JP4438332B2 - ELECTRONIC DEVICE, MONITOR DISPLAY METHOD AND PROGRAM USED FOR THE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having a photographing function such as a digital camera, and more particularly to an electronic apparatus suitable for use when displaying an object of a subject at the time of photographing, a monitor display method used for the electronic apparatus, and Regarding the program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, some digital cameras have a monitor display function called an “electronic finder” for displaying an image of a subject captured as a shooting target (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The desired image can be obtained by pressing the shutter key at the optimal timing while checking the subject.
[0003]
In addition, as a method for extracting and displaying an arbitrary portion of an image of a subject, for example, a method of extracting an image of a portion designated by an operation of a pointing device and enlarging and displaying the image on another screen is known (for example, patents). Reference 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-239285
[0005]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-11-346358
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described in Patent Document 1, the digital camera can perform shooting while checking the subject on the monitor screen. However, on this monitor screen, although the entire image of the subject can be confirmed, it cannot be used to confirm only a certain part of it.
[0007]
Further, as in Patent Document 2, there is a method of extracting and displaying a portion designated by the operation of the pointing device, but such a designation operation is very troublesome, and the user himself / herself wants a desired portion. Since it is necessary to point to, it is not possible to use it when it is not known where the requested part is displayed.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and is used in an electronic device that allows a user to easily check a portion desired by a user in an image of a subject displayed on a monitor screen. An object of the present invention is to provide a monitor display method and program.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 Is A camera for photographing the subject, display means for displaying an image of the subject photographed by the camera on a monitor screen, and a search target among the images of the subject displayed on the monitor screen by the display means Condition specifying means for specifying a search condition for searching for an object, and an image of the subject based on the search condition specified by the condition specifying means In the search object Search means for searching for the corresponding part, and display control means for displaying the part searched by the search means in a specific display form so as to be distinguished from other parts on the monitor screen; While displaying the part searched by the display control means, The part searched by the search means Shape Frame In a specific display form An electronic device comprising: frame display means for displaying at the center of the monitor screen.
Invention of Claim 2 Is , The electronic device according to claim 1, The display control means displays a portion searched for by the search means in the subject image in color, and displays other portions in monochrome.
Invention of Claim 3 Is , The electronic device according to claim 1, The display control means visualizes and displays only a portion searched for by the search means in the subject image.
Invention of Claim 4 Is , The electronic device according to claim 1, The display control means displays a part other than the part searched for by the search means in the image of the subject in a translucent state.
Invention of Claim 5 Is , The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The condition specifying means specifies the color of the search object as a search condition.
Invention of Claim 6 Is , The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The condition specifying means specifies the color and shape of the search object as a search condition.
Invention of Claim 7 Is A monitor display method used in an electronic device including a camera for photographing a subject, the step of displaying an image of the subject photographed by the camera on a monitor screen; and the display on the monitor screen A step of displaying a condition designation screen for designating a search condition for searching for a search object in the subject image; and from the subject image based on the search condition designated on the condition designation screen. In the search object A step of searching for a corresponding portion, and a portion searched based on the search means is displayed in a specific display form so as to be distinguished from other portions on the monitor screen control And steps to While displaying the part searched by the display control, Part searched based on the search condition Shape Frame In a specific display form And a step of displaying at the center of the monitor screen. Invention of Claim 8 Is A program executed by a computer mounted on an electronic device equipped with a camera for photographing a subject, the computer displaying a picture of the subject photographed by the camera on a monitor screen; A function for displaying a condition specifying screen for specifying a search condition for searching for a search object in the image of the subject displayed on the monitor screen, and a search condition specified on the condition specifying screen; From the subject image In the search object A function for searching for a corresponding part, and a part displayed based on the search condition are displayed in a specific display form so as to be distinguished from other parts on the monitor screen. control Function to While displaying the part searched by the display control, Part searched based on the search condition Shape Frame In a specific display form A program for realizing the function of displaying at the center of the monitor screen.
