JP4716025B2 - Image display device, display control program, and photographing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device, a display control program, and a photographing device, and more particularly to an image display device suitable for displaying a plurality of images.

Conventionally, in a display method in which data associated with time is acquired from a recording medium and data is displayed, the data is expanded and displayed so as to be arranged in a substantially circular order in time series based on the time associated with the data. Has been proposed (Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 2, when a plurality of images are reduced and displayed on the screen, the plurality of images are stored with the time associated with each image added, and the time axis is set on the screen, A display method is disclosed in which each image is arranged in the vicinity of the position on the time axis corresponding to the time added to each image. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a clock and image linked display method for displaying a clock and a captured image in conjunction with each other, and a calendar and clock linked display method for displaying a calendar and a captured image in conjunction with each other. Yes.
JP 2003-85530 A JP 2004-328265 A JP 2005-130275 A

  In recent years, in a recording apparatus that records an image, such as a digital camera, the recordable capacity has increased and the number of image data that can be stored has increased. For this reason, it is difficult to search for captured images. With the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, it has been difficult to select a desired image data from among day, week, month, and year. Further, when searching for an image, it is necessary to select a year, a month, a week, and a day, and there is a problem that the operation is troublesome for the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image display device, a display control program, and a photographing device that can easily select a desired image from a large number of recorded images. To do.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an image display device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an image recording unit that records an image in association with date / time information when the image was captured, and an image that reproduces and displays the image. A time zone designating unit for designating a time zone for searching for an image recorded in the image recording unit, and a time designated by the time zone designating unit in response to an operation input from a user; In accordance with an operation input from the user , display control means for acquiring an image photographed in a belt from the image recording means regardless of the photographing date of the image, and displaying the list on the image display means, further comprising a selection means for selecting a list image displayed on the image display unit, and a date unit display means shooting date and image selected by the selection means displaying a list of same image on the image display unit And features.

According to the first aspect , even if the user's memory regarding the shooting time is ambiguous, by specifying the time zone when the image was shot, a desired amount can be selected from a large number of images recorded in the image recording means. Can be selected easily. Furthermore, according to the first aspect, by selecting a list display image or a representative image, an image can be selected based on the selected image and the shooting date.

An image display device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an image recording unit that records an image and date / time information when the image is captured, an image display unit that reproduces and displays the image, and an operation from a user. In response to an input, a day of the week specifying unit for specifying a day of the week for searching for an image recorded in the image recording unit, and an image shot on the day of the week specified by the day of week specifying unit Regardless of the day, a display control unit that is acquired from the image recording unit and displayed on the image display unit as a list, and an image displayed on the image display unit is selected according to an operation input from the user. The image processing apparatus includes a selection unit and a date unit display unit that causes the image display unit to display a list of images having the same shooting date as the image selected by the selection unit .

According to the second aspect , even if the user's memory regarding the photographing time is ambiguous, by specifying the day of the week when the image was photographed, a desired image can be selected from a large number of images recorded in the image recording means. Images can be selected easily.

An image display device according to a third aspect of the present invention includes an image recording unit that records an image in association with date and time information when the image was captured, an image display unit that reproduces and displays the image, and a user operation. In response to an input, a time zone designating unit for designating a time zone for searching for an image recorded in the image recording unit, and recorded in the image recording unit in response to an operation input from the user Based on at least one of the designated time zone or day of the week, an image is acquired from the image recording means on the basis of at least one of the designated time zone and day of the week. selection Te, and display control means for displaying a list on the image display means, in accordance with an input from the user, selecting means for selecting an image displayed list on the image display means, by said selection means Image and shooting date is characterized in that it comprises a date unit display means for displaying a list of same image on the image display unit.

According to the third aspect , even if the user's memory regarding the shooting time is ambiguous, it is recorded in the image recording means by specifying either or both of the time zone and the day of the week when the image was shot. A desired image can be easily selected from a large number of images.

In the image display apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or third aspect , a gauge or button for designating a time zone can be used as the time zone designating means.
The image display device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first, third and fourth aspects, the time zone designating means can designate a plurality of time zones.
In the image display device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first and third to fifth aspects, the time zone designating unit is configured to specify a time zone that can be designated based on an operation input from the user. It is characterized by changing the width.

The image display device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image display device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects , wherein the images displayed in a list on the image display means are classified by shooting date, and the representative image corresponding to the shooting date. The image display means further includes date representative image display means for displaying a list.

According to the seventh aspect , the images displayed as a list on the image display means can be displayed together as a representative image for each date. Thereby, even if there are a large number of images searched by time zone or day of the week, it becomes easy to search for an image by using a representative image for each date.

