JP4646723B2 - Image reproduction apparatus, imaging apparatus, and control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reproduction device, an imaging device, and a control method, and more particularly to image reproduction control in a case where a plurality of images are automatically displayed in a predetermined order for a predetermined time.

  Conventionally, an image processing apparatus such as an electronic camera that records and reproduces still images and moving images using a memory card having a solid-state memory element as a recording medium is already on the market. In addition, a digital camera called a slide show that automatically displays a plurality of images in a predetermined order for a predetermined time is also commercially available (see Non-Patent Document 1, for example).

“Canon Digital Camera IXY DIGITAL600 Camera User Guide”, Canon Inc., P121

  In such a conventional image processing apparatus such as a digital camera, when a slide show is performed, display is performed in order from the first image among the recorded images. However, in recent years, the capacity of recording media such as memory cards has increased, and thousands of images may have been recorded. When a slide show is performed in order from the first image, the most recently captured image is displayed. There was a problem that it took time.

  Some conventional image processing apparatuses such as a digital camera perform a slide show from displayed images. However, digital cameras generally display the most recently captured image when activated in playback mode, so when a slide show is performed immediately after activation, the most recent image is displayed first, The old images are displayed in order. Therefore, like the image processing apparatus that performs a slide show from the first image, there is a problem that it takes time until a recently captured image is displayed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to improve convenience when automatically displaying a plurality of images sequentially for a predetermined time.

In order to achieve the above object, an image reproducing apparatus of the present invention for reproducing and displaying an image recorded on a recording medium as electrical image data on the display unit reproduces the image recorded on the recording medium on the display unit. A first instruction means for instructing the start of a slide show to display while automatically switching the images recorded on the recording medium in a predetermined order by a predetermined shortcut key during display, and the image recorded on the recording medium A menu screen is displayed during reproduction display on the display unit, and when the instruction is given by the first instruction unit from the menu screen, the second instruction unit instructs the start of the slide show. The start image for starting the slide show is determined in accordance with the image of the image, and when instructed by the second instruction means, it does not relate to the image being reproduced and displayed It possesses a start image determination means for determining the start image based on the order-determined conditions, and control means for executing the slide show from the image determined by the start image determining unit, the second instructing means, Means for instructing the start of the slide show in response to selecting a slide show menu after the menu screen is displayed on the display unit, wherein the first instruction means displays the menu screen during playback display; A means for instructing the start of the slide show in response to the operation of the shortcut key on the image reproduction apparatus without displaying the start image determining means, the instruction by the first instruction means being performed If the image displayed when the instruction is given is the newest image among the images recorded on the recording medium, Among the recorded images, the oldest image taken on the same day as the newest image is set as the start image, and the image displayed when the instruction is given is the image recorded on the recording medium. If it is not the newest image, the image displayed when the instruction is given is determined as the start image .

  The image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes an image pickup unit that takes an image of a subject and records electrical image data, and the image reproduction apparatus.

Further, according to the control method of the present invention for an image reproducing apparatus for reproducing and displaying an image recorded on the recording medium as electrical image data on the display unit, the display means displays the image recorded on the recording medium on the display unit. A display step for reproduction display and the first instruction means automatically switch images recorded on the recording medium in a predetermined order in accordance with an operation of a predetermined shortcut key during reproduction display in the display step. The first instruction step for instructing the start of the slide show to be displayed and the second instruction means display a menu screen during reproduction display in the display step, and responding to an instruction operation for starting the slide show from the menu screen. A second instructing step for instructing the start of the slide show, and the determining means in any of the first instructing step and the second instructing step. A determination step for determining whether or not a start of a show has been instructed; and a determination unit that determines a start image for starting the slide show according to the image being reproduced and displayed when instructed in the first instruction step. When instructed in the second instruction step, the start image determining step for determining the start image based on a predetermined condition not related to the image being reproduced and displayed, and the display means, possess a sequential display step executes the sequential display from the image determined by the start image determination step, wherein in the second instruction step, after displaying the menu screen on the display unit, selects a slideshow menu In response to the instruction, the start of the slide show is instructed. In the first instruction step, the menu screen is not displayed during playback display, and the menu on the image playback device is displayed. The start of the slide show is instructed in response to the operation of the tocut key. In the start image determination step, when an instruction is given in the first instruction step, an image displayed when the instruction is given is displayed. In the case of the newest image among the images recorded on the recording medium, an instruction is given with the oldest image taken on the same day as the newest image among the recorded images as the start image. When the image displayed at the time is not the newest image among the images recorded on the recording medium, the image displayed when the instruction is given is determined as the start image .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when a plurality of images are sequentially displayed for a predetermined time.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components exemplified in the present embodiment should be changed as appropriate according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. It is not limited to.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus having an image processing function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image processing apparatus. Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing lens, 12 denotes a shutter having a diaphragm function, 14 denotes an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 into a digital signal.

