JP4745165B2 - Image shooting device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image photographing apparatus, and more particularly, to an image photographing apparatus provided with display means for displaying an image.

  In general, an image photographing apparatus such as a digital still camera or a digital video camera is provided with a display device including an LCD or the like so that a photographed image and a reproduced image can be confirmed during image photographing and image reproduction. Among various types of image capturing devices, there are devices that have a function capable of enlarging and displaying captured images and playback images to be displayed on a display device in accordance with instructions from a user. This function is effective, for example, when confirming focus and exposure during image shooting.

Further, in relation to the above technique, Patent Document 1 discloses an image signal processing mechanism that can easily perform image processing such as enlargement / reduction and rotation when reproducing stored image data.
JP-A-6-153071

  By the way, in the image capturing device, the resolution of the captured image (the number of pixels of the image data obtained by capturing) is an important factor related to the image quality of the captured image, and the resolution has been increased year by year. There is a problem that it is difficult to understand which part of the original image is enlarged in a state where the captured image and the reproduced image displayed on the display device are enlarged. In particular, when the original image is an image obtained by shooting a scene in which similar objects are continuously arranged, it is possible to determine which part is enlarged and displayed. It was difficult.

  In addition, the above-mentioned problem is not limited to the image capturing device, and has a function of displaying an image on a display device and a function of enlarging and displaying a display image (for example, a function of simply reproducing an image). It is difficult to determine which part is enlarged and displayed, for example, when the area of the display surface of the display device is small and the display range when enlarged and displayed is limited. It was.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described facts, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image capturing apparatus capable of easily recognizing a displayed range of an entire image when the image is partially displayed. It is.

In order to achieve the above object, an image photographing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an imaging means for converting an optical image into image information, a display means for displaying an image, and an image temporarily stored. Temporary storage means for storing, electronic scaling processing means for performing electronic scaling processing for enlarging and displaying an image, and display magnification when displaying an image by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means A display magnification specifying means for specifying, and a plurality of switches for instructing movement in different directions of enlarged display ranges when an image is enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means , by instructing movement of the enlarged display range through the plurality of switches, and stores the display position designating means capable of specifying the image information outputted from said image pickup means the position of the enlarged display range It is determined whether or not to enlarge the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium, and when the enlarged display of the image is not performed, the temporary storage means is read out from the information storage medium The image information temporarily stored in the display means is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means, displayed on the display means as an image, and the display magnification designation means switches to a display magnification equivalent to displaying the image in an enlarged manner. When instructed, and when movement of the enlarged display range is instructed by the display position designation means, it is determined that it is necessary to enlarge and display an image by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means. The display state of the display means is displayed via the display magnification designation means among the images represented by the image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means. The partial image in the enlarged display range determined according to the set display magnification and the position of the enlarged display range designated through the display position designation means is used as the main image by the electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means. A first state in which an enlarged display is performed on the entire surface of the display means; the entire image represented by the image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is set as a display range, and a sub-image specifying the enlarged display range displayed as the main image is displayed The second state to be displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and the main image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and the sub-image is superimposed and displayed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. By sequentially switching to each state of the third state, the main image and the sub-image are each displayed on a single display means, and a change in display magnification is instructed via the display magnification designation means Each time the movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed via the display position designating means, the enlarged display range is changed according to the display magnification change instruction or the enlarged display range position movement instruction, And a display control means for switching the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image according to the changed enlarged display range and changing the size or position of the enlarged display range clearly shown in the sub-image. Has been.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging means for converting an optical image into image information, a display means for displaying an image, a temporary storage means for temporarily storing an image, and an electronic for displaying an image in an enlarged manner. Electronic scaling processing means for performing scaling processing, display magnification designating means for designating a display magnification when an image is enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means, and electrons by the electronic scaling processing means By providing a plurality of switches for instructing movement in different directions of the enlarged display range when the image is enlarged and displayed by scaling processing, and instructing movement of the enlarged display range through the plurality of switches, Display position specifying means capable of specifying the position of the enlarged display range is provided. The storage means can be configured by a memory such as a RAM. The display means may be a transmissive dot matrix display according to claim 5 , a reflective dot matrix display, or other display, and specifically comprises an LCD, a CRT display, a plasma display, or the like. it can.

The display control means according to the invention of claim 1 determines whether or not to enlarge the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging means. When not enlarging the image, the image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means and displayed on the display means as an image, When an instruction to switch to a display magnification equivalent to enlarging and displaying an image is instructed by the display magnification designating means, and when the movement of the enlarged display range is instructed by the display position designating means, the electronic scaling processing means electronic determines that it is necessary to perform enlarged display of the image by zooming process, the image represented by the image information display state, temporarily stored in the read and temporary memory means from the information storage medium of the display means Of these, a partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the display magnification designated via the display magnification designation means and the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designation means is changed electronically by the electronic magnification processing means. The first state in which the main image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display means by the magnification process, the entire image represented by the image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is set as the display range, and the enlarged display range displayed as the main image is clearly indicated. A second state in which the sub-image is displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and a third state in which the main image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and the sub-image is displayed superimposed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. By sequentially switching to each state, the main image and the sub-image are displayed on a single display means, and a change in display magnification is instructed via the display magnification designation means, or the display position Each time the movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed through the setting means, the enlarged display range is changed according to the display magnification change instruction or the enlarged display range position movement instruction, and the enlarged display range after the change is changed. The partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image is switched, and the size or position of the enlarged display range explicitly shown in the sub-image is changed. Thus, even when the image is enlarged and displayed, the user designates the display magnification via the display magnification designation means and designates the position of the enlarged display range via the display position designation means. An arbitrary portion of the image represented by the information can be enlarged and displayed as a main image at an arbitrary arbitrary display magnification, and a range that is enlarged and displayed as the main image in the entire image by referring to the sub image (Specifically, the position, shape, and size of the enlarged display range) can be easily recognized visually.

