected via the touch panel while the moving image video being shot obtained from the imaging means is being displayed on the display unit, the icon is stopped. The digital still camera according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein an image is recorded and subject identification information of an icon related to the selection is added to the image and recorded in the recording unit. Control method. Using storage means capable of recording images for a plurality of frames in the recording unit,
Inputting search conditions using the icon;
A step of searching image data that meets the search condition from the image data of the plurality of frame portions stored in the storage unit based on information recorded by the information recording unit;
16. The method for controlling a digital still camera according to claim 9, further comprising:

Images