[0010]
According to such a configuration, when the subject image is displayed on the monitor screen, the search condition is designated, so that the subject image can be selected based on the designated search condition. In the search object The relevant part is searched and displayed in a specific display form so that the part can be distinguished from other parts on the monitor screen. control Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm the part that the user is seeking on the monitor screen.
Also, While displaying the part searched by the display control, based on the search condition Searched part Shape Is framed In a specific display form Since the image is displayed at the center of the screen, an image centered on a desired portion can be obtained by taking an image with the display position of the frame as a guide.
[0011]
In this case, the color of the search object is specified as the search condition. When the color of the search object is specified, a portion having the specified color is searched from the subject image. Alternatively, the color and shape of the search object are designated as the search condition. When the color of the search object is specified, a portion having the specified color and shape is searched from the image of the subject.
[0012]
Further, when a portion that matches the search condition is searched, only the searched portion is visualized and displayed as the specific display form. Alternatively, as the specific display form, a portion other than the searched portion is displayed in a translucent state. Alternatively, as the specific display form, the searched portion is displayed in color, and other portions are displayed in monochrome.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows an external configuration when a digital camera is used as the electronic apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 (A) is a perspective view mainly showing a front side configuration, and FIG. 1 (B) is mainly a rear side configuration. is there.
[0017]
The digital camera 1 includes a photographing lens 2, a self-timer lamp 3, an optical viewfinder window 4, a microphone unit 5, a strobe light emitting unit 6, and a rubber grip 7 on the front surface of a substantially rectangular thin plate body. A power key 8 and a shutter key 9 are arranged on the right end side (for the user).
[0018]
The rubber grip 7 is made of rubber and is disposed so that the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger of the right hand can securely hold the housing when the user grips the digital camera 1 with the right hand from the right side of the housing at the time of shooting. It is a band-like projection.
[0019]
The power key 8 is a key that is operated every time the power is turned on / off, and the shutter key 9 instructs the photographing timing in the photographing mode.
[0020]
On the back of the digital camera 1, a mode switch (SW) 10, a speaker unit 11, a menu key 12, a cross key 13, a set key 14, an optical finder 15, a strobe charge lamp 16, and a display unit 17 are arranged.
[0021]
The mode switch 10 is constituted by a slide key switch, for example, and switches between a recording mode “R” and a reproduction mode “P” which are basic modes.
[0022]
The menu key 12 is operated when selecting various menu items. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that switching between the “first monitor display mode”, the “second monitor display mode”, and the “third monitor display mode” is performed by operating the menu key 12. These monitor display modes will be described later.
[0023]
The cross key 13 is integrally formed with keys for moving the cursor in the up, down, left, and right directions, and is operated when moving a displayed menu item or the like.
[0024]
The set key 14 is disposed at the center position of the cross key 13 and is operated to set the contents of the menu item selected at that time.
[0025]
The strobe charge lamp 16 is an LED lamp disposed in the vicinity of the optical viewfinder 15, which is either when the user of the digital camera 1 is looking into the optical viewfinder 15 or looking at the display unit 17. However, the user can visually recognize the charge state of the strobe.
[0026]
The display unit 17 is composed of a color liquid crystal panel with a backlight, and displays a through image on the monitor as an electronic viewfinder in the recording mode, and reproduces and displays the selected image and the like in the reproduction mode.
[0027]
Here, when the display unit 17 displays the through image on the monitor as an electronic viewfinder during photographing, the above-described three monitor display modes can be used properly. The “first monitor display mode” is a normal display mode in which an image of a subject currently captured as an object to be photographed is displayed on the screen of the display unit 17.
[0028]
On the other hand, the “second monitor display mode” and the “third monitor display mode” are special display modes, and a portion of the subject image that matches the search condition specified by the user is distinguished from other portions. This is the display mode. In the first embodiment, the search condition is a color, and the “second monitor display mode” visualizes and displays a portion having a color designated by the user in the subject image. In the “display mode”, a portion other than the portion having the color designated by the user in the image of the subject is displayed in a translucent manner.
