JP4433297B2 - Imaging apparatus and image reproduction apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an image reproduction apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for searching for a desired image from images recorded on a recording medium.

  Conventionally, a direct print system is known in which a digital camera is connected to an external printer, and an image selected by the digital camera is transferred to an external printer for printing.

  Patent Document 1 describes that when selecting an image to be directly printed, a plurality of reduced images (thumbnail images) are displayed on a liquid crystal monitor on the back of the digital camera, and an image to be printed is selected from the plurality of thumbnail images. There is.

  Further, Patent Document 2 has a description of selecting a desired image by fast-forwarding a reduced image when selecting an image to be directly printed as in Patent Document 1.

On the other hand, Patent Document 3 describes an electronic still camera having a frame jump reproduction function and a direct access reproduction function in addition to one frame advance reproduction. That is, in the frame jump playback function, when the frame advance / frame return key is continuously pressed in the playback mode, only the frame number is incremented or decremented one by one, and the key is released when the desired frame number is displayed. This is a function that plays back the image of the displayed frame number. The direct access playback function enables the input of a frame number when the release switch is pressed in the playback mode. When the release switch is pressed again), it is a function that plays the image of the entered frame number.
Japanese Patent No. 3427837 Japanese Patent No. 3427838 JP-A-10-174034

  With the recent increase in memory capacity used in digital cameras, it has become possible to record a large number of images in one memory. For example, as many as 1000 images can be recorded in a 512 MB memory.

  When selecting a desired image (image to be printed, etc.) from a memory in which a large number of images are recorded, it takes a lot of time and effort to search while playing back the images one by one on the LCD monitor on the back of the digital camera. There is a problem that it takes.

  As described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the search speed can be improved by displaying a multi-screen consisting of multiple thumbnail images on the LCD monitor or displaying thumbnail images at a fast forward speed. However, it takes a lot of time and labor to search for a desired image.

  On the other hand, the invention described in Patent Document 3 uses the frame jump playback function and the direct access playback function, so that a desired image can be retrieved quickly even if a large number of images are recorded in the memory. However, Patent Document 3 does not include a description regarding proper use of functions according to the number of images recorded in the memory.

  In addition, when searching for a desired image from a large number of images, the search is performed based on the date (event) at which the desired image was taken, but the frame jump playback function described in Citation 3 is played back for each date. There is a problem that there is no function for jumping images and it is difficult to find a desired image.

  Furthermore, some digital cameras have an auto play mode in which images recorded in a memory are automatically and sequentially played back at predetermined intervals. The automatic playback in the auto play mode is recorded in the memory. There is a problem that images are reproduced in order from the first image among the images, and images cannot be skipped during automatic reproduction.

The purpose of the present invention, one frame advance playback function and, and a skip reproduction function of reproducing by skipping images for each date, and the image pickup apparatus and an image reproducing apparatus which can selectively use these playback functions easily Is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an imaging apparatus having a photographing mode for recording a photographed image on a recording medium, and a reproduction mode for displaying the image recorded on the recording medium on a display means. Detecting means for detecting the date of the image displayed on the display means in the reproduction mode; and frame advance instruction means for instructing one frame advance or one frame return of the image displayed on the display means in the reproduction mode. When the frame advance instruction by the frame advance instruction means continues for a predetermined time or more in the playback mode, the image having the nearest date after the date of the currently displayed image is searched from the recording medium, and the frame If the one-frame backward instruction by the sending instruction means continues for a certain time or more, the image with the closest date before the date of the currently displayed image is displayed as the above-mentioned date. In accordance with a search means for searching from the medium and a one-frame advance or one-frame return instruction by the frame advance instruction means, images are sequentially read out from the recording medium and displayed on the display means, and the images searched by the search means Control means for displaying on the display means, the control means, after the frame advance instruction means has instructed one frame advance or one frame return for the predetermined time or more, and then again sends one frame or one frame again. When returning is instructed, images are displayed in order from the searched image according to the instruction.

  That is, the imaging apparatus has a one-frame advance playback function and a skip playback function that skips and plays back images for each date, and the transition from the one-frame advance playback function to the skip playback function is performed by frame advance. This is performed when the frame advance instruction by the instruction means continues for a predetermined time or more. Thereby, it is possible to search for a desired image by skipping every date.