The image display device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image display device according to the seventh aspect , wherein the date representative image display means includes the newest image, the oldest image, and the person in the image among the images having the same shooting date. The representative image is one of an image that occupies the maximum or minimum area and an image that includes a subject with the highest detection frequency among subjects detected from a plurality of images taken in a specified time period. .

According to the eighth aspect , an image that is taken at the beginning or end of the shooting date and is likely to remain in the user's memory, an image that is characteristic of the subject person, and an image that includes the most frequently shot subjects on the shooting date. By using as a representative image, the image search performance can be improved.

An image display device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the image display device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects , further comprising an enlarged display unit that selects and displays an enlarged list of images displayed on the image display unit. And

According to the ninth aspect , the list-displayed images can be enlarged and displayed.

An imaging device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention includes the image display device according to any of the first to ninth aspects .

A display control program according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention includes an image recording function for recording an image in association with date and time information when the image is captured, an image display function for reproducing and displaying the image, and a user operation. In response to an input, a time zone specifying function for specifying a time zone for searching for an image recorded by the image recording function, and an image taken in the time zone specified by the time zone specifying function, Regardless of the shooting date of the image, a display control function for obtaining a list from the images recorded by the image recording function and displaying the list by the image display function, and the list according to an operation input from the user a selection function that selects the displayed image, thereby realizing a date unit display function on the computer in which the selected functions by shooting date and the selected image displaying a list of same image And features.

A display control program according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes an image recording function for recording an image in association with date and time information when the image is captured, an image display function for reproducing and displaying the image, and an operation from a user In response to input, a day of the week specifying function for specifying a day of the week for searching for an image recorded by the image recording function, and an image shot on the day of the week specified by the day of week specifying function Regardless of the day, a display control function that is acquired from the images recorded by the image recording function and displayed in a list by the image display function , and the images displayed in the list according to an operation input from the user a selection function of selecting, and characterized in that to realize and date unit display function on the computer in which the selected functions by shooting date and the selected image displaying a list of same image That.

A display control program according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention includes an image recording function for recording an image in association with date / time information when the image was captured, an image display function for reproducing and displaying the image, and an operation from a user. In response to an input, a time zone designation function for designating a time zone for searching for an image recorded in the image recording function, and an image recorded in the image recording function in response to an operation input from the user An image recorded by the image recording function based on a day of the week specifying function for specifying a day of the week for searching an image and at least one of the specified time zone or day of the week, regardless of the shooting date of the image. acquired from the a display control function of displaying a list by the image display function, a selection function in accordance with an input from said user, selecting the list displayed image, the -Option function and the selected image by shooting date is characterized in that to realize and date unit display function for list displaying the same image on the computer.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh to thirteenth aspects , the display control program classifies the list-displayed images according to shooting dates and displays a list of representative images corresponding to the shooting dates. A date representative image display function is realized by a computer.

The display control program according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the display control program according to the fourteenth aspect , wherein the date representative image display function is a newest image, an oldest image, or a person's The representative image is one of an image that occupies the maximum or minimum area and an image that includes a subject that is detected most frequently among a plurality of images that are captured during a specified time period. .

A display control program according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the eleventh to fifteenth aspects , the computer realizes an enlarged display function for selecting and enlarging and displaying the list-displayed images. .

Software and firmware including the display control program according to each of the above embodiments , a personal computer (PC), a video playback device (video deck, television), a printer having an image display function, a personal digital assistant (PDA) By applying to an apparatus having an image display function, such as a portable photo player or a mobile phone, the image display apparatus or the photographing apparatus of the present invention can be realized.

  According to the present invention, even when the user's memory regarding the shooting time is ambiguous, the time zone or day of the week when the image was shot without setting detailed search conditions such as year, month, week, day, etc. By specifying a rough search condition, it is possible to easily select a desired image from a large number of recorded images.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image display device, a display control program, and a photographing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Configuration of Shooting Device]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a photographing apparatus including an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the camera body 12 of the photographing apparatus (digital camera) 10 is formed in a flat square box shape. A lens barrel 14 in which a lens is incorporated is provided on the front surface of the camera body 12. A release button 16 and a power switch 18 are provided on the upper surface of the camera body 12. A display unit (liquid crystal monitor) 20, a viewfinder eyepiece window 22, an operation mode switch 24, a general-purpose key 26, a MENU / OK button 28, a cancel button 30, a display button 32, and a function button 34 are provided on the back of the camera body 12. It has been.

  The power switch 18 is a slide type switch, and the power source of the photographing apparatus 10 is turned ON / OFF by sliding the power switch 18.