  A timing generation circuit 18 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, respectively, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

  An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs a predetermined calculation process using the image data output from the A / D converter 16. Then, based on the obtained calculation result, the system control circuit 50 performs TTL (through the lens) type autofocus (AF) processing, automatic exposure (AE) on the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42. ) Processing and flash pre-emission (EF) processing. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the image data output from the A / D converter 16, and also performs TTL auto white balance (AWB) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result. ing.

  A memory control circuit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32. Image data output from the A / D converter 16 is written into the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or only through the memory control circuit 22.

  Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory, 26 denotes a D / A converter, 28 denotes an image display unit including a TFT LCD, and the image data for display written in the image display memory 24 passes through the D / A converter 26. Displayed by the image display unit 28. An electronic viewfinder (EVF) function can be realized by sequentially displaying captured image data using the image display unit 28. The image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the image processing apparatus 100 can be greatly reduced. Can do.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a moving image for a predetermined time. Thereby, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

  A compression / decompression circuit 32 compresses / decompresses image data using a known compression method such as adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT). The compression / decompression circuit 32 reads an image stored in the memory 30, performs a compression process or an expansion process, and writes the processed data to the memory 30 again.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes an exposure control unit that controls the shutter 12 having an aperture function. The exposure control unit 40 also has a flash light control function in cooperation with the flash 48. Reference numeral 42 denotes a distance measurement control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 10, 44 denotes a zoom control unit that controls zooming of the photographing lens 10, and 46 denotes a barrier control unit that controls the operation of the barrier 102. A flash 48 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash light control function. The exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 are controlled using the TTL method. As described above, the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data from the A / D converter 16 by the image processing circuit 20.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit that controls the entire image processing apparatus 100, and 52 denotes a memory that stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operation of the system control circuit 50.

  Reference numeral 54 denotes a notification unit for notifying the outside of an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with execution of a program in the system control circuit 50. As the notification unit 54, for example, a display unit that performs visual display using an LCD, an LED, or the like, or a sound generation element that performs voice notification, etc., is used, and the notification unit 54 is configured by a combination of one or more of these. In particular, in the case of the display unit, the display unit is installed at one or a plurality of locations in the vicinity of the operation unit 70 of the image processing apparatus 100 that are easily visible. In addition, the notification unit 54 has a part of its function installed in the optical viewfinder 104.

  Among the display contents of the notification unit 54, the following are displayed on the LCD or the like. First, there are displays related to the shooting mode such as single shot / continuous shooting display, self-timer display, and the like. In addition, there are displays relating to recording such as compression rate display, recording pixel number display, recording number display, and remaining image number display. In addition, there are displays relating to shooting conditions such as shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, flash display, and red-eye reduction display. In addition, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, battery level display for clock, battery level display, error display, information display with multiple digits, display status of recording media 200 and 210, communication I / F operation display Date / time display is also performed.

  Among the display contents of the notification unit 54, what is displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 includes in-focus display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, and the like.

  Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM.

  Reference numerals 60, 61, 62, 64, 66, 68, and 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, such as switches, dials, touch panels, pointing by line-of-sight detection, voice recognition devices, and the like. Consists of a single or a plurality of combinations.

  Here, a specific description of these operating means will be given.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a power ON / OFF switch that starts and ends the image processing apparatus 100.

  Reference numeral 61 denotes a mode dial switch which can switch and set each function mode such as a shooting mode and a reproduction mode.

  Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned on by a first stroke (for example, half-press) of a shutter button (not shown), and instructs to start operations such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing.

  A shutter switch SW2 64 is turned on by a second stroke (for example, full press) of a shutter button (not shown), and instructs the start of a series of processing operations including exposure processing, development processing, and recording processing. First, in the exposure process, the signal read from the image sensor 14 is written into the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22, and further the calculation in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 is performed. Development processing using is performed. Further, a recording process is performed in which the image data is read from the memory 30, compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and the image data is written to the recording medium 200 or 210.

  Reference numeral 66 denotes an image display ON / OFF switch which can set ON / OFF of the image display unit 28. With this function, when photographing using the optical viewfinder 104, it is possible to save power by cutting off the current supply to the image display unit 28 including a TFT LCD or the like.