The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 as shown in claim 2, the can with an image found by said searching means that are displayed on the display unit, the search mode for accepting an input of the frame number or date A search mode setting means capable of setting; and an input means for inputting an arbitrary frame number or date in the search mode; and the control means confirms the input of the frame number or date by the input means The image having the frame number or date for which the input has been confirmed is read from the recording medium and displayed on the display means. In other words, in addition to the skip playback function, a direct playback function has been added so that a desired image can be efficiently searched even when a large number of images with different dates are recorded on the recording medium. Yes.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reproduction apparatus for displaying an image recorded on a recording medium on a display unit, a detection unit for detecting a date of an image displayed on the display unit, and a display unit displayed on the display unit. If the frame advance instruction means for instructing one frame advance or one frame return of the image and the frame advance instruction by the frame advance instruction means continues for a predetermined time or more, the nearest date after the date of the currently displayed image When a dated image is retrieved from the recording medium and the frame return instruction by the frame advance instruction means continues for a predetermined time or longer, the image with the closest date before the date of the currently displayed image is retrieved from the recording medium. In accordance with a search means for searching and a frame advance or reverse instruction by the frame advance instruction means, images are sequentially read out from the recording medium and the table is displayed. And a control means for causing the display means to display the image searched by the search means, and the control means sends one frame or one frame longer than the predetermined time from the frame feed instruction means. When an instruction for returning is issued, when one frame advance or one frame return is instructed again, images are displayed in order from the searched image according to the instruction.

According to the present invention, in addition to the one-frame advance playback function, there is a skip playback function that skips and plays back images for each date, and these playback functions can be used properly only by operating the frame advance instruction means. because you, date every skip can find a desired image.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an imaging apparatus and an image reproducing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a rear view of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the mode dial 1 of the imaging apparatus (digital camera) 10 can be set to any one of the manual shooting mode, auto shooting mode, portrait mode, and the like by rotating. It has become. A shooting button 2 is provided at the center of the mode dial 1.

  On the back of the digital camera 10, as shown in FIG. 1, a finder eyepiece 3, a power button 4, a display key 5, a mode switching lever 6, a cancel key 7, a menu / OK key 8, and a multi-button composed of up / down / left / right keys. An image display device 28 including a function cross key 9 and a liquid crystal monitor is provided.

  The image display device 28 displays the operation mode of the camera, the function of the cross key 9 and the like with characters and icons. In addition, the image display device 28 can display a moving image (through image) and use it as an electronic viewfinder, and can also display a captured image (preview image), a reproduced image read from a recording medium loaded in the camera, and the like. Can be displayed. Furthermore, the image display device 10 displays various menus for manually setting the number of frames that can be shot and the number of playback frames, white balance when manually setting, number of pixels, compression rate, sharpness, and the like. It is displayed according to the operation of the key 8 or the cross key 9. Further, as will be described later, the image display device 28 also displays a screen for prompting the user to input the frame number or date of the image to be reproduced.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 1, a digital camera 10 has a function of recording and reproducing a still image and a moving image, and the overall operation of the digital camera 10 is centrally controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 12. The CPU 12 functions as a control means for controlling the camera system according to a predetermined program, and performs various calculations such as automatic exposure (AE) calculation, automatic focus adjustment (AF) calculation, white balance (WB) adjustment calculation, etc. Functions as a means.

  A ROM 16 connected to the CPU 12 via the bus 14 stores programs executed by the CPU 12, various data necessary for control, and the like, and an EEPROM 17 stores CCD pixel defect information, various constants / information related to camera operation, and the like. Has been.

  The memory (SDRAM) 18 is used as a program development area and a calculation work area for the CPU 12, and is also used as a temporary storage area for image data and audio data. The VRAM 20 is a temporary storage memory dedicated to image data, and includes an A area 20A and a B area 20B. The memory 18 and the VRAM 20 can be shared.

  Signals from various operation means such as the shooting button 2, the mode switching lever 6, the cancel key 7, the menu / OK key 8, and the cross key 9 shown in FIG. 1 are input to the CPU 12, and the CPU 12 performs digital processing based on the input signals. Each circuit of the camera 10 is controlled, and for example, lens drive control, photographing operation control, image processing control, image data recording / reproduction control, display control of the image display device 28, and the like are performed.