  The release button 16 is composed of a two-stroke type button composed of so-called “half-press” and “full-press”, and AF (Auto Focus) and AE (Auto Exposure :) when “half-press”. Auto exposure) works, and shooting is performed with “full press”.

  The mode switch 24 functions as a switch for switching the operation mode of the photographing apparatus 10, and “still image photographing mode” for photographing a still image, “moving image photographing mode” for photographing a moving image, and photographing depending on the set position. It is possible to switch to the “playback mode” for playing back the recorded image.

  The liquid crystal monitor 20 functions as an image playback monitor in the playback mode, and also functions as an electronic viewfinder that displays a framing through image in the still image or moving image shooting mode. The display button 32 functions as an ON / OFF switching button of the liquid crystal monitor 20. The liquid crystal monitor 20 is also used as a user interface display screen, and displays information such as menu information, selection items, and setting contents as necessary. Instead of the liquid crystal monitor 20, other types of display devices such as organic EL (electro-luminescence) can be used.

  The MENU / OK button 28 functions as a button for instructing display of the menu screen. When this MENU / OK button 28 is pressed, the operation mode is changed to the setup mode, and the setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 20. The In the above setup mode, items relating to image quality adjustment such as exposure value, hue, ISO sensitivity, and number of recorded pixels, and adjustment items such as setting of a self-timer, switching of a photometric method, and whether to use a digital zoom are set. . In the setup mode, the MENU / OK button 28 functions as a button for instructing confirmation of the selected item and execution of the operation, and the cancel button 30 cancels the item selected on the setting screen or returns to the previous state. It functions as a button to indicate that.

  The general purpose key 26 functions as a cursor shift key for selecting an image to be reproduced in the reproduction mode and moving a cursor for selecting an item on the setting screen. The general-purpose key 26 includes a left shift key 26A and a right shift key 26C that move the cursor in the left and right direction, and an up and down shift key 26B that moves the cursor in the up and down direction. Note that the left shift key 26A and the right shift key 26C are configured by push buttons, and the up / down shift key 26B is configured by a seesaw button that can swing up and down.

  Further, the up / down shift key 26B functions as an operation button for zoom operation in the still image or moving image shooting mode. That is, under the still image or moving image shooting mode, the zoom is operated in the tele direction by operating the zoom button upward, and the zoom is operated in the wide direction by operating downward.

  The up / down shift key 26B also functions as a zoom button for a playback image under the playback mode. That is, when the up / down shift key 26B is operated upward in the playback mode, the playback image is enlarged and displayed, and when operated downward, the playback image is reduced and displayed.

  Further, under the playback mode, the left shift key 26A functions as a frame return button (a button for instructing to display an image one frame before), and the right shift key 26C is a frame advance button (an image after one frame is displayed). Function as a button).

  The left shift key 26A functions as a button for switching ON / OFF of the macro function (close-up function) under the still image or moving image shooting mode, and the macro function is turned ON or OFF by pressing the left shift key 26A.

  The right shift key 26C functions as a button for switching the flash mode under the still image or moving image shooting mode. By pressing the right shift key 26C, the flash mode is set to each mode of flash emission / emission prohibition. .

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the photographing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 50 is connected to each part in the photographing apparatus 10 via a bus 52 and is a general control unit that controls the operation of the photographing apparatus 10 based on an operation input from the operation unit 54 or the like. is there. The operation unit 54 includes a release button 16, a power switch 18, an operation mode changeover switch 24, a general-purpose key 26, a MENU / OK button 28, a cancel button 30, a display button 32, a function button 34, and the like. It is an operating member that receives input.

  The power supply control circuit 56 supplies power supplied from a power supply battery (battery) 58 to each unit of the photographing apparatus 10 under the control of the CPU 50.

  The memory 60 is controlled by the memory control unit 62 and serves as a ROM that stores programs processed by the CPU 50 and various data necessary for control, and a work area and an image processing area where the CPU 50 performs various arithmetic processes. It has SDRAM etc.

  The timer 64 measures time based on a command from the CPU 50. The calendar / clock unit 66 measures the current date and time based on a command from the CPU 50.

  The external communication interface unit (external communication I / F) 68 is a device for connecting to a network or an external output device (for example, a personal computer, a television, a display, a printer, an external recording device), etc., according to a predetermined protocol. Send and receive various data. As a data transmission / reception system, for example, USB, IEEE 1394, wired LAN, infrared communication (IrDA), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like can be used.