  Reference numeral 68 denotes a quick review ON / OFF switch, which sets a quick review function for automatically reproducing image data taken immediately after photographing. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a function for setting a quick review function when the image display unit 28 is turned off is provided.

  An operation unit 70 includes various buttons and a touch panel. Examples include a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, and a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button. Menu move + (plus) button, menu move-(minus) button, playback image move + (plus) button, playback image move-(minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button Including. These buttons can be composed of up / down / left / right buttons as shown in FIG. In addition, there are an erase button, an easy direct button, a reduction button, an enlargement button, and the like.

  Reference numeral 71 denotes a microphone that converts voice into electrical information. Reference numeral 72 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal from the microphone 71 into a digital signal.

  A power control unit 80 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like. The presence / absence of the battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level are detected, and the DC-DC converter is controlled based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control circuit 50, and the necessary voltage is included for the necessary period. Supply to each part.

  Reference numerals 82 and 84 denote connectors, and 86 denotes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, NiMH battery, or Li-ion battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

  Reference numeral 90 denotes an interface with a recording medium such as a memory card or hard disk, and reference numeral 92 denotes a connector for connecting to a recording medium such as a memory card or hard disk. A recording medium attachment / detachment detection circuit 98 detects whether or not the recording medium 200 is attached to the connector 92.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that there is one interface and connector for attaching a recording medium. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a plurality of systems. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with combining the interface and connector of a different standard.

  The interface and connector can be configured using a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, or the like. When the interface 90 and the connector 92 are configured using a standard conforming to a PCMCIA card, a CF (registered trademark) card, or the like, various communication cards can be connected. Communication cards include LAN cards, modem cards, USB (Universal Serial Bus) cards, and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 cards. In addition, there are P1284 card, SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) card, PHS, and the like. By connecting these various communication cards, image data and management information attached to the image data can be transferred to and from other computers and peripheral devices such as a printer.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a barrier that is a protection device that prevents the imaging unit from being stained or damaged by covering the imaging unit including the lens 10 of the image processing apparatus 100.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical viewfinder, which can take an image using only the optical viewfinder without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28. In addition, in the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the notification unit 54, for example, in-focus state, camera shake warning, flash charging, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure correction, and the like are displayed.

  A communication circuit 110 has various communication functions such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a connector for connecting the image processing apparatus 100 to another device by the communication unit 110 or an antenna in the case of wireless communication.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 204 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 206 for connecting to the image processing apparatus 100.

  As the recording medium 200, a memory card such as a PCMCIA card or compact flash (registered trademark), a hard disk, or the like can be used. Of course, it may be constituted by a micro DAT, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk such as CD-R or CD-WR, a phase change optical disk such as DVD, or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the back surface of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention.

  2, 301 to 306 and 307 to 312 correspond to the operation means of FIG. A menu button 301 can display / hide a menu on the image display unit 28. With the menu, it is possible to perform a slide show in which images recorded on the recording medium 200 are automatically and sequentially displayed on the image display unit 28 in units of frames. Reference numeral 302 denotes a set button which can determine an item selected from the menu.

  Reference numeral 303 denotes an information display ON / OFF button, which can switch ON / OFF information display of a reproduced image. Examples of information to be displayed include a file number, an image number, and a shooting date / time. At the time of shooting, it is used as an image display ON / OFF switch 66 for turning ON / OFF the display of the image display unit 28.

  An erase button 304 can erase the recorded image. Reference numeral 305 denotes an easy direct button which is used when transferring image or sound data recorded on the recording medium 200 to a device such as a printer or a personal computer. Further, by simultaneously pressing the set button 302 and the easy direct button 305, it can be used as a slide show shortcut button.

  Reference numeral 307 denotes a reduction button. When an image being reproduced and displayed is enlarged, reduction display can be performed. During photographing, the zoom lens is used as an operation member that moves to the wide-angle side. Reference numeral 308 denotes an enlarge button, which can enlarge and display an image being reproduced and displayed. During photographing, the zoom lens is used as an operation member that moves to the telephoto side.

