JP4608825B2 - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic camera. In particular, the present invention relates to a user interface when image transfer is performed on an electronic camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the number of imaging pixels of electronic cameras has been increasing. As the number of image pickup pixels increases, the file capacity of an image generated in the electronic camera becomes 1 Mbyte or more even after compression.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, an image generated by the electronic camera is output to a personal computer, a printer, a large-capacity recording device, a mobile phone, and an electronic album server on the Internet as needed.
For example, when transferring an image of 1 Mbyte or more per frame to such an external transfer destination, there is a problem that it takes a long transfer time.
[0004]
In addition, for example, mobile phones and the like handle extremely fewer pixels of images than personal computers and printers. For this reason, when an image is transferred to a mobile phone with the same number of pixels as a personal computer or a printer, there is a lot of waste, such as the capacity being exceeded on the mobile phone side.
For this reason, it is desired to appropriately generate a child image with a reduced capacity and externally transfer the child image in the electronic camera. In this case, a child image and a parent image that is a generation source thereof are mixed in the recording unit in the electronic camera.
[0005]
Since these parent-child images have the same design, it is difficult for the user to clearly distinguish the parent-child images from the small monitor screen of the electronic camera, and it is difficult to accurately select them. For this reason, there is a concern that the user may mistakenly transfer the parent image and the child image and transfer them externally.
In view of the above-described problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a user interface technique that makes it easy and accurate to select an image to be transferred.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is configured as follows.
[0007]
<Claim 1>
The electronic camera according to claim 1 is selected by a user input, an imaging unit that captures a subject image to generate a parent image, a child image generation unit that generates a child image by lowering or reducing the resolution of the parent image, A transfer setting unit configured to set a transfer schedule for an image, and a transfer unit configured to select an image set to be transferred and transfer the selected image to an external transfer destination. When a child image is generated from a parent image, the transfer schedule of the parent image is canceled and the transfer schedule is set for the child image.
[0008]
<Claim 2>
The electronic camera according to claim 2 is selected by user input, an imaging unit that captures a subject image and generates a parent image, a child image generation unit that generates a child image by reducing or reducing the resolution of the parent image, A transfer setting unit for setting a transfer schedule for the selected image and a transfer unit for selecting the image set for the transfer and transferring it to an external transfer destination. The transfer setting unit is selected by user input. When a child image exists in the parent image, a transfer schedule is set for the child image without setting a transfer schedule for the parent image.
[0009]
<Claim 3>
An electronic camera according to a third aspect is the electronic camera according to any one of the first to second aspects, further comprising an erasing unit that erases an image selected by a user input, wherein the transfer setting unit According to the deletion, the child image generated from the parent image is deleted, and the transfer schedule of the child image is canceled.
[0010]
<Claim 4>
An electronic camera according to a fourth aspect is the electronic camera according to any one of the first to second aspects, further comprising an erasing unit that erases an image selected by a user input, and the transfer setting unit When the set child image is deleted, the transfer schedule is set for the parent image that is the generation source of the child image.
[0011]
<Claim 5>
An electronic camera according to a fifth aspect is the electronic camera according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the transfer setting unit determines whether or not there is a child image for a parent image having print designation information. First, a transfer schedule is set for the parent image.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The present embodiment is an embodiment of an electronic camera corresponding to the first to fifth aspects of the invention.
[0013]
[Description of electronic camera configuration]
FIG. 1 is an external view of the electronic camera 11. 1A is a top view of the electronic camera 11, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of the electronic camera 11. On the other hand, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the electronic camera 11.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the electronic camera 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0014]
First, a photographing lens 12 is attached to the electronic camera 11. An image sensor 13 is disposed in the image space of the photographing lens 12. The image sensor 13 is controlled by the timing generator 13a to capture a subject image. An image picked up by the image pickup device 13 (that is, a parent image) is digitized via an image processing unit 14 and an A / D conversion unit 15 and then given to a digital signal processor (hereinafter referred to as DSP) 16. The DSP 16 is connected to the buffer memory 18 and the memory card 19 via the data bus 17. The DSP 16 performs two-dimensional image processing, image compression processing, and the like on the parent image while exchanging image data with the buffer memory 18. The parent image processed by the DSP 16 is recorded on the memory card 19 in the EXIF file format.