  The image sensor 72 is an element that receives light incident through the optical system (including a lens) 70 and converts it into an electrical signal, and is, for example, a CCD. This electrical signal is amplified by a preamplifier (not shown), converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter 74, and input to the image processing unit 76.

  In the shooting mode, the electric signal output from the image sensor 72 is processed by the image processing unit 76 to generate image data for checking the angle of view (through image), which is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 20. When the release button 16 is operated to capture an image, the electrical signal output from the image sensor 72 is processed by the image processing unit 76 to create a still image file for storage. This still image file for storage is stored in the recording medium 78 in a predetermined file format (for example, JPEG format). Here, the recording medium 78 is, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like, and input / output to / from the recording medium 78 is controlled by the external memory control unit 80.

  In the shooting mode, the CPU 50 transmits a control signal to the flash control circuit 82 in accordance with AE control when S1 is ON and an operation input from the right shift key 26C (flash button). The flash control circuit 82 performs charge control of a main capacitor (not shown), control of discharge (light emission) timing to the flash light emitting unit 84 (for example, xenon tube), and the like.

  In the moving image shooting mode, a moving image with sound can be recorded, and the recording operation starts when the release button 16 is pressed, and the recording operation stops when the release button 16 is pressed again. The recorded moving image is processed by the image processing unit 76 to create a moving image file for storage. The moving image file for storage is stored in the recording medium 78 in a predetermined file format (for example, MPEG format). Note that a recording operation may be performed during a period during which the release button 16 is continuously pressed, and recording may be stopped when the release button is released.

  On the other hand, in the playback mode, the image data stored in the recording medium 78 is read out by the image processing unit 76, image data for display is created and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 20.

[Image search screen configuration]
Next, the configuration of an image search screen for searching for an image recorded on the recording medium 78 in the playback mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a default state of the image search screen. An image search screen 100 shown in FIG. 3 is used as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) when searching for an image. In the center of the image search screen 100, an image display area in which a list of searched images is displayed. 102 is provided. In the image display area 102, images are displayed in order from the newest one. Each reduced image 102A has an image shooting date and time. Among the reduced images 102A, those in the selected state are provided with a red thick frame. By default, the reduced image 102A in the upper left is selected. The selected state may be indicated by adding a mark or the like to the image in addition to the red thick frame.

  On the upper side of the image search screen 100, a time zone selection box 104, a browsing mode selection box 106, and a day selection box 108 are arranged. Further, on the right end of the image search screen 100, a page number display column 110, an information display column 112, and a time zone gauge 114 are arranged in order from the top.

  The time zone selection box 104 functions as an operation member for searching for an image based on information on the time zone when the image was taken regardless of the date when the image was taken. When the time zone selection box 104 is selected by the general-purpose key 26 and the MENU / OK button 28, the time zone gauge 114 becomes operable, and the time zone selection index 114A is moved up and down by the up / down shift key 26B, thereby The time zone used for the search is specified. The width of the time zone selected by the time zone selection index 114A can be changed by pressing the MENU / OK button 28 while the time zone selection index 114A is selected. A plurality of time zone selection indexes 114A can be provided. For example, images taken in the time zone of 9:00 to 10:00 and 12:00 to 14:00 can be searched and displayed.

  In FIG. 3, the width of the time zone gauge 114 is 24 hours from 0:00 to 24:00, but the width of the time zone gauge 114 may be changeable. For example, the width of the time zone gauge 114 may be set to seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years.

  The browsing mode selection box 106 functions as an operation member for setting an image display form in the image display area 102, and includes a “date” button 106A and a “one day” button 106B. When the “Date” button 106 </ b> A is selected, the CPU 50 classifies the images recorded on the recording medium 78 for each shooting date, selects representative images for each shooting date, and displays them as a list in the image display area 102. (Date representative display mode). The representative image is, for example, the newest image or the oldest image, the image in which the area occupied by the person is the maximum or minimum, or the most detected frequency among the subjects detected from a plurality of images taken on the same day. An image including a subject having a large number of subjects (images of subjects most frequently photographed on the day). On the other hand, when the “one day” button 106B is selected, the CPU 50 reads out from the recording medium 78 an image having the same shooting date as the reduced image 102A selected in the image display area 102, and displays the image display area. A list is displayed in 102 (daily display mode).

  The day of the week selection box 108 functions as an operation member for searching for an image according to the information of the day of the week when the image was taken, regardless of the date when the image was taken, and “Month”, “Tue”, “Wed”, “ Icons (day buttons) corresponding to the days of the week of “Thursday”, “Friday”, “Saturday” and “Sunday” are provided. When the day of the week button is selected, the CPU 50 selects images taken on the selected day of the week from images recorded on the recording medium 78 regardless of the shooting date and displays them in a list in the image display area 102. .