  Reference numeral 309 denotes a left button, 310 denotes a right button, 311 denotes an up button, and 312 denotes a down button. By operating these buttons, a selection item can be changed when a menu is displayed. Further, the frame advance operation of the reproduced image can be performed by the left button 309 and the right button 310.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the directory structure of image data recorded on the recording medium 200, which complies with the DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) standard defined by the Japan Electronics Industry Promotion Association. There is a DCIM directory under the root, and a xxxGAZOU (for example, 100GAZOU) directory under the DCIM directory. There is an image file IMG_xxxx.JPG under xxxGAZOU. Xxx in the directory xxxGAZOU is called a directory number, and can be from 100 to 999. The xxxx of the image file IMG_xxxx.JPG is called a file number, and can be from 0001 to 9999. The larger the directory number, the more recently created image, and the larger the file number, the more recently created image.

  In the example of FIG. 3, IMG_0001.JPG under 100GAZOU is the oldest image, and IMG_2003.JPG under 101GAZOU is the newest image. Image numbers are assigned in order, such as IMG_0001.JPG under 100GAZOU, image number 1, IMG_0002.JPG under 100GAZOU, image number 2, IMG_2003.JPG under 101GAZOU, image number 13, and so on. As the image number, a larger number is assigned to an image having a larger directory number and an image having a larger file number.

  In the example of FIG. 3, three files IMG_0001.JPG to IMG_0003.JPG under 100GAZOU were shot on 2005/06/01, and three files IMG_0004.JPG to IMG_0006.JPG under 100GAZOU were taken on June 11, 2005. Assume that one file was taken. Further, assume that seven files of IMG_1997.JPG to IMG_1999.JPG under 100GAZOU and IMG_2001.JPG to IMG_2003.JPG under 101GAZOU were taken on June 16, 2005.

  4 and 5 are flowcharts showing a reproduction process performed by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. First, with reference to FIG. 4, the processing of the main routine in the embodiment will be described.

  The system control circuit 50 first initializes flags and control variables (step S101), searches for an image recorded on the recording medium 200, and searches for an image file having the largest image number (step S102). . If the directory structure of the image recorded on the recording medium 200 is the structure shown in FIG. 3, for example, IMG_2003.JPG under 101GAZOU is acquired. Next, the system control circuit 50 displays the image file having the largest image number acquired in step S102 on the image display unit 28 (step S103).

  The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not there has been a button operation (step S104). If there has been no button operation, the system control circuit 50 returns to step S104. If there is a button operation, it is determined whether or not the button operation is to instruct slide show processing (step S105), and if it is pressed, slide show processing is performed (step S106). As described above, the slide show is a process of automatically displaying a plurality of images in a predetermined order for a predetermined time. Since the processing of the slide show itself is widely known, a detailed description is not given here. The detailed processing flow of the slide show processing performed in step S106 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the button operation is not a button operation for instructing slide show processing (NO in step S105), the system control circuit 50 determines whether the button operation is processing for exiting the reproduction mode (step S107). If the process exits the reproduction mode, the reproduction mode end process is performed (step S109), and the reproduction process ends. As processing for exiting the reproduction mode, there are a case where the power ON / OFF button 60 is pressed and the processing of the image processing apparatus 100 is terminated, or the mode dial 61 is changed to the photographing mode.

  If the button for exiting the playback mode has not been pressed (NO in step S107), the system control circuit 50 performs processing according to the button operation (step S108). Examples of processing according to button operations include frame advance, image enlargement, multi-screen display, menu display, and the like. After performing the process according to the button operation in step S108, the process returns to step S104.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of the slide show processing performed in step S106.

  First, the system control circuit 50 has selected an instruction for slide show processing from the menu shown in FIG. 6 displayed on the image display unit 28 by using the up and down buttons 311 and 312 and the set button 302 (hereinafter referred to as “menu selection”). It is determined whether it has been selected by pressing both the set button 302 and the easy direct button 305 (hereinafter referred to as “shortcut selection”) (step S201).

  In the case of shortcut selection, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the latest image is being displayed (step S202). The latest image referred to here is an image file having the largest image number among images recorded on the recording medium 200. As described above, for example, if the directory structure of the image recorded on the recording medium 200 is the structure shown in FIG. 3, the image file having the largest image number is IMG_2003.JPG under 101GAZOU.

  If the latest image is being displayed (YES in step S202), the system control circuit 50 searches for an image file having the smallest image number among image files having the same date information as the latest image (step S203). ). If the directory structure of the image recorded on the recording medium 200 is the structure shown in FIG. 3, the search result in step S203 is IMG_1997.JPG under 100GAZOU. Next, the system control circuit 50 starts a slide show from the image file searched in step S203 (step S204), performs a slide show of all images (step S207), and ends the process.