[0015]
On the other hand, the timing generator 13a, the image processing unit 14, the DSP 16, the buffer memory 18 and the memory card 19 described above are connected to a microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as MPU) 21 via a system bus 20 for control and data transfer.
Connected to the MPU 21 are a release button 22, a cross button 23, a menu button 24, a command dial 25, a zoom button 26, a display switching button 27, a transfer button 28, a child image creation button 29, a confirmation key 29a, and an erase button 29b. Is done.
[0016]
The cross button 23 described above is composed of four-direction keys including an upper key 23a, a lower key 23b, a left key 23c, and a right key 23d.
The frame memory 30 is connected to the system bus 20 described above. The image data in the frame memory 30 is displayed on a liquid crystal display unit 31 provided on the back surface of the electronic camera 11.
Furthermore, an interface 32 that transfers an image set to be transferred to an external transfer destination by operating the transfer button 28 is connected to the system bus 20 described above.
[0017]
[Correspondence with Invention]
The correspondence relationship between the invention and this embodiment will be described below. Note that the correspondence relationship here illustrates one interpretation for reference, and does not limit the present invention.
The imaging unit described in the claims corresponds to the imaging element 13, the timing generator 13a, the image processing unit 14, the A / D conversion unit 15, and the DSP 16.
The child image generation unit described in the claims corresponds to the “function of generating a child image” of the MPU 21 (or the DSP 16).
The transfer setting unit described in the claims corresponds to the “function of setting a transfer schedule for an image” of the MPU 21.
The transfer unit described in the claims corresponds to the interface 32.
The erasing unit described in the claims corresponds to the “function of erasing an image in the memory card 19” of the MPU 21.
[0018]
[User interface in full screen mode]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the full screen display mode in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation in the full-screen display mode will be described along the step numbers in FIG.
[0019]
Step S1: First, the user selects the playback mode by turning the command dial 25 of the electronic camera 11. Further, the user operates the display switching button 27 as necessary to select the full screen display mode.
When the full screen display mode is selected in this way, the MPU 21 selects the frame number of the image to be displayed on the full screen.
For example, after imaging, the MPU 21 selects the last frame number (that is, the frame number captured immediately before) as the frame number to be displayed on the full screen.
Also, for example, after playback, the MPU 21 selects the last played frame number as the frame number to be displayed on the full screen.
[0020]
Step S2: The MPU 21 generates the file name of the parent image corresponding to the selected frame number based on the selected frame number and the file name rule.
For example, when the file name rule of the parent image is “DSCN ****. Jpg”, the MPU 21 generates the file name of the parent image by inserting a frame number at the location of the serial number “****”. .
[0021]
Step S3: The MPU 21 reads the compressed file of the parent image from the memory card 19 based on the generated file name, and stores it in the buffer memory 18. The DSP 16 decompresses this compressed file, converts the resolution according to the screen size of the liquid crystal display unit 31, and stores it in the frame memory 30. The liquid crystal display unit 31 displays the parent image (converted in accordance with the screen size of the monitor screen) in the frame memory 30 on a full screen.
[0022]
Step S4: In such a full-screen display state, the MPU 21 determines the key operation of the cross button 23 by the user.
Here, when the user presses the left key 23c or the right key 23d, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S5.
If the user presses the down key 23b, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S6.
In other cases, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S8.
[0023]
Step S5: When the right key 23d is pressed, the MPU 21 advances the frame number to be displayed on the full screen by one in a cyclic manner.
On the other hand, when the left key 23c is pressed, the MPU 21 returns the frame number to be displayed on the full screen to one in a cyclic manner.
After such change of the frame number, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S2.
[0024]
Step S6: The MPU 21 determines whether or not the parent image being displayed has a child image.