  In the page number display column 110, the number of pages in the image display area 102 is displayed in the format of (current page number) / (total page number). In FIG. 3, “1/25” is displayed, which indicates that the first page is displayed out of 25 total pages in the image display area 102.

  In the information display field 112, the time zone specified by the time zone gauge 114, the shooting date selected by the “1 day” button 106B, and the day of the week selection box 108 according to the setting contents of each operation member. The specified day of the week etc. is displayed.

[Image search mode]
Hereinafter, an aspect of image search using the image search screen 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the time zone selection box 104 is selected. When the time zone selection box 104 is selected by the general-purpose key 26 and the MENU / OK button 28 is pressed, the time zone selection box 104 is highlighted and the time zone gauge 114 can be operated as shown in FIG. Become. When the time zone selection box 104 is selected again by the general-purpose key 26 and the MENU / OK button 28, the selected state is canceled. When the time zone selection index 114A is moved up and down by the up / down shift key 26B and the MENU / OK button 28 is pressed, the position of the time zone selection index 114A is fixed. As shown in FIG. 4, images taken in the time zone specified by the time zone selection index 114A are searched regardless of the shooting date and displayed in a list (reduced display) in the image display area 102. In the image display area 102, the reduced image 102A is displayed, for example, in order from a new image. As shown in FIG. 4, the page number display field 110 displays the page number “1/6”, and the information display field 112 displays the time zone “9” designated by the time zone selection index 114A. 0:00 to 10:00 "is displayed. In FIG. 4, the shooting date is displayed in the vicinity (lower right) of the reduced image 102A. However, the shooting time or both the shooting date and the shooting time may be displayed, or nothing is displayed. You don't have to.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an enlarged display of an image. When the reduced image 102A displayed in the image display area 102 is selected by the general-purpose key 26 and the MENU / OK button 28 is pressed, as shown by reference numeral 116 in FIG. 5, the reduced image 102A corresponds to the selected reduced image 102A. The image is enlarged and displayed on the image search screen 100.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the date representative display mode. In the default state shown in FIG. 4, when the “date” button 106A of the browsing mode selection box 106 is selected by the general-purpose key 26 and the MENU / OK button 28 is pressed, as shown in FIG. While the button 106 </ b> A is highlighted, the CPU 50 classifies the images recorded on the recording medium 78 by shooting date and displays a list of representative images for each date in the image display area 102. As shown in FIG. 6, when both the time zone selection box 104 and the “date” button 106A are selected, images taken in the time zone designated by the time zone gauge 114 are classified by shooting date. Thus, a list of representative images for each date selected from images taken in the time zone specified by the time zone gauge 114 is displayed in the image display area 102. As described above, the representative image is detected from, for example, the newest image or the oldest image, the image in which the area occupied by the person is the maximum or minimum, and a plurality of images taken in a specified time zone. An image including a subject having the highest detection frequency among the subjects. In the state shown in FIG. 6, when the reduced image 102A of the representative image is selected by the general-purpose key 26, the MENU / OK button 28 is pressed, and the “one day” button 106B of the viewing mode selection box 106 is selected. In the image display area 102, a list of images having the same shooting date as the selected representative image is displayed. At this time, “05/11/24” indicating the shooting date of the selected representative image is displayed in the information display column 112.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the daily display mode. In the default state shown in FIG. 4, when the reduced image 102A displayed in the image display area 102 is selected and the “one day” button 106B is selected, the selected reduced image 102A is displayed as shown in FIG. All images taken on the same day are displayed in a list in the image display area 102. At this time, “05/11/24” indicating the shooting date of the selected representative image is displayed in the information display column 112.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state where the time zone selection box 104 is selected in the 1-day display mode of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, when the time zone selection box 104 is selected and the time zone is designated by the time zone gauge 114 after the “1 day” button 106B is selected, the selected shooting date “05/11” is selected. Of the images photographed at “/ 24”, images photographed in the designated time zone (9:00 to 10:00) are displayed in a list in the image display area 102. At this time, “05/11/24” and “9:00 to 10:00” indicating the designated shooting date and time are displayed in the information display column 112. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, for example, all images after a specified time period (that is, after 9:00) may be displayed in a list in the image display area 102.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the time zone selection index 114A is shifted in FIG. In FIG. 8, when the time zone selection index 114A is shifted up by the up / down shift key 26B and the time zone “7:00 to 8:00” is designated, as shown in FIG. The displayed images are displayed in a list in the image display area 102, and the display in the information display column 112 is updated.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the width of the time zone selection index 114A is changed. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the width of the time zone selected by the time zone selection index 114A is changed to 3 hours. When changing the width of the time zone selection index 114A, for example, the time zone selection index 114A is selected by the general-purpose key 26, and the MENU / OK button 28 is pressed to display the time zone width setting screen so that the width is increased. change. Similarly, a plurality of time zone selection indexes 114A can be set in the time zone gauge 114.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of searching for an image based on the day of the week when the image was taken. As shown in FIG. 11, when the “Thu” button in the day selection box 108 is selected, the “Thu” button is highlighted, and images taken on Thursday are retrieved regardless of the shooting date. A list is displayed in the image display area 102. When the time zone selection box 104 is further selected together with the “Thu” button, the image was taken in the time zone “9:00 to 10:00” designated by the time zone gauge 114 among the images taken on Thursday. A list of images is displayed in the image display area 102. A plurality of day buttons in the day selection box 108 can be selected at the same time.