[0029]
The default is set to “first monitor display mode”, and the subject image is displayed on the screen of the display unit 17 as usual. In this state, when the user switches to the “second monitor display mode” or the “third monitor display mode” by operating the menu key 12, a condition designation screen (such as a color selection screen described later) is displayed. The corresponding portion is searched based on the search condition specified in (1), and is displayed in a specific display form as described above.
[0030]
Although not shown, the bottom of the digital camera 1 has a memory card slot for attaching / detaching a memory card used as a recording medium, a serial interface connector for connecting to an external personal computer, etc. Serial Bus) connector etc. are provided.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the digital camera 1.
[0032]
In the recording mode, which is the basic mode, an imaging element disposed behind the photographic optical axis of the lens optical system 22 constituting the photographic lens 2 whose focus position and aperture position are moved by driving the motor (M) 21. The CCD 23 is scanned and driven by a timing generator (TG) 24 and a vertical driver 25, and outputs a photoelectric conversion output corresponding to a light image formed at fixed intervals for one screen.
[0033]
The photoelectric conversion output is appropriately gain-adjusted for each primary color component of RGB in the state of an analog value signal, sampled and held by the sample hold circuit 26, converted into digital data by the A / D converter 27, and color The process circuit 28 performs color process processing including pixel interpolation processing and γ correction processing to generate a digital luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr, which are output to a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 29.
[0034]
The DMA controller 29 once uses the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit 28 by using the composite synchronization signal, memory write enable signal, and clock signal from the color process circuit 28 once. And the DMA transfer to the DRAM 31 used as the buffer memory via the DRAM interface (I / F) 30.
[0035]
The control unit 32 includes a CPU 321, a ROM 322 storing a program executed by the CPU 321, a RAM 323 used as a work memory, and the like. The CPU 321 of the control unit 32 controls the overall operation of the digital camera 1. After the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals to the DRAM 31 is completed, the luminance and color difference signals are read from the DRAM 31 via the DRAM interface 30 and the VRAM Write to the VRAM 34 via the controller 33.
[0036]
The digital video encoder 35 periodically reads the luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 34 via the VRAM controller 33, generates a video signal based on these data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 17.
[0037]
As described above, the display unit 17 functions as a monitor display unit (electronic finder) in the recording mode (photographing). By performing display based on the video signal from the digital video encoder 35, the time point is displayed. Thus, an image based on the image information fetched from the VRAM controller 33 is displayed in real time.
[0038]
When the shutter key 9 constituting the key input unit 36 is operated at a timing when still image shooting is desired in a state where the image at that time is displayed as a monitor image in real time on the display unit 17 as described above, a trigger signal is generated. Is generated. In response to this trigger signal, the control unit 32 immediately stops the path from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 immediately after the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals for one screen captured from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 is completed. Transition to record save state.
[0039]
In this record storage state, the control unit 32 outputs the luminance and color difference signals for one frame written in the DRAM 31 through the DRAM interface 30 for each of Y, Cb, and Cr components of 8 pixels × 8 pixels horizontally. Are read out in units called basic blocks and written into a JPEG (Joint Photograph coding Experts Group) circuit 37. The JPEG circuit 37 uses ADCT (Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform), a Huffman code which is an entropy coding system. Data compression is performed by processing such as conversion.
[0040]
The obtained code data is read out from the JPEG circuit 37 as a data file of one image, and is fixedly incorporated in the memory card 38 that is detachably mounted as a recording medium of the digital camera 1 or in the digital camera 1. To either one of the built-in memories 39.
[0041]
Then, along with the compression processing of the luminance and color difference signals for one frame and the completion of writing of all the compressed data to the memory card 38 or the built-in memory 39, the control unit 32 activates the path from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 again.
[0042]
Further, an audio processing unit 40, a USB interface (I / F) 41, and a strobe driving unit 42 are connected to the control unit 32.