For example, when the file name rule of the child image is “SSCN ****. Jpg”, the MPU 21 changes the initial letter of the file name of the parent image from “D” to “S” and sets the file name of the child image. Is generated. The MPU 21 determines whether or not the parent image has a child image by searching the memory card 19 for the file name of the child image.
Here, when the parent image has a child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S7.
On the other hand, when there is no corresponding child image, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S4.
[0025]
Step S7: The MPU 21 reads from the memory card 19 a child image created based on the parent image being displayed. As shown in FIG. 4, the MPU 21 displays the child image display 42 so as to overlap the full-screen display 41 of the parent image. At this time, the MPU 21 also displays information on the icon 43 indicating the image size of the child image.
When the down key 23b is pressed a plurality of times, the MPU 21 sequentially displays a plurality of child images in descending order of image size. FIG. 4 shows a state in which a plurality of child images are displayed in a nested manner by such an operation.
After such a child image display operation, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S4.
[0026]
Step S8: Furthermore, the MPU 21 determines another key operation by the user.
Here, when the MPU 21 detects a key operation of the transfer button 28, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S9.
When the MPU 21 detects a key operation of the delete button 29b, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S13.
In other cases, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S21.
[0027]
Step S9: The MPU 21 determines whether or not the parent image being displayed has a child image.
Here, if the parent image has a child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S10.
On the other hand, if there is no corresponding child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S11.
[0028]
Step S10: The MPU 21 determines whether or not the parent image being displayed has print designation information (designation of frames to be printed, number of prints, etc.) defined in DPOF (abbreviation of Digital Print Order Format) or the like.
Here, when the parent image being displayed has designation information for printing, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S11.
On the other hand, if the parent image being displayed does not have print designation information, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S12.
[0029]
Step S11: The MPU 21 sets a transfer schedule for the parent image being displayed. For example, the transfer schedule is set by the MPU 21 writing information indicating the transfer schedule in the header of the image file. Further, for example, the transfer schedule is set by the MPU 21 adding an image identifier (file name or the like) to the transfer schedule list on the internal memory.
After such a setting operation, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S4.
[0030]
Step S12: The MPU 21 sets a transfer schedule for the child image of the parent image, not the parent image being displayed.
After such a setting operation, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S4.
[0031]
Step S13: The MPU 21 determines whether or not a child image is displayed on the screen.
Here, as shown in FIG. 4, when the child image is displayed, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S18.
On the other hand, when only the parent image is displayed on the screen, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S14.
[0032]
Step S14: The MPU 21 deletes the parent image being displayed from the memory card 19.
[0033]
Step S15: The MPU 21 determines whether or not the erased parent image has a child image.
If the erased parent image has a child image, the MPU 21 moves the operation to step S16.
On the other hand, if the deleted parent image has no child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S17.
[0034]
Step S16: The MPU 21 erases the child image that the parent image has. Further, the MPU 21 also cancels the transfer schedule when a transfer schedule is set for the child image.
Note that the transfer schedule is canceled at the same time when the transfer schedule is set in the header of the image file by deleting the child image file. In addition, when the transfer schedule is managed by the transfer schedule list on the internal memory of the MPU 21, it is done by removing the identifier of the corresponding image from the transfer schedule list.
[0035]
Step S17: With the deletion of the parent image, the MPU 21 returns the frame number of the parent image to be displayed by one. Then, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S2 and updates the full screen display.
[0036]
Step S18: The MPU 21 determines whether or not a transfer schedule is set for the child image displayed on the foreground of the screen.
If a transfer schedule is set for this child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S19.
On the other hand, when the transfer schedule is not set for the child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S20.
[0037]
Step S19: The MPU 21 sets a transfer schedule for the parent image that is the generation source of this child image. When one parent image has a plurality of child images, the MPU 21 sets a transfer schedule for a child image having the next largest image size after the child image displayed in the foreground.
[0038]
Step S20: The MPU 21 erases the child image displayed on the forefront of the screen from the memory card 19. Further, when a transfer schedule is set for the child image, the MPU 21 cancels the transfer schedule at the same time.
After such an operation, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S2 and updates the full screen display.