  The mode switching lever 6 is an operation means for switching between the shooting mode and the reproduction mode. When the mode switching lever 6 is operated to connect the movable contact piece 6A to the contact a, the signal is input to the CPU 12, the digital camera 10 is set to the photographing mode, and the movable contact piece 6A is connected to the contact b. The digital camera 10 is set to a playback mode for playing back recorded images.

  The shooting button 2 is an operation button for inputting an instruction to start shooting, and is composed of a two-stroke switch having an S1 switch that is turned on when half-pressed and an S2 switch that is turned on when fully pressed.

  The menu / OK key 8 has both a function as a menu button for instructing to display a menu on the screen of the image display device 28 and a function as an OK button for instructing confirmation and execution of selection contents. Operation key. The cross key 9 is an operation unit for inputting instructions in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and serves as a button (cursor moving operation means) for selecting an item from the menu screen or instructing selection of various setting items from each menu. Function. The up / down key of the cross key 9 functions as a zoom switch at the time of shooting or a playback zoom switch at the time of playback, and the left / right key functions as a frame advance (forward / reverse feed) key in the playback mode. . The cancel key 7 is used to delete a desired object such as a selection item, cancel an instruction content, or return to the previous operation state.

  The image display device 28 can be used as an electronic viewfinder for checking the angle of view at the time of shooting, and is used as a means for reproducing and displaying a recorded image. The image display device 28 is also used as a user interface display screen, and displays information such as menu information, selection items, and setting contents as necessary.

  The digital camera 10 has a media socket (media mounting portion) 30, and a recording medium 32 can be mounted on the media socket 30. The form of the recording medium is not particularly limited, and various media such as a semiconductor memory card represented by xD-PictureCard (trademark) and smart media (trademark), a portable small hard disk, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and a magneto-optical disk are used. be able to.

  The media controller 34 performs necessary signal conversion in order to deliver an input / output signal suitable for the recording medium 32 attached to the media socket 30.

  The digital camera 10 also includes a USB interface unit 36 as a communication means for connecting to a personal computer, an external printer, and other external devices. By connecting the camera 10 and an external device using a USB cable (not shown), it is possible to exchange data with the external device. Of course, the communication method is not limited to USB, and IEEE1394, Bluetooth, or other communication methods may be applied.

  Next, the photographing function of the digital camera 10 will be described.

  When the shooting mode is selected by the mode switching lever 6, power is supplied to an imaging unit including a color CCD solid-state imaging device (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 38, and the camera is ready for shooting.

  The lens unit 40 is an optical unit that includes a photographic lens 42 including a focus lens and an aperture / mechanical shutter 44. The lens unit 40 is electrically driven by a lens driving unit 46 and a diaphragm driving unit 48 controlled by the CPU 12 to perform zoom control, focus control, and iris control.

  The light that has passed through the lens unit 40 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 38. A large number of photodiodes (light receiving elements) are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 38, and red (R), green (G), and blue (B) primary color filters corresponding to the respective photodiodes. They are arranged in a predetermined arrangement structure (Bayer, G stripe, etc.). The CCD 38 has an electronic shutter function for controlling the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) of each photodiode. The CPU 12 controls the charge accumulation time in the CCD 38 via the timing generator 50. Instead of the CCD 38, another type of image sensor such as a MOS type may be used.

  The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 38 is converted into a signal charge of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photodiode. The signal charge accumulated in each photodiode is sequentially read out as a voltage signal (image signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on a drive pulse given from the timing generator 50 in accordance with a command from the CPU 12.

  The signal output from the CCD 38 is sent to an analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 52, where the R, G, B signals for each pixel are sampled and held (correlated double sampling processing), amplified, and then A / Applied to the D converter 54. The dot-sequential R, G, B signals converted into digital signals by the A / D converter 54 are stored in the memory 18 via the image input controller 56.