  In addition, in FIG. 11, when the “date” button 106A is further selected, as shown in FIG. 12, images taken in the time zone “9:00 to 10:00” on Thursday are not related to the shooting date. Searched. Then, the retrieved images are classified by shooting date, and representative images for each date are displayed in a list in the image display area 102.

  In the present embodiment, when the time zone selection box 104, the browsing mode selection box 106, the day selection box 108, and the like are selected, characters are displayed in reverse video. For example, by adding a mark, an icon, or the like. It may indicate that each operation member has been selected.

  In the present embodiment, the time zone gauge 114 is used to specify the time zone. However, for example, a time zone selection button 118 may be used as shown in FIG. A plurality of time zone selection buttons 118 can be selected at the same time. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the time zone can be specified in units of 3 hours by the time zone selection button 118, but the width of the specifiable time zone may be changed in the setup mode or the like.

  In the present embodiment, a touch panel may be provided on the surface of the liquid crystal monitor 20 as an operation member for operating the image search screen 100. In this case, selection of a time zone and selection of narrowing items (day of the week date) can be performed intuitively, which is suitable for the image reproducing device of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the day of the week taken for searching for an image is used. However, for example, holidays, six days of the week, air saving, or the like may be used. Further, the user's birthday, anniversary, summer vacation, winter vacation, etc. may be stored in the calendar / clock unit 66 and used as a search condition.

[Flow of image search processing]
Next, the flow of processing in the CPU 50 when searching for an image using the image search screen 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 50 detects the position of the operation mode switch 24 and determines the operation mode setting (step S10). When the operation mode is the playback mode (Yes in step S10), the image recorded on the recording medium 78 in the default playback mode is displayed. Next, when the display button 32 is pressed (No in step S12), the playback mode can be selected, and when the image search playback mode is selected (Yes in step S14), the image is changed from the default playback mode. Transition to an image search / playback mode using the search screen 100. If there are other playback modes, other playback modes can be selected in step S14.

  Next, the CPU 50 reads out the images recorded on the recording medium 78 and arranges them in the new order (step S16). Then, the image search screen 100 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 20, and the images read from the recording medium 78 are displayed in a new list in the image display area 102 of the search screen 100 (see step S18, FIG. 3). Further, the page number is displayed in the page number display column 110 of the image search screen 100 (step S20). In step S20, when the number of images is large and cannot fit on one page of the image display area 102, a mark indicating that the number of pages is plural (for example, a button for switching pages) is displayed. You may do it.

  Next, a search condition for searching for an image is selected (steps S22 to S28). As described above, the search condition is selected by selecting the time zone selection box 104 (step S22), the day of the week selection box 108 (step S24), the “date” button 106A (step S26), or the “one day” button 106B (step S28). Any one of these is selected by the general-purpose key 26 and the MENU / OK button 28 is pressed. In order to cancel the selection of the operation members such as the time zone selection box 104, the day selection box 108, the “date” button 106A, and the “one day” button 106B, the selected operation member may be selected again.

  Next, an image is searched according to the search condition selected in steps S22 to S28 (step S30), and the CPU 50 determines whether there is an image (corresponding image) that matches the search condition (step S32). When there is a corresponding image (Yes in step S32), a list of the corresponding images is displayed in the image display area 102 of the image search screen 100 (step S34). Further, the page number is displayed in the page number display column 110 of the image search screen 100 (step S36). On the other hand, when there is no corresponding image (No in step S32), after a message indicating that there is no corresponding image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 20 (step S38), the process returns to step S22 to accept the selection of the search condition again. become.