[0039]
Step S21: The MPU 21 determines the key operation of the child image creation button 29 by the user.
Here, when the MPU 21 detects the key operation of the child image creation button 29, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S22.
On the other hand, when the MPU 21 does not detect the key operation of the child image creation button 29, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S4.
[0040]
Step S22: The MPU 21 reads the compressed file of the parent image currently displayed from the memory card 19 and stores it in the buffer memory 18. The DSP 16 expands the compressed image and expands the parent image in the buffer memory 18. (It is preferable to use the decompressed image in step S3 if it remains in the buffer memory 18 and omit the decompression operation of the parent image)
The MPU 21 (or DSP 16) converts the resolution of the parent image in the buffer memory 18 and creates a child image.
The DSP 16 compresses this child image to, for example, about 1/16 regardless of the compression rate of the parent image.
The MPU 21 copies the header information of the parent image, adds it to the compressed data of the child image, and generates an EXIF format compressed file.
Further, the MPU 21 replaces the initial letter of the file name “DSCN ***. Jpg” of the parent image with a character (for example, “S”, etc.) corresponding to the image size, and uses it as the file name of the child image.
The MPU 21 records the completed child image file in the same folder as the parent image of the memory card 19.
[0041]
Step S23: The MPU 21 determines whether a transfer schedule is set for the currently displayed parent image.
If a transfer schedule is set for the parent image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S24.
On the other hand, when the transfer schedule is not set for the parent image, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S4.
[0042]
Step S24: The MPU 21 cancels the transfer schedule of the currently displayed parent image, and sets the transfer schedule for the newly created child image.
After such an operation, the operation returns to step S4.
By the series of operations described above, operations during full screen display are executed.
[0043]
[User interface in thumbnail display mode]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the thumbnail display mode.
Next, the operation in the thumbnail display mode will be described along the step numbers in FIG.
[0044]
Step S41: First, the user selects the playback mode by turning the command dial 25 of the electronic camera 11. Furthermore, the user operates the display switching button 27 as necessary to select the thumbnail display mode.
When the thumbnail display mode is selected in this way, the MPU 21 determines the frame number of the focus position (the parent image that is focus-selected in the thumbnail-displayed image group).
For example, after imaging, the MPU 21 selects the last frame number (that is, the frame number captured immediately before) as the frame number at the focus position.
Also, for example, after playback, the MPU 21 selects the last played frame number as the frame number at the focus position.
[0045]
Step S42: Based on the selected frame number and file name rule, the MPU 21 sequentially generates a file name of the parent image group to be displayed as a thumbnail.
[0046]
Step S43: The MPU 21 searches the memory card 19 for these file names, and sequentially reads the thumbnail images stored in the header portion of each file. The MPU 21 stores these thumbnail images in the frame memory 30 and displays a list on the liquid crystal display 31 as shown in FIG. At this time, the focus position image is highlighted (such as a dotted frame shown in FIG. 6).
[0047]
Step S44: The MPU 21 determines whether the parent image on the screen has a child image based on the file name rule. For the parent image having a child image, the MPU 21 displays information “with child image” on the corresponding thumbnail image, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0048]
Step S45: The MPU 21 determines the key operation of the cross button 23 by the user in the thumbnail display state.
Here, when the user presses the down key 23b, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to Step S46.
When the user presses the left key 23c or the right key 23d, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S47.
In other cases, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S49.
[0049]
Step S46: The MPU 21 searches for a child image for the parent image at the focus position, and displays the image size of this child image on the thumbnail image at the focus position (see FIG. 6).
When the parent image at the focus position has a plurality of child images, the MPU 21 displays the image sizes of the child images in descending order each time the down key 23b is pressed.
After such an operation, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S45.
[0050]
Step S47: When the right key 23d is pressed, the MPU 21 advances the focus position by one.
On the other hand, when the left key 23c is pressed, the MPU 21 returns the focus position by one.
[0051]
Step S48: With such movement of the focus position, the MPU 21 executes scroll movement of the thumbnail screen so that the focus position remains within the screen.
After such an operation, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S45.