  For example, it is assumed that the directory structure of images recorded on the recording medium 200 is FIG. 3 and that IMG_2003.JPG under 101GAZOU is displayed on the image display unit 28. At this time, if a shortcut is selected, the slide show starts from IMG_1997.JPG under 100GAZOU of image number 7, and the slide show is performed in the order of image number 7 → 8 → 9 → 10 → 11 → 12 → 13 → 1. Finally, the image of image number 6 is displayed and the slide show is ended.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the latest image is not being displayed, the system control circuit 50 starts a slide show from the currently displayed image (step S205), and performs a slide show of all images (step S207). Exit.

  For example, it is assumed that the directory structure of the images recorded on the recording medium 200 is the structure shown in FIG. 3, and IMG_2000.JPG under 100GAZOU is displayed on the image display unit 28. At this time, if a shortcut is selected, a slide show is started from IMG_2000.JPG under 100GAZOU of image number 10, followed by a slide show in the order of image number 10 → 11 → 12 → 13 → 1. 9 images are displayed and the slide show ends.

  If it is determined in step S201 that the menu is selected, the system control circuit 50 starts a slide show from the image having the smallest image number among all images (step S206), and performs the slide show of all images (step S206). S207), the process is terminated.

  For example, when the directory structure of the images recorded on the recording medium 200 is FIG. 3, it is assumed that a slide show process is instructed by menu selection. In this case, a slide show is started from IMG_0001.JPG under 100GAZOU of image number 1, followed by a slide show in the order of image number 1 → 2 → 3 → 4, and finally the image of image number 13 is displayed and the slide show is ended. To do.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a slide show can be instructed to start slide show processing by two methods of menu selection and shortcut selection, and an image for starting the slide show is changed according to the instruction method. Therefore, the user can easily select an image for starting a slide show by selecting an instruction method according to the purpose.

  Also, by providing a slide show shortcut key, a simple operation slide show can be started without menu operation.

  In this embodiment, the case where there are two instruction methods for starting the slide show processing has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of methods may be used. In addition, as an instruction method, the case of selecting a menu from the menu shown in FIG. 6 and selecting a shortcut by pressing both the set button 302 and the easy direct button 305 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. is not. For example, other methods or operation members may be used such as providing a dedicated button.

<Modification>
In the above example, the image having the smallest image number among the images having the same date as the latest image is searched in step S203 in FIG. 5. For example, the smallest image among the images in the same directory as the latest image is searched. You may make it search the image which has a number.

  For example, when the directory structure of the image recorded on the recording medium 200 is FIG. 3 and IMG_2003.JPG under 101GAZOU is displayed on the image display unit 28, the set button 302 and the easy direct button 305 are displayed. Assume that both buttons are pressed. In this case, a slide show is started from IMG_2001.JPG under 101GAZOU of image number 11, slide show is performed in the order of image number 11 → 12 → 13 → 1 → 2... You may comprise so that it may complete | finish.

  In addition to the above, a slide show is started from an image taken a predetermined number of days before the date when the latest image was taken, or a slide show is started from an image having the smallest image number among images included in the predetermined number of latest directories. You may do it. Further, it is possible to set as appropriate, such as starting a slide show from a predetermined number of images from the latest image and an image having a smaller image number.

  Furthermore, for example, the user may be able to set conditions for determining an image for starting a slide show. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, options such as “1 day”, “2 days”, and “3 days” are displayed on the image display unit 28, and the selection is made using the up and down buttons 311 and 312 and the set button 302. Remember the number of days. Then, based on the date when the latest image was taken and the selected number of days, the start image when the shortcut is selected is determined. Of course, it is possible to directly configure the number with the up and down buttons 311, 312, etc., instead of selecting from the options.

  With this configuration, the convenience during a slide show can be further improved.

<Other embodiments>
In the above embodiment, the case where an image is reproduced by an image processing apparatus such as an electronic camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and recorded image data can be read and reproduced. The present invention can be applied to any apparatus.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved as follows. First, a storage medium (or recording medium) that records a program code of software that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus. Then, the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the following can be achieved. That is, when the operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the read program code, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. It is. Examples of the storage medium for storing the program code include a flexible disk, hard disk, ROM, RAM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, and the like. Can be considered. Also, a computer network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) can be used to supply the program code.