  The image signal processing circuit 58 processes the R, G, B signals stored in the memory 18 in accordance with a command from the CPU 12. That is, the image signal processing circuit 58 includes a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that converts a color signal into a simultaneous expression by interpolating a spatial shift of the color signal associated with the color filter array of the single CCD), a white balance correction circuit, It functions as an image processing means including a gamma correction circuit, a contour correction circuit, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, etc., and performs predetermined signal processing using the memory 18 in accordance with commands from the CPU 12. The RGB image data input to the image signal processing circuit 58 is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cb signal) by the image signal processing circuit 58, and predetermined processing such as gamma correction is performed. Applied. The image data processed by the image signal processing circuit 58 is stored in the VRAM 20.

  When the captured image is output to the image display device 28 on the monitor, the image data is read from the VRAM 20 and sent to the video encoder 60 via the bus 14. The video encoder 60 converts the input image data into a predetermined signal for display (for example, an NTSC color composite video signal) and outputs the signal to the image display device 28.

  Image data representing an image for one frame is rewritten alternately in the A region 20A and the B region 20B by the image signal output from the CCD 38. Of the A area 20A and B area 20B of the VRAM 20, the written image data is read from an area other than the area where the image data is rewritten. In this manner, the image data in the VRAM 20 is periodically rewritten, and a video signal generated from the image data is supplied to the image display device 28, whereby the image being captured is displayed on the image display device 28 in real time. Is done. The photographer can check the shooting angle of view from the video (through movie image) displayed on the image display device 28.

  When the shooting button 2 is pressed halfway and S1 is turned on, the camera 10 starts AE and AF processing. That is, the image signal output from the CCD 38 is input to the AF detection circuit 62 and the AE / AWB detection circuit 64 via the image input controller 56 after A / D conversion.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 64 includes a circuit that divides one screen into a plurality of areas (for example, 16 × 16) and accumulates RGB signals for each divided area, and provides the accumulated value to the CPU 12. The CPU 12 detects the brightness of the subject (subject brightness) based on the integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB detection circuit 64, and calculates an exposure value (shooting EV value) suitable for shooting. According to the obtained exposure value and a predetermined program diagram, the aperture value and the shutter speed are determined, and the CPU 12 controls the electronic shutter and iris of the CCD 38 according to this to obtain an appropriate exposure amount.

  Further, the AE / AWB detection circuit 64 calculates an average integrated value for each color of the RGB signals for each divided area during automatic white balance adjustment, and provides the calculation result to the CPU 12. The CPU 12 obtains the integrated value of R, the integrated value of B, and the integrated value of G, obtains the ratio of R / G and B / G for each divided area, and R of these R / G and B / G values. The light source type is determined based on the distribution in the color space of / G, B / G, etc., and, for example, the value of each ratio is approximately 1 (that is, in one screen) according to the white balance adjustment value suitable for the determined light source type The gain values (white balance correction values) for the R, G, and B signals of the white balance adjustment circuit are controlled so that the RGB integration ratio becomes R: G: B≈1: 1: 1), and the signal of each color channel. Apply correction to. If the gain value of the white balance adjustment circuit is adjusted so that the above-described ratio values are values other than 1, an image in which a certain color remains can be generated.

  The AF control in the digital camera 10 is, for example, a contrast for moving a focusing lens (a moving lens that contributes to focus adjustment in the lens optical system constituting the photographing lens 42) so that the high-frequency component of the G signal of the video signal is maximized. AF is applied. That is, the AF detection circuit 62 cuts out a signal in a focus target area set in advance in a high-pass filter that passes only a high-frequency component of the G signal, an absolute value processing unit, and a screen (for example, the center of the screen). An area extraction unit and an integration unit that integrates absolute value data in the AF area are configured.

  The integrated value data obtained by the AF detection circuit 62 is notified to the CPU 12. The CPU 12 calculates a focus evaluation value (AF evaluation value) at a plurality of AF detection points while moving the focusing lens by controlling the lens driving unit 46, and determines a lens position where the evaluation value is a maximum as a focus position. To do. Then, the lens driving unit 46 is controlled so as to move the focusing lens to the obtained in-focus position. The calculation of the AF evaluation value is not limited to a mode using the G signal, and a luminance signal (Y signal) may be used.