[0052]
Step S49: Furthermore, the MPU 21 determines another key operation by the user.
Here, when the MPU 21 detects the key operation of the child image creation button 29, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S50.
When the MPU 21 detects a key operation of the delete button 29b, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S51.
In other cases, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S52.
[0053]
Step S50: When the child image creation button 29 is pressed in this way, the MPU 21 displays a child image creation schedule mark on the thumbnail image at the focus position. Further, the MPU 21 adds the frame number at the focus position to the child image creation schedule list created on the internal memory. After such an operation, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S45.
[0054]
Step S51: Here, when the erase button 29b is pressed, the MPU 21 displays a deletion schedule mark of the child image on the thumbnail image at the focus position. Further, the MPU 21 adds the frame number of this focus position to the child image deletion schedule list created on the internal memory. After such an operation, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S45.
[0055]
Step S52: Furthermore, the MPU 21 determines another key operation by the user.
Here, when the MPU 21 detects a key operation of the transfer button 28, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S53.
When the MPU 21 detects a key operation of the confirmation key 29a, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S57.
In other cases, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S45.
[0056]
Step S53: The MPU 21 determines whether or not the parent image at the focus position has a child image.
If the parent image has a child image, the MPU 21 moves the operation to step S54.
On the other hand, if there is no corresponding child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S55.
[0057]
Step S54: The MPU 21 determines whether or not the parent image at the focus position has print designation information (designation of frames to be printed, number of prints, etc.) defined in DPOF (abbreviation of Digital Print Order Format) or the like.
Here, when the parent image has the designation information for printing, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S55.
On the other hand, if the parent image being displayed does not have print designation information, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S56.
[0058]
Step S55: The MPU 21 sets a transfer schedule for the parent image at the focus position.
After such a setting operation, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S45.
[0059]
Step S56: The MPU 21 sets a transfer schedule for the child image of the parent image, not the parent image at the focus position.
After such a setting operation, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S45.
[0060]
Step S57: The MPU 21 selects a parent image with a deletion schedule mark of the child image (a parent image on the child image creation schedule list) and deletes it together with the child image. If the child image has a transfer schedule, the MPU 21 also cancels the transfer schedule.
[0061]
Step S58: The MPU 21 selects a parent image with a child image creation schedule mark (a parent image on the child image creation schedule list), sequentially creates child images, and sequentially records them on the memory card 19. When the parent image has a transfer schedule, the MPU 21 cancels the transfer schedule of the parent image and sets the transfer schedule for the newly created child image.
After such an operation, the MPU 21 returns the operation to step S45.
By the series of operations described above, operations during thumbnail display are executed.
[0062]
[Description of image transfer operation]
Next, an image transfer operation by the electronic camera 11 will be schematically described.
First, the user connects the interface 32 of the electronic camera 11 and an external transfer destination via an appropriate transfer path (cable, wireless LAN, Internet connection device, etc.).
In this state, the user turns the command dial 25 to set the electronic camera 11 to the transfer mode.
The MPU 21 waits for a user operation of the transfer button 28 according to such a transfer mode. When the user presses the transfer button 28, the MPU 21 selects the image file set to be transferred and transfers it to the external transfer destination according to a predetermined protocol.
[0063]
[Effects of this embodiment, etc.]
As described above, when the electronic camera 11 generates a child image from the parent image set to be transferred, the electronic camera 11 cancels the transfer schedule of the parent image and sets the transfer schedule to the child image (in FIG. 3). Steps S22 to S24, see Step S58 in FIG. 5).
[0064]
Therefore, the user can freely assign the transfer schedule to the parent image and the child image by two-step operations such as (1) setting a transfer schedule for the parent image and (2) generating a child image from the parent image. It becomes possible.
Further, when the parent image for which the transfer schedule is set has a child image, the electronic camera 11 does not set the transfer schedule for the parent image, but sets the transfer schedule for the child image (steps S9 to S12 in FIG. 3). (See steps S53 to S56 in FIG. 5).
[0065]
Therefore, the user can freely assign the transfer schedule to the parent image and the child image by two-step operations such as (3) generating a child image from the parent image and (4) setting the transfer schedule to the parent image. It becomes possible.