[0043]
The audio processing unit 40 includes a sound source circuit such as a PCM sound source, and digitizes the audio signal input from the microphone unit (MIC) 5 during recording of the audio, and a predetermined data file format such as MP3 (MPEG-1 audio layer). 3) According to the standard, the data is compressed and an audio data file is created and sent to the memory card 38 or the built-in memory 39, while the audio data file sent from the memory card 38 or the built-in memory 39 is compressed when playing back the sound. It is solved and analogized, and the speaker unit (SP) 11 is driven to emit a loud sound.
[0044]
The USB interface 41 performs communication control when image data and other data are transmitted / received to / from other information terminal devices such as a personal computer connected via a USB connector.
[0045]
The strobe drive unit 42 charges a large-capacitance capacitor for strobe (not shown) at the time of still image shooting, and then drives the strobe light emitting unit 6 to flash based on the control from the control unit 32.
[0046]
The key input unit 36 includes the power key 8, the mode switch 10, the menu key 12, the cross key 13, the set key 14 and the like in addition to the shutter key 9 described above. The signal is sent directly to the control unit 32.
[0047]
In the playback mode, which is the basic mode, the control unit 32 selectively reads out the image data recorded in the memory card 38 or the built-in memory 39, and the procedure is completely opposite to the procedure in which the data is compressed in the recording mode by the JPEG circuit 37. The decompressed image data is decompressed, and the decompressed image data is held in the DRAM 31 via the DRAM interface 30, and then the content held in the DRAM 31 is stored in the VRAM 34 via the VRAM controller 33. Image data is read out periodically to generate a video signal, which is reproduced and output by the display unit 17.
[0048]
At the time of shooting a moving image instead of a still image, while the shutter key 9 of the key input unit 36 continues to be operated, the still image data file memory card 38 obtained by compressing the above-described still image data with the JPEG circuit 37 or Recording to the built-in memory 39 is executed continuously in time, and when a predetermined time limit, for example, 30 seconds elapses, the series of still image data files are batched. Then re-set as a motion JPEG data file.
[0049]
When the selected image data is not a still image but a moving image, the playback of the individual still image data constituting the selected moving image file is executed continuously in time, and the playback of all the still image data is finished. At that time, the image is reproduced and displayed using only the still image data located at the head until the next reproduction instruction is given.
[0050]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the RAM 323 provided in the control unit 32.
[0051]
The RAM 323 stores various information necessary for the processing operation of the CPU 321 of the control unit 32. Here, the first monitor display image, the color information, the shape information, the second monitor display image, and the third monitor are displayed. Various storage areas 51 to 56 for storing display images and captured images are provided.
[0052]
The first to third monitor display images are images corresponding to the first to third monitor display modes described above, respectively. That is, in a state where the first monitor display mode is set, the through image of the subject input through the CCD 32 is stored as it is in the storage area 51 of the RAM 323 as the first monitor display image. More specifically, image information including the digital luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr obtained by the color process circuit 28 is temporarily buffered in the DRAM 31 and then stored in the storage area 51 of the RAM 323 from the DRAM 31. Is done. At the time of display, the image information is expanded from the storage area 51 to the VRAM 34 and displayed on the display unit 17 through the digital video on coder 35.
[0053]
When switching to the second monitor display mode in this state, an image corresponding to the mode is generated from the first monitor display image and stored in the storage area 54 of the RAM 323. In this case, an image that visualizes only the part searched according to the user-specified conditions is generated as the second monitor display image.
[0054]
When the mode is switched to the third monitor display mode, an image corresponding to the mode is generated from the first monitor display image and stored in the storage area 55 of the RAM 323. In this case, an image in which a portion other than the portion searched according to the user's designated condition is made translucent is generated as the third monitor display image.
[0055]
The color information and the shape information indicate information specified by the user as a search condition. The shape information is used in a second embodiment to be described later. In the first embodiment, a search target is searched from an image of a subject displayed on a monitor based on color information designated by a user. .
[0056]
The captured image is generated in the storage area 56 of the RAM 323 at the timing when the shutter key 9 is pressed, and then stored in either the memory card 38 or the built-in memory 39.