  The shooting button 24 is half-pressed, AE / AF processing is performed when S1 is turned on, the shooting button 24 is fully pressed, and the shooting operation for recording starts when S2 is turned on. The image data acquired in response to S2 ON is converted into a luminance / color difference signal (Y / C signal) by the image signal processing circuit 58, subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction, and then stored in the memory 18. The

  The Y / C signal stored in the memory 18 is compressed according to a predetermined format by the compression / decompression circuit 66 and then recorded on the recording medium 32 via the media controller 34. For example, a still image is recorded in JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format.

  Next, a case where a desired image such as an image to be printed at the time of reproduction in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is reproduced will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of processing during reproduction in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

  In the figure, when the playback mode is selected by the mode switching lever 6 (step S10), the compressed data of the last image file (last recorded file) recorded on the recording medium 32 is read out. The read image compression data is expanded to an uncompressed YC signal via the compression / decompression circuit 66, converted into a display signal via the image signal processing circuit 58 and the video encoder 60, and then displayed. It is output to the device 28. Thereby, the image content of the file is reproduced on the screen of the image display device 28 (step S12).

  Subsequently, the user determines whether or not to perform the print setting of the reproduced image (step S14). If the print setting is not performed, the CPU 12 determines whether the right / left key of the cross key 9 has been pressed (step S14). It is determined whether or not (step S16).

  If the right / left key is not turned on, the process returns to step S14, and if it is turned on, one-frame advance playback is performed (step S18). That is, the next frame number of the frame number of the currently displayed image, or the previous frame number (the next frame number when the right key is turned on, one frame when the left key is turned on) The previous frame number) image file is read from the recording medium 32, and the image is reproduced and displayed on the image display device 28 in the same manner as described above.

  Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the right / left key turned on in step S16 is continuously turned on for a certain period (for example, 1 second or longer) (step S20). If the right / left key is not continuously turned on for a certain period, the process returns to step S14. By repeating the processes in steps S14 to S20, forward frame advance / reverse frame advance can be performed one frame at a time.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the right / left key of the cross key 9 is continuously turned on for a certain period, the number of images recorded on the recording medium 32 is determined to be a predetermined number. It is determined whether or not the above is true (step S22). Here, the predetermined number of sheets serving as the determination criterion can be, for example, 100 sheets.

  When it is determined that the number of shots is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (the number of shots is large), the process proceeds from the one-frame advance playback function to the direct playback function (step S30).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the direct reproduction process. As shown in the figure, when the direct reproduction function is entered, an input screen for “frame number” and “date” is displayed on the image currently displayed on the image display device 28 (step S31).

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the screen of the image display device 28 on which the input screens for “frame number” and “date” are displayed.

  In the “frame number” column 70 and the “date” column 72 of the input screen of FIG. 5, for example, the up / down keys of the cross key 9 are used to up and down the numbers, and the right / left keys of the cross key 9 are used. By moving the “frame number” digit and the “date” date, you can enter any frame number or date.

  When an arbitrary frame number is entered in the “frame number” column 70, the date corresponding to the image of that frame number is reflected in the display of the “date” column 72, and the “date” column When an arbitrary date (year / month / day) is input to 72, the frame number corresponding to the image of that date is reflected in the display of the “frame number” column 70.

  When the direct playback function is entered, the frame number or date image input in the “frame number” column 70 or “date” column 72 is recorded on the recording medium 32 in the image display device 28. A bar graph 74 indicating the positions in all the images is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the menu / OK key 8 is turned on after inputting “frame number” or “date” (step S33). Returning to step S34, if turned on, the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S34, the “frame number” or “date” image input and designated in step S32 is extracted from the recording medium 32, the image is displayed on the image display device 28, and the process returns to step S14 in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, both the frame number and date can be entered on the input screen for “frame number” and “date”. The “addition” column 72 may be displayed exclusively so that only one of them can be input. In this case, which input is allowed is appropriately set on a menu screen (not shown).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 in FIG. 3 that the number of images recorded on the recording medium 32 is less than the predetermined number, the frame advance playback function is shifted to the fast forward playback function (step S40). ).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the fast forward reproduction process. As shown in the figure, when the fast forward playback function is entered, a fast forward playback screen is displayed on the image display device 28 (step S41).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a fast-forward playback screen displayed on the image display device 28. As shown in the figure, the fast-forward playback screen displays thumbnail images 76 for three frames below the image displayed during single-frame playback, and is recorded on the recording medium 32 of the central thumbnail image. A bar graph 74 indicating the position in the entire image is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the right / left key of the cross key 9 is continuously ON (step S42). If the right / left key is continuously ON, the thumbnail image 76 and the bar graph 78 are updated, and the process returns to step S41 (step S43). Accordingly, the three-frame thumbnail image 76 displayed on the image display device 28 can be fast-forwarded by continuously turning on the right / left key.