  Next, when there are a plurality of pages, the presence / absence of a page forward / return operation is determined (step S40). The page turning / returning operation is performed by pressing the function button 34 to shift to the reduced image selection mode for selecting the reduced image 102A and then swinging the up / down shift key 26B up and down. When the page turning / returning operation is performed (Yes in step S40), the CPU 50 shifts to the display of the reduced image 102A of another page according to the page turning / returning operation (step S42).

  When the search condition is reset (Yes in step S44), the process returns to step S22 to accept the search condition selection again. As a result, it is possible to perform an image search combining time zone selection, day selection, date representative display mode, and day display mode. That is, designation of multiple days of the week, combination of time zone selection and date representative display mode, combination of time zone selection and daily display mode, combination of time zone selection and day of week selection, combination of day of week selection and date representative display mode, time Various narrowing searches such as a combination of band selection, day selection and date representative display mode can be performed.

  Next, when selecting the reduced image 102A, the function button 34 is used to shift to the reduced image selection mode (step S46). If the function button 34 is pressed again, the reduced image selection mode is canceled and the process returns to step S40. When the reduced image 102A is selected by the general-purpose key 26 and the MENU / OK button 28 is pressed (Yes in step S46), the CPU 50 displays the selected image 116 in an enlarged manner. (Step S48, see FIG. 5). When the left shift key 26A or 26C is pressed in this state, the enlarged display image 116 is page-turned / returned, and when the cancel button 30 is pressed, the enlarged display is terminated and the reduced image selection mode (step S46). Return to.

  According to this embodiment, even when the user's memory regarding the shooting time is ambiguous, the time zone or day of the week when the image was shot without setting detailed search conditions such as year, month, week, day, etc. By specifying a rough search condition such as, a desired image can be easily selected from a large number of recorded images.

  In addition to the photographing device, software and firmware including a program for performing the above-described processing are used as a personal computer (PC), a video playback device (video deck, television), a printer having an image display function, a personal digital assistant (PDA), By applying to an apparatus having an image display function such as a portable photo player or a mobile phone, the image display apparatus of the present invention can be realized.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the imaging device provided with the image display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the main structures of the imaging device 10 Diagram showing the default state of the image search screen The figure which shows the state as which the time zone selection box 104 was selected. Diagram showing enlarged display of image Diagram showing date representative display mode Diagram showing daily display mode The figure which shows the state by which the time zone selection box 104 was selected in the 1 day display mode of FIG. The figure which shows the state which shifted the time slot | zone selection index 114A in FIG. The figure which shows the state which changed the width | variety of the time slot | zone selection index 114A The figure which shows the example which searches an image by the day of the week when the image was taken FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state where the “date” button 106A is further selected in FIG. The figure which shows the image search screen 100 provided with the time slot | zone selection button 118 The flowchart which shows the flow of a process in CPU50 at the time of searching an image using the image search screen 100.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Imaging device (digital camera), 12 ... Camera body, 14 ... Lens barrel, 16 ... Release button, 18 ... Power switch, 20 ... Display part (liquid crystal monitor), 22 ... Viewfinder eyepiece window, 24 ... Switching operation mode Switch, 26 ... General purpose key, 26A ... Left shift key, 26B ... Up / down shift key, 26C ... Right shift key, 28 ... MENU / OK button, 30 ... Cancel button, 32 ... Display button, 34 ... Function button, 50 ... CPU, 52 ... Bus 54, operation unit 56, power control circuit, 58 power battery (battery), 60 memory, 62 memory control unit, 64 timer, 66 calendar / clock unit, 68 external communication interface unit (external) Communication I / F), 70 ... optical system, 72 ... imaging element, 74 ... A / D converter, 76 ... image processing unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Recording medium, 80 ... External memory control part, 82 ... Flash control circuit, 84 ... Flash light emission part, 100 ... Image search screen, 102 ... Image display area, 104 ... Time zone selection box, 106 ... Viewing mode selection box, 108 ... Day of week selection box, 110 ... Page number display column, 112 ... Information display column, 114 ... Time zone gauge, 114A ... Time zone selection index, 116 ... Enlarged display image, 118 ... Time zone selection button

Claims (16)