[0057]
The processing operation of the digital camera 1 as the first embodiment will be described below. Note that the processing shown in the following flowchart is executed by the CPU 321 of the control unit 32 mounted on the digital camera 1, and the CPU 321 reads the program stored in the ROM 322 or the like and is described in the program. Execute the process according to the procedure.
[0058]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital camera 1 in the first embodiment.
[0059]
When the photographing lens 2 of the digital camera 1 is pointed at the subject in a state where the operation mode is switched to the recording mode “R” by operating the mode switch 10, the image of the subject is monitored on the screen of the display unit 17 composed of a color liquid crystal panel. It is displayed (step A11). In this case, since the first monitor display mode is set in the initial state, the through image of the subject is generated as it is as the first monitor display image in the storage area 51 of the RAM 323 and then displayed on the screen of the display unit 17. Will be displayed.
[0060]
FIG. 5 shows an example of a first monitor display image displayed on the display unit 17. Now, it is assumed that an image of a subject when lemon is used as the search target 61 is displayed in color on the screen of the display unit 17 with a predetermined number of gradations.
[0061]
Here, when the user switches the display mode (second monitor display mode / third monitor display mode) by operating the menu key 12 (Yes in step A12), the screen for designating the search condition is as follows. A color selection screen 62 as shown in FIG. 8 or a color selection screen 63 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed in a window on the display unit 17 (step A13). The color selection screen 62 is configured to select a desired color from the parts of each color, and the color selection screen 63 checks R (red) while checking the color displayed on the monitor. ), G (green), and B (blue), the desired number of gradations is input for each of the three primary colors.
[0062]
When color information as a search condition is specified on the color selection screen 62 or the color selection screen 63 (Yes in step A14), the specified color information is stored in the storage area 52 of the RAM 323. Based on the color information, a search process is performed for a portion having the color information from the image of the subject currently being displayed, that is, the first monitor display image stored in the storage area 51 of the RAM 323 (step A15). ).
[0063]
In this case, it is assumed that a portion where these colors are continuous including a color approximate to the color designated by the user is searched. That is, a threshold value regarding an error in color information is set in advance, color information is checked for each pixel constituting the image, and a difference value between the color information and color information specified by the user exceeds the threshold value. If not, it is regarded as a color component that satisfies the specified condition, and a continuous part is extracted. Thus, for example, when the user specifies “yellow” as color information in order to search for “lemon” as a fruit from the subject image, colors that are considered to be somewhat yellow, including light yellow, dark yellow, etc. By searching for consecutive parts, it is possible to find the part where “lemon” is displayed.
[0064]
As a result of the search processing based on such color information, if there is a corresponding part (Yes in step A16), the part is displayed as a search target in a form that can be distinguished from other parts on the monitor screen. In this case, the method for distinguishing and displaying the search object differs depending on the monitor display mode set at that time. That is, if the second monitor display mode is set, a second monitor display image in which only the search object is visualized is generated from the first monitor display image. The second monitor display image is stored in the storage area 54 of the RAM 323 and then displayed on the screen of the display unit 17 (step A17 → A18).
[0065]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a second monitor display image displayed on the display unit 17. If the user designates “yellow” as a search condition in the state of FIG. 5, the lemon is searched from the image of the subject as the search object 61 having the color information of “yellow”, and only that lemon is displayed on the monitor. It will be.
[0066]
On the other hand, if the third monitor display mode is set, a third monitor display image in which parts other than the search target are made translucent from the first monitor display image is generated. The third monitor display image is stored in the storage area 55 of the RAM 323 and then displayed on the screen of the display unit 17 (step A17 → A19).
[0067]
FIG. 7 shows an example of a third monitor display image displayed on the display unit 17. If the user designates “yellow” as the search condition in the state of FIG. 5, the lemon is searched from the image of the subject as the search object 61 having the color information of “yellow”, and other than the lemon is in a translucent state. Will be displayed.
[0068]
In step A16, if the relevant part is not found, a message such as “There is no relevant part” is displayed on the display unit 17, or the voice data to that effect is displayed on the speaker unit. 11 (step A20).