Since all these operations target the parent image, the user does not need to directly handle the child image even though the child image is processed. Therefore, the user can execute the setting of the transfer schedule intuitively and easily with the operation on the parent image as the center.
[0066]
Further, in the present embodiment, in response to the deletion of the parent image, the child image generated from the parent image is deleted, and the transfer schedule of the child image is also canceled (steps S14 to S16 in FIG. 3, FIG. (See step S57 in FIG. 5). Accordingly, it is possible to cancel the transfer schedule of the child image and delete the child image at one time by one operation of deleting the parent image. As a result, unnecessary image files in the memory card 19 can be erased and organized more easily.
[0067]
In this embodiment, when a child image set as a transfer schedule is deleted, the transfer schedule is returned to the parent image that is the generation source of the child image (see steps S18 to S20 in FIG. 3). Therefore, when the user tries to transfer a parent image instead of a child image scheduled to be transferred, it is only necessary to delete the child image. In this case, it is not necessary to set a transfer schedule for the parent image again, and the operation of the electronic camera 11 can be made easier.
[0068]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a parent image having print designation information (for example, the number of prints, print size, image processing information to be referred to at the time of printing, etc.) is transferred to the parent image regardless of whether or not there is a child image. A schedule is set (see steps S10 to S11 in FIG. 3 and steps S54 to S55 in FIG. 5).
In general, from a viewpoint of image quality, a parent image rich in image information is more suitable than a child image whose capacity has been reduced. Therefore, when the parent image has print designation information, a transfer schedule is preferentially set for the parent image even if a child image exists. As a result, it is possible to reliably improve the print image quality in the printing application at the external transfer destination.
[0069]
<< Additional items of embodiment >>
In the embodiment described above, the child image is generated by reducing the resolution of the parent image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the child image may be generated by reducing the color of the parent image.
[0070]
In the above-described embodiment, the parent image and the child image are distinguished using the file name rule. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the parent image and the child image may be distinguished using a folder for storing an image file, file header information, file management information, or an image size.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
<Claim 1>
When generating a child image from a parent image set to be transferred, the electronic camera cancels the transfer schedule of the parent image and sets the transfer schedule to the child image.
As a result, the user can freely select images to be transferred by making full use of the following procedures (1) and (2).
(1) The user selects an image to be transferred from among the parent images, and sets a transfer schedule for the parent image for the time being.
{Circle around (2)} Thereafter, the user selects a parent image to be transferred with the capacity reduced, and generates a child image.
At this time, the transfer schedule of the parent image is transferred to the child image generated in the procedure (2) by the electronic camera.
On the other hand, the setting to be transferred remains as it is in the parent image for which no child image has been generated in step (2).
By making full use of the procedures (1) and (2) in this way, the user can appropriately assign a transfer schedule to the parent image and the child image.
In particular, in these procedures (1) and (2), the parent image is the operation target. Therefore, the user does not need to be particularly conscious of the child images in these operations, and can allocate the transfer schedule with an intuitive and easy-to-understand operation centering on the parent images.
[0072]
<Claim 2>
The electronic camera according to claim 2 sets the transfer schedule for the child image without setting the transfer schedule for the parent image when the child image exists in the parent image for which the transfer schedule is set.
As a result, the user can freely select images to be transferred by making full use of the following procedures (3) and (4).
(3) The user selects a parent image to be transferred with the capacity reduced, and generates a child image for the time being.
(4) Thereafter, the user selects an image to be transferred from the parent images, and sets a transfer schedule for the parent image.
At this time, the transfer schedule of the parent image is transferred to the child image generated in the procedure (3) by the electronic camera in the step (4).
On the other hand, the setting to be transferred remains as it is in the parent image for which no child image has been generated in step (3).
By making full use of procedures (3) and (4) in this way, the user can appropriately allocate a transfer schedule to the parent image and the child image.
In particular, in these procedures (3) and (4), the parent image is the operation target. Therefore, the user does not need to be particularly conscious of the child images in these operations, and can allocate the transfer schedule with an intuitive and easy-to-understand operation centering on the parent images.