Image recording means for associating and recording an image and date and time information when the image was captured;
Image display means for reproducing and displaying the image;
A time zone designating unit for designating a time zone for searching for an image recorded in the image recording unit in response to an operation input from a user ;
Display control means for acquiring images taken in the time zone designated by the time zone designation means from the image recording means regardless of the photographing date of the image and displaying the list on the image display means;
A selection unit that selects a list of images displayed on the image display unit in response to an operation input from the user;
Date unit display means for causing the image display means to display a list of images having the same shooting date as the image selected by the selection means;
An image display device comprising: Image recording means for associating and recording an image and date and time information when the image was captured;
Image display means for reproducing and displaying the image;
A day-of-week designating unit for designating a day of the week for searching for an image recorded in the image recording unit in response to an operation input from a user ;
Display control means for acquiring images taken on the day of the week designated by the day of the week designation means from the image recording means regardless of the shooting date of the image, and causing the image display means to display a list.
A selection unit that selects a list of images displayed on the image display unit in response to an operation input from the user;
Date unit display means for causing the image display means to display a list of images having the same shooting date as the image selected by the selection means;
An image display device comprising: Image recording means for associating and recording an image and date and time information when the image was captured;
Image display means for reproducing and displaying the image;
A time zone designating unit for designating a time zone for searching for an image recorded in the image recording unit in response to an operation input from a user ;
A day-of-week designating unit for designating a day of the week for searching for an image recorded in the image recording unit in response to an operation input from the user ;
Display control means for acquiring images from the image recording means based on at least one of the designated time zone or day of the week, and displaying the list on the image display means, regardless of the shooting date of the image;
A selection unit that selects a list of images displayed on the image display unit in response to an operation input from the user;
Date unit display means for causing the image display means to display a list of images having the same shooting date as the image selected by the selection means;
An image display device comprising:   4. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the time zone specifying means includes a gauge or a button for specifying the time zone. 5. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the time zone designating unit is capable of designating a plurality of time zones. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the time zone specifying unit changes a width of a specifiable time zone based on an operation input from the user. The image display means further comprises date representative image display means for classifying the images displayed in a list for each shooting date and displaying a list of representative images corresponding to the shooting dates on the image display means. The image display device according to any one of 1 to 6 . The date representative image display means includes a newest image, an oldest image, an image having a maximum or minimum area occupied by a person in the image, and a plurality of images shot in a specified time zone. 8. The image display device according to claim 7 , wherein one of images including a subject having the highest detection frequency among subjects detected from the image is used as a representative image. The image display device of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an enlarged display means for enlarged display by selecting the list image displayed on said image display means. Imaging apparatus comprising the image display apparatus of any one of claims 1 9. An image recording function for recording an image in association with the date and time information when the image was captured;
An image display function for reproducing and displaying the image;
A time zone designation function for designating a time zone for searching for an image recorded by the image recording function in response to an operation input from the user ;
Images captured during the time period specified by the time period specifying function are acquired from the images recorded by the image recording function regardless of the shooting date of the image, and are displayed as a list by the image display function. Display control function
A selection function for selecting the image displayed in a list in response to an operation input from the user;
A date unit display function for displaying a list of images having the same shooting date as the image selected by the selection function;
A display control program for causing a computer to realize the above. An image recording function for recording an image in association with the date and time information when the image was captured;
An image display function for reproducing and displaying the image;
A day-of-week designation function for designating a day of the week for searching for an image recorded by the image recording function in response to an operation input from a user ;
An image captured on the day of the week designated by the day of the week designation function, obtained from the images recorded by the image recording function, regardless of the date of the image, and displayed as a list by the image display function Control function,
A selection function for selecting the image displayed in a list in response to an operation input from the user;
A date unit display function for displaying a list of images having the same shooting date as the image selected by the selection function;
A display control program for causing a computer to realize the above. An image recording function for recording an image in association with the date and time information when the image was captured;
An image display function for reproducing and displaying the image;
A time zone designation function for designating a time zone for searching for an image recorded in the image recording function in response to an operation input from a user ;
A day of the week designation function for designating a day of the week for searching for an image recorded in the image recording function in response to an operation input from the user ;
Display control for acquiring from the images recorded by the image recording function and displaying the list by the image display function, based on at least one of the designated time zone or day of the week, regardless of the shooting date of the image Function and
A selection function for selecting the image displayed in a list in response to an operation input from the user;
A date unit display function for displaying a list of images having the same shooting date as the image selected by the selection function;
A display control program for causing a computer to realize the above. Classified by date the list displayed image, any one of claims 11, characterized in that to realize the recording date representative image display function displays a list of the representative images corresponding to the date in the computer 13 of 1 The display control program described in the section. The date representative image display function includes a newest image, an oldest image, an image in which a person occupies a maximum or minimum area, and a plurality of images taken in a specified time zone. 15. The display control program according to claim 14 , wherein one of images including a subject with the highest detection frequency among subjects detected from the image is used as a representative image. The display control program according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein a computer realizes an enlargement display function for selecting and enlarging and displaying the images displayed in a list.

Images