  On the other hand, when the right / left key is turned off, the central thumbnail image of the three thumbnail images displayed at the time of turning off is displayed on the image display device 28 as a single frame, and the process returns to step S14 in FIG. .

  In step S14 in FIG. 3, when print settings are made for an image displayed on the image display device 28 by operating the right / left key, for example, the menu / OK key 8 and the cross key 9 are operated to operate the print menu. The process proceeds to step S50 for print setting.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the print setting process. As shown in the figure, the number of prints is set in step S51. The number of prints is set by up / down the number using the up / down key of the cross key 9.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not to print (whether or not the menu / OK key 8 is turned on). If the menu / OK key 8 is not turned on, it is determined whether or not the cancel key 7 is turned on (step S53).

  If the cancel key 7 is not turned on and the menu / OK key 8 is turned on, the image data of the image displayed on the image display device 28 is read from the recording medium 32, and the read image data and the step S51. The number of prints set in (1) is transmitted to an external printer (not shown) connected to the USB interface unit 36 (step S54).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of processing during reproduction in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention. Steps common to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are given the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, when it is determined that the right / left key of the cross key 9 is continuously turned on for a certain period of time, it is determined whether or not the number of images to be taken is equal to or more than a predetermined number. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, when it is determined in step S20 that the right / left key is continuously turned on for a certain period, in the embodiment shown in FIG. An image having a date next to the date of the displayed image is reproduced (step S60).

  Here, when the right key is continuously turned on for a certain period of time, the image with the closest date after the date of the image currently displayed on the image display device 28 (there are a plurality of images with that date). In this case, the image with the earliest time) is searched from the recording medium 32. On the other hand, if the left key is continuously turned on for a certain period, the date of the image currently displayed on the image display device 28 is displayed. An image with the closest date before the date (the image with the latest time when there are a plurality of images with the date) is searched from the recording medium 32, and the searched image is displayed on the image display device 28.

  Thereafter, when the right / left key that has been continuously turned on for a certain period is turned off (step S62), whether the right / left key is turned on again, or whether the menu / OK key 8 is turned on. Is determined (steps S64 and S66).

  If the right / left key is turned on before the menu / OK key 8, the process proceeds to step S14. If the menu / OK key 8 is turned on before the right / left key, the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, “frame number” or “date” is set, and the image of the set “frame number” or “date” is directly read out to display the image display device 28. Can be displayed.

  That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, by turning on the right / left key continuously for a certain period, only the image with the earliest time among the images with the same date or the images with the same date is displayed. Only the image with the latest time can be displayed in sequence, and the “frame number” or “date” can be displayed by turning on the menu / OK key 8 immediately after turning on the right / left key for a certain period. "Can be directly played back.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of processing during reproduction in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention. Steps common to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are given the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, when the right / left key of the cross key 9 is continuously turned on for a certain period and the number of images to be photographed is a predetermined number or more, the direct reproduction function is entered. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the USB interface unit 36 of the digital camera 10 and an external printer (not shown) can be directly played back. It is determined whether or not a connection has been made (step S70). If a connection has been made, the process proceeds to step S30, and an image in which “frame number” or “date” is set can be directly reproduced.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of the process during reproduction in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention. Steps common to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 are given the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, control is performed when the right / left key is continuously turned on for a certain period in a state where one-frame advance reproduction is performed by operating the right / left key of the cross key 9. However, the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is different in that the control is performed when the right / left key is continuously turned on for a certain period in the state where automatic reproduction is performed in the auto play mode.

  Here, the auto play mode is a mode in which an image recorded on the recording medium 32 is automatically and sequentially reproduced at a predetermined interval from the top frame, and is set by operating the menu / OK key 8 in the reproduction mode. Can do.