[0069]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to display the color portion designated by the user from the image of the subject in a specific display form. In this case, if the second monitor display mode is set, only the designated color portion is displayed on the monitor, so that the monitor screen of the digital camera 1 can be used as a lost item searcher. In addition, if the third monitor display mode is set, the display is performed in a semi-transparent state except for the designated color portion, which is convenient when it is desired to perform shooting while chasing only that portion.
[0070]
In the first embodiment, other than the search object is displayed in a semi-transparent manner in the third monitor display mode. Alternatively, the search object other than the search object is displayed in monochrome, and only the search object is displayed. May be displayed in color as they are.
[0071]
In addition, when there are a large number of corresponding parts, all of them may be displayed as candidates, or candidates may be selected by additionally inputting other conditions such as the shape of the search target as described later. You may make it narrow down.
[0072]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0073]
In the first embodiment, the corresponding part is searched from the image of the subject based on the color information specified as the search condition. However, in the second embodiment, the shape information is further added to the search condition. In addition, a search is performed.
[0074]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital camera 1 in the second embodiment. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is executed by the CPU 321 of the control unit 32 mounted on the digital camera 1, and this CPU 321 reads the program stored in the ROM 322 or the like and is described in the program. Execute the process according to the procedure.
[0075]
As in the first embodiment, when the photographing lens 2 of the digital camera 1 is pointed at the subject with the operation mode switched to the recording mode “R” by operating the mode switch 10, the image of the subject is displayed on the color liquid crystal panel. Is displayed on the screen of the display unit 17 (step B11). In this case, since the first monitor display mode is set in the initial state, the through image of the subject is generated as it is as the first monitor display image in the storage area 51 of the RAM 323 and then displayed on the screen of the display unit 17. Will be displayed.
[0076]
FIG. 11 shows an example of a first monitor display image displayed on the display unit 17. Now, it is assumed that an image of a subject when a white, round ball is used as the search target 71 is displayed in color on the screen of the display unit 17 with a predetermined number of gradations.
[0077]
Here, when the user switches the display mode (second monitor display mode / third monitor display mode) by operating the menu key 12 (Yes in step B12), the screen for designating the search condition is as follows. A color selection screen 62 as shown in FIG. 8 or a color selection screen 63 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed in a window on the display unit 17 (step B13).
[0078]
When color information as a search condition is specified on the color selection screen 62 or the color selection screen 63 (Yes in Step B14), the specified color information is stored in the storage area 52 of the RAM 323, and then A shape selection screen 72 as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed in a window on the display unit 17 (step B15). The shape selection screen 72 is configured to select a desired shape from the parts of each shape. When shape information as a search condition is designated on such a shape selection screen 72 (Yes in step B16), the designated shape information is stored in the storage area 53 of the RAM 323.
[0079]
When the color information and the shape information are designated in this way, they correspond to the currently displayed subject image, that is, the first monitor display image stored in the storage area 51 of the RAM 323 using these as search conditions. A part search process is performed (step B17).
[0080]
In this case, first, after searching for a corresponding portion using color information, the candidates are narrowed down using shape information. This is because the shape information alone is too vague and it is difficult to specify the part specified by the user.
[0081]
Further, when searching by color information, as described in the first embodiment, the search is performed including a color approximate to the color designated by the user. Then, if the corresponding color portion can be searched, it is checked whether or not it matches the shape designated by the user. In this case as well, if a threshold value is set so that not only the specified shape but also a shape approximated to some extent can be collated, for example, depending on the camera angle, a circular “ball” appears as an ellipse. be able to.
[0082]
The subsequent processing is the same as that in the first embodiment (steps A16 to A19 in FIG. 4).
[0083]
That is, if there is a corresponding part (Yes in step B18) and the second monitor display mode is set at that time, the second monitor display image in which only the search object is visualized from the first monitor display image. Is generated and displayed on the screen of the display unit 17 (step B19 → B20).