  In addition, in the invention of claim 1, specifying the range displayed as the main image on the sub-image is, for example, an image in which the range displayed as the main image and a graphic representing the boundary of the other range are overlapped Is displayed as a sub-image, or an image in which at least one of saturation, lightness, and hue is different between the range displayed as the main image and the other range is displayed as the sub-image.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the display control means includes a first state in which the main image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and a second state in which the sub image is displayed on the entire surface of the display means. The main image is displayed in an enlarged manner on the entire surface of the display means, and the main image is sequentially switched to each of the third states in which the sub image is displayed superimposed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. Since the sub-images are displayed on the single display unit, it is not necessary to add a new display unit to display the sub-image, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, by switching the display state of the display unit to the first state for a portion of the main image that is not displayed because the sub-image is superimposed when the display state of the display unit is the third state. By confirming or switching the display state of the display means to the second state, the position and size of the enlarged display range displayed as the main image can be confirmed in detail.

  Further, the display control means according to the invention of claim 1 is instructed to change the display magnification via the display magnification designation means, or is instructed to move the position of the enlarged display range via the display position designation means. Each time, the enlarged display range is changed according to the display magnification change instruction or the enlarged display range position movement instruction, the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image is changed according to the changed enlarged display range, and the sub image is displayed. Change the size or position of the specified enlarged display range. Thus, after the enlarged image (main image) is displayed once, the user can change the position and display magnification of the enlarged display range in the image, and refer to the sub-image to enlarge the display range. The position and size of the enlarged display range in the entire image after changing the position and the display magnification can be easily recognized.

  Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to enlarge and display an arbitrary portion in the image at an arbitrary magnification, and also to change the position and display magnification of the enlarged display range in the image even after the enlarged image is displayed once. It can be freely changed, and the position and size of the enlarged display range in the entire image can be easily recognized. In the first aspect of the present invention, the main image and the sub image are displayed on the single display means by superimposing the sub image on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. The user can easily recognize not only the range displayed as the main image but also the entire image represented by the image information. Thereby, when the size and position of the range displayed as the main image are changed by the user, the user can easily determine the range to be displayed as the main image. Further, by displaying the main image and the sub image on the single display unit, it is not necessary to newly add a display unit for displaying the sub image, so that the cost can be reduced.

An image photographing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit that converts an optical image into image information, a display unit that displays an image, and a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores an image. Electronic scaling processing means for performing an electronic scaling process for enlarging and displaying an image, and display magnification designation for designating a display magnification for enlarging and displaying an image by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means And a plurality of switches for instructing movement of enlarged display ranges in different directions when an image is enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means , via the plurality of switches by instructing movement of the enlarged display range, the storage of the position of the enlarged display range and the possible display position designating means, an information storage medium for storing image information outputted from said image pickup means Image information that is read out from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means when the enlarged display of the image is not performed. Is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means and displayed on the display means as an image, and switching to a display magnification corresponding to enlarging the image is instructed by the display magnification designating means, and When movement of the enlarged display range is instructed by the display position designating unit, it is determined that it is necessary to perform enlarged display of an image by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing unit, and the display state of the display unit Among the images represented by the image information read out from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means, the display magnification and the previous specified by the display magnification specification means A partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designation means is enlarged and displayed as a main image on the entire surface of the display means by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means. The first state to be displayed and the main image are enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display unit, and the entire image represented by the image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit is set as a display range and displayed as the main image. The main image and the sub-image are made to be a single image by sequentially switching to each of the third states in which the sub-image specifying the enlarged display range is displayed superimposed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. Each of the display means, and a change in display magnification is instructed through the display magnification designating means, or a movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed through the display position designating means. Each time, the enlarged display range is changed according to the display magnification change instruction or the enlarged display range position movement instruction, the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image according to the changed enlarged display range, and Display control means for changing the size or position of the enlarged display range explicitly shown in the sub-image.

The invention of claim 2 includes the same image pickup means, display means, temporary storage means, electronic scaling processing means, display magnification designation means, and display position designation means as in the invention of claim 1. Further, the display control means according to the invention of claim 2 determines whether or not to enlarge the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging means. When not enlarging the image, the image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means and displayed on the display means as an image, When an instruction to switch to a display magnification equivalent to enlarging and displaying an image is instructed by the display magnification designating means, and when the movement of the enlarged display range is instructed by the display position designating means, the electronic scaling processing means electronic determines that it is necessary to perform enlarged display of the image by zooming process, the image represented by the image information display state, temporarily stored in the read and temporary memory means from the information storage medium of the display means Of these, a partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the display magnification designated via the display magnification designation means and the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designation means is changed electronically by the electronic magnification processing means. A first state in which the main image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display unit as a main image by the magnification process, and the main image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display unit, and the entire image represented by the image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit is displayed. By sequentially switching to each state of the third state in which the sub-image specifying the enlarged display range displayed as the main image is superimposed and displayed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image, Each of the sub-images is displayed on a single display means, and a change of the display magnification is instructed via the display magnification designation means, or the movement of the