  That is, when it is determined in step S80 in FIG. 11 that the auto play mode is set, one-frame advance playback is performed at a predetermined interval. Here, when the right / left key is continuously turned on for a certain period (step S20), the image jumps to the image having the next date and is reproduced (step S60). When the menu / OK key 8 is turned ON after jumping to an image having the next date (step S66), the process proceeds to step S30. Here, as described with reference to FIGS. ”Or“ date ”can be jumped to and played back. After jumping to the image with the next date, when the right / left key is turned ON again, or after jumping to the “frame number” or “date” image specified in the direct playback, the jump is made. Auto play in auto play mode resumes from the image.

  In this embodiment, a digital camera has been described as an example of the imaging device. However, the imaging device according to the present invention may be an imaging device such as a camera-equipped mobile phone or a digital video camera. The image playback apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to a digital camera having a playback function, and may be a device capable of playing back images, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) and a personal computer.

FIG. 1 is a rear view of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of processing during reproduction in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the direct reproduction process. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the image display device on which input screens for “frame number” and “date” are displayed. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the fast forward reproduction process. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a fast-forward playback screen displayed on the image display device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the print setting process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of processing during reproduction in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of processing during reproduction in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of the process during reproduction in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Mode dial, 2 ... Shooting button, 6 ... Mode switching lever, 7 ... Cancel key, 8 ... Menu / OK key, 9 ... Cross key, 10 ... Imaging device (digital camera), 12 ... CPU, 16 ... ROM, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 ... EEPROM, 18 ... Memory, 28 ... Image display apparatus, 32 ... Recording medium, 38 ... Color CCD solid-state image sensor (CCD), 40 ... Lens unit, 42 ... Shooting lens, 58 ... Image signal processing circuit

Claims (3)

In an imaging apparatus having a shooting mode for recording a shot image on a recording medium, and a playback mode for displaying the image recorded on the recording medium on a display means,
Detecting means for detecting a date of an image displayed on the display means in the reproduction mode;
Frame advance instruction means for instructing one frame advance or one frame return of the image displayed on the display means in the playback mode;
When the frame advance instruction by the frame advance instruction means continues in the playback mode for a predetermined time or longer, the image having the closest date after the date of the currently displayed image is searched from the recording medium, and the frame advance instruction Search means for searching the recording medium for an image with the closest date prior to the date of the currently displayed image when the one-frame backward instruction by the means continues for a certain period of time;
Control for sequentially reading out images from the recording medium and displaying them on the display means in accordance with a one-frame advance or one-frame return instruction from the frame advance instruction means, and displaying the images retrieved by the search means on the display means Means, and
After the frame advance instruction means has instructed one frame advance or one frame return for the predetermined time or more, and when one frame advance or one frame return is instructed again, the control means performs the search according to the instruction. An image pickup apparatus that displays images in order from the first image. To come and an image retrieved by said retrieval means that is displayed on the display means, a frame number or date search mode search mode setting means which can be set to accept the input of,
An input means for inputting an arbitrary frame number or date in the search mode,
When the input of the frame number or date by the input means is confirmed, the control means reads an image having the confirmed frame number or date from the recording medium and displays the image on the display means. The imaging device according to claim 1 . In an image reproducing apparatus for displaying an image recorded on a recording medium on a display means,
Detecting means for detecting a date of an image displayed on the display means;
Frame advance instruction means for instructing one frame advance or one frame return of the image displayed on the display means;
When the frame advance instruction by the frame advance instruction means continues for a certain time or longer, the image having the closest date after the date of the currently displayed image is searched from the recording medium, and one frame by the frame advance instruction means is retrieved. When the return instruction continues for a certain time or longer, search means for searching the recording medium for an image with the closest date before the date of the currently displayed image;
Control for sequentially reading out images from the recording medium and displaying them on the display means in accordance with a one-frame advance or one-frame return instruction from the frame advance instruction means, and displaying the images retrieved by the search means on the display means Means, and
After the frame advance instruction means has instructed one frame advance or one frame return for the predetermined time or more, and when one frame advance or one frame return is instructed again, the control means performs the search according to the instruction. An image reproducing apparatus for displaying images in order from the first image.

Images