[0084]
FIG. 11 shows an example of a second monitor display image displayed on the display unit 17. If the user designates “white” and “circular” as search conditions in the state of FIG. 11, the ball is searched from the image of the subject as the search object 71 that satisfies the conditions of “white” and “circular”. Only the ball will be displayed on the monitor.
[0085]
On the other hand, if the third monitor display mode is set, a third monitor display image obtained by making a part other than the search object translucent from the first monitor display image is generated and displayed on the screen of the display unit 17. (Step B19 → B21).
[0086]
FIG. 13 shows an example of a third monitor display image displayed on the display unit 17. If the user designates “white” and “circular” as search conditions in the state of FIG. 11, the ball is searched from the image of the subject as the search object 71 that satisfies the conditions of “white” and “circular”. Other than the ball will be displayed in a translucent state.
[0087]
In step B18, if the corresponding part is not found, a message such as “There is no corresponding part” is displayed on the display unit 17, or the voice data to that effect is displayed on the speaker unit. 11 (step B22).
[0088]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the operational effects obtained in the first embodiment, the search is performed by adding the shape of the search object to the search information. Even when an image of a subject in which a large number of objects are mixed is searched for, a portion designated by the user can be searched from the images and displayed on a monitor in a specific display form.
[0089]
(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0090]
In the third embodiment, when a part designated by the user is retrieved by the method of the first or second embodiment, photographing can be performed around that part.
[0091]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital camera 1 in the third embodiment, and shows the processing after the portion designated by the user is searched by the method of the first or second embodiment. . Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is executed by the CPU 321 of the control unit 32 mounted on the digital camera 1, and this CPU 321 reads the program stored in the ROM 322 or the like and is described in the program. Execute the process according to the procedure.
[0092]
When the user designates “frame mode” by operating the menu key 12 after searching for a corresponding portion from the image of the currently displayed subject based on the color or color and shape designated by the user (step C11). Then, a frame that takes the outline of the search object is created (step C12), and the frame is displayed at the center of the screen of the display unit 17 (step C13). The display form of the frame is not particularly limited. For example, the frame is drawn with a dotted line so that it can be distinguished from the image of the subject on the monitor screen.
[0093]
That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the user designates a search condition such as “red” for an image of a subject on which fruit or the like is displayed, an apple in the image is obtained as the search object 81. Suppose that Here, when “frame mode” is designated, the apple as the search object 81 is framed, and a frame 82 representing the apple is displayed at the center of the screen of the display unit 17.
[0094]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the user moves the digital camera 1 so that the search object 81 comes to the display position of the frame 82 while watching the monitor screen, and then presses the shutter key 9 (in step C14). Yes), an image centered on the apple that is the search object 81 can be taken (step C15). The image taken at this time is stored in the storage area 56 of the RAM 323 and then stored in either the memory card 38 or the built-in memory 39.
[0095]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, the portion designated by the user is framed and displayed at the center of the screen. Therefore, if the position of the frame is used as a guide, an image centered on that portion can be easily obtained. It is convenient to be able to shoot.
[0096]
In each of the above embodiments, a digital camera has been described as an example of an electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes a photographing function such as a mobile phone with a camera or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Any electronic device can be applied.
[0097]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0098]
Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in each embodiment, the effect described in “Problem to be solved by the invention” can be solved, and is described in the “Effect of invention” column. If the effect is obtained, a configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0099]
Further, the method described in each of the above-described embodiments is a program that can be executed by a computer, such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.), and a semiconductor memory. It is possible to write the program on a recording medium and apply it to various devices, or to transmit the program itself via a transmission medium such as a network and apply it to various devices. A computer that implements this apparatus reads a program recorded on a recording medium or a program provided via a transmission medium, and performs the above-described processing by controlling operations by this program.
[0100]
In addition to CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and the like as recording media, for example, next-generation optical discs using blue lasers such as Blu-ray Disc (R) and AOD (Advanced Optical Disc), red lasers, etc. It is possible to implement the present invention using various large-capacity recording media that will be developed in the future, such as HD-DVD9 used and Blue Laser DVD using a blue-violet laser.