[0073]
It is more preferable to implement the inventions of claim 1 and claim 2 together. In this case, the user may execute either of the procedures (1), (2) and (3), (4). By the way, executing the procedures (1) and (2) in reverse order is equivalent to executing the procedures (3) and (4). That is, by implementing both Claim 1 and Claim 2, the user can execute the above-described procedures (1) and (2) in any order. Therefore, the user can more freely set the transfer schedule for the parent-child image without being aware of the operation order.
[0074]
<Claim 3>
According to the third aspect of the present invention, in response to the deletion of the parent image, the child image generated from the parent image is deleted, and the transfer schedule of the child image is canceled.
In this case, after the parent image is erased, the user does not need to manually cancel the transfer schedule of the remaining child images, and the operation of the electronic camera can be made easier.
[0075]
<Claim 4>
The electronic camera according to claim 4 sets the transfer schedule for the parent image that is the generation source of the child image when the child image set to be transferred is deleted.
Therefore, when the user wants to return the transfer schedule from the child image to the parent image, the user may first delete the child image that is not needed and is unnecessary. With this operation, the electronic camera shifts the transfer schedule from the child image to the parent image. Therefore, the user does not need to explicitly move the transfer schedule, and can easily operate the electronic camera.
[0076]
<Claim 5>
The electronic camera according to claim 5 sets a transfer schedule for the parent image having designation information for printing regardless of the presence or absence of the child image.
A parent image having this type of print designation information has a high probability of being used for printing at an external transfer destination. In such a print application, from the viewpoint of image quality, a parent image with a rich amount of image information is preferable to a child image whose capacity has been reduced. Therefore, as described above, by setting a transfer schedule for a parent image having print designation information, it is possible to reliably improve the print image quality at the external transfer destination.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of an electronic camera 11. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the electronic camera 11;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a full screen display mode.
FIG. 4 is a photograph of a halftone image on a monitor showing full screen display.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a thumbnail display mode.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a thumbnail display.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Electronic camera
12 Shooting lens
13 Image sensor
13a Timing generator
14 Image processing unit
15 A / D converter
16 DSP
17 Data bus
18 Buffer memory
19 Memory card
20 System bus
21 MPU
22 Release button
23 Cross button
23a Up key
23b Down key
23c Left key
23d right key
24 Menu button
25 Command dial
26 Zoom button
27 Display switch button
28 Transfer button
29 Child image creation button
29a Confirm key
29b Erase button
30 frame memory
31 Liquid crystal display
32 interface

Claims (5)

An imaging unit that captures a subject image to generate a parent image;
A child image generation unit that generates a child image by lowering or reducing the resolution of the parent image;
A transfer setting unit for setting a transfer schedule for an image selected by user input;
A transfer unit that selects the set image to be transferred and transfers the image to an external transfer destination;
The child image generation unit, when generating the child image from the parent image set with the transfer schedule, cancels the transfer schedule of the parent image and sets the transfer schedule to the child image. Electronic camera. An imaging unit that captures a subject image to generate a parent image;
A child image generation unit that generates a child image by lowering or reducing the resolution of the parent image;
A transfer setting unit for setting a transfer schedule for an image selected by user input;
A transfer unit that selects the set image to be transferred and transfers the image to an external transfer destination;
The transfer setting unit is configured to set the transfer schedule in the child image without setting the transfer schedule in the parent image when a child image exists in the parent image selected by the user input. camera. The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 2,
Equipped with an erasure unit that erases images selected by user input,
The transfer setting unit deletes the child image generated from the parent image and cancels the transfer schedule of the child image in accordance with the deletion of the parent image. The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 2,
Equipped with an erasure unit that erases images selected by user input,
The transfer setting unit is configured to set the transfer schedule for the parent image that is a generation source of the child image when the child image set to be transferred is deleted. . The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the transfer setting unit sets the transfer schedule for the parent image regardless of the presence or absence of the child image for the parent image having print designation information.

Images