  Furthermore, it can also be achieved as follows. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion card or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus in embodiment of this invention. 1 is a rear view of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the directory structure of the image data in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the main routine of the reproduction | regeneration processing in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the slide show process in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu display in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for selecting the conditions in the modification of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10: photographing lens, 12: shutter, 14: image sensor, 16: A / D converter, 18: timing generation circuit, 20: image processing circuit, 22: memory control circuit, 24: image display memory, 26: D / A converter, 28: image display unit, 30: memory, 32: compression / decompression circuit, 40: exposure control unit, 42: distance measurement control unit, 44: zoom control unit, 46: barrier control unit, 48: flash, 50 : System control unit, 52: Memory, 54: Notification unit, 56: Non-volatile memory, 60: Power ON / OFF switch, 61: Mode dial switch, 62: Shutter switch SW1, 64: Shutter switch SW2, 66: Image display ON / OFF switch, 68: Quick review ON / OFF switch, 70: Operation unit, 71: Microphone, 72: A / D converter, 80: Power supply control Part, 82, 84: connector, 86: power supply, 90: input / output I / F, 92: connector, 100: image processing apparatus, 110: communication circuit, 112: connector (antenna), 200: recording medium, 202: recording Part, 204: interface, 206: connector

Claims (7)

An image reproduction apparatus for reproducing and displaying an image recorded on a recording medium as electrical image data on a display unit,
While the images recorded on the recording medium are reproduced and displayed on the display unit, an instruction to start a slide show for displaying the images recorded on the recording medium while automatically switching in a predetermined order is given by a predetermined shortcut key. First instruction means;
A second instruction means for displaying a menu screen during playback and display of the image recorded on the recording medium and instructing the start of the slide show from the menu screen;
When instructed by the first instruction means, a start image for starting the slide show is determined according to the image being reproduced and displayed, and when instructed by the second instruction means, the reproduction display is being performed. Start image determining means for determining the start image based on a predetermined condition not related to the image;
Control means for executing the slide show from the images determined by the start image determination means ,
The second instruction means is means for instructing the start of the slide show in response to selecting a slide show menu after displaying the menu screen on the display unit,
The first instruction means is means for instructing the start of the slide show in response to an operation of the shortcut key on the image reproduction apparatus without displaying the menu screen during reproduction display.
In the case where the instruction is given by the first instruction means, the start image determination means is the latest image among the images recorded on the recording medium when the instruction is given. Is an image in which the oldest image taken on the same day as the newest image is used as the start image, and the image displayed when the instruction is given is recorded on the recording medium. An image playback apparatus that determines an image displayed when an instruction is given as the start image when the image is not the newest image . The start image determining means determines the oldest image among the images recorded on the recording medium as the start image when an instruction is given by the second instruction means. 2. The image reproducing device according to 1. Imaging means for photographing a subject and recording electrical image data;
Imaging device and having an image reproduction apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A control method for an image reproducing apparatus for reproducing and displaying an image recorded on a recording medium as electrical image data on a display unit,
A display step in which the display means reproduces and displays the image recorded on the recording medium on the display unit;
The first instruction means instructs to start a slide show in which images recorded on the recording medium are automatically switched in a predetermined order according to an operation of a predetermined shortcut key during reproduction display in the display step. A first instruction step to:
A second instruction step for displaying a menu screen during reproduction display in the display step, and instructing the start of the slide show in response to an instruction operation for starting the slide show from the menu screen; ,
A determination step of determining whether the start of the slide show is instructed in any of the first instruction step and the second instruction step;
When the determination means is instructed in the first instruction step, a start image for starting the slide show is determined in accordance with the image being reproduced and displayed, and when instructed in the second instruction step A start image determination step of determining the start image based on a predetermined condition not related to the image being reproduced and displayed;
The display means includes a sequential display step of executing the sequential display from the images determined in the start image determination step ;
In the second instruction step, after displaying the menu screen on the display unit, instructing the start of the slide show in response to selecting a slide show menu,
In the first instruction step, during the reproduction display, the start of the slide show is instructed in response to the operation of the shortcut key on the image reproduction apparatus without displaying the menu screen.
In the start image determination step, when an instruction is given in the first instruction step, the image displayed when the instruction is given is the newest image among the images recorded on the recording medium Is an image in which the oldest image taken on the same day as the newest image is used as the start image, and the image displayed when the instruction is given is recorded on the recording medium. If the image is not the newest image, an image displayed when an instruction is given is determined as the start image . The program for making an information processing apparatus perform each process of the control method of Claim 4 . An information processing apparatus capable of executing a program, an information processing apparatus which executes the program, a program for causing to function as an image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A storage medium readable by an information processing apparatus, wherein the program according to claim 5 or 6 is stored.

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