[0101]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the color of the part to be searched for or the color and shape of the subject displayed on the monitor screen can be specified as a search condition. From the image Search target The part corresponding to is searched and displayed so that it can be distinguished from other parts. control Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm the part desired by the user.
Also, While displaying the part searched by the display control, based on the search condition Searched part Shape Is framed In a specific display form Since the image is displayed at the center of the screen, an image centered on a desired portion can be obtained by taking an image with the display position of the frame as a guide.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration when a digital camera is used as an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of the digital camera.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a RAM provided in a control unit of the digital camera.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing operations of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a first monitor display image displayed on the display unit of the digital camera according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a second monitor display image displayed on the display unit of the digital camera in the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a third monitor display image displayed on the display unit of the digital camera in the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a color selection screen in the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a color selection screen in the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations of a digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first monitor display image displayed on the display unit of the digital camera in the embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a second monitor display image displayed on the display unit of the digital camera in the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a third monitor display image displayed on the display unit of the digital camera according to the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a shape selection screen in the embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital camera 1 in the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a view showing a display example of a frame in the embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example when shooting is performed in accordance with the frame.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Digital camera
2 ... Lens
3 ... Self-timer lamp
4 ... Optical finder window
5. Microphone part (MIC)
6 ... Strobe light emitting part
7 ... Rubber grip
8 ... Power key
9 ... Shutter key
10 ... Mode switch (SW)
11 ... Speaker unit (SP)
12 ... Menu key
13 ... Cross key
14 ... Set key
15 ... Optical finder
16. Strobe charge lamp
17 ... Display section
61 ... Search object
62 ... Color selection screen
63 ... Color selection screen
71 ... Search object
72 ... Shape selection screen
81 ... Search object
82 ... Frame

Claims (8)

A camera to shoot the subject,
Display means for displaying an image of the subject photographed by the camera on a monitor screen;
Condition specifying means for specifying a search condition for searching for a search object in the image of the subject displayed on the monitor screen by the display means;
Search means for searching for a portion corresponding to the search object from the image of the subject based on the search condition specified by the condition specifying means;
Display control means for displaying the part searched by the search means in a specific display form so as to be distinguished from other parts on the monitor screen;
A frame display means for displaying the part searched by the display control means, and forming the shape of the part searched by the search means into a frame and displaying it in the center of the monitor screen in a specific display form ;
An electronic apparatus comprising:   The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a portion searched for by the search unit in the subject image in color and displays other portions in monochrome.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit visualizes and displays only a portion searched by the search unit in the image of the subject.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a part of the image of the subject other than the portion searched by the search unit in a semi-transparent state.   5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the condition designating unit designates a color of a search object as a search condition.   5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition designating unit designates a color and a shape of a search object as a search condition. A monitor display method used in an electronic device equipped with a camera for photographing a subject,
Displaying an image of the subject photographed by the camera on a monitor screen;
Displaying a condition designation screen for designating a search condition for searching for a search object in the image of the subject displayed on the monitor screen;
Searching for a portion corresponding to the previous search object from the image of the subject based on a search condition specified on the condition specifying screen;
Controlling display in a specific display form so as to distinguish a part searched based on the search condition from other parts on the monitor screen;
Displaying the portion searched for by the display control, and framing the shape of the portion searched by the search condition and displaying it in the center of the monitor screen in a specific display form ;
A monitor display method characterized by comprising: A program executed by a computer mounted on an electronic device equipped with a camera for photographing a subject,
In the computer,
A function of displaying an image of the subject photographed by the camera on a monitor screen;
A function for displaying a condition designation screen for designating a search condition for searching for a search object in the image of the subject displayed on the monitor screen;
A function of searching for a portion corresponding to the previous search object from the image of the subject based on a search condition specified on the condition specifying screen;
A function of controlling display in a specific display form so as to distinguish a part searched based on the search condition from other parts on the monitor screen;
While displaying the part searched by the display control,
A function of framing the shape of the part searched by the search condition and displaying it in the center of the monitor screen in a specific display form ;
A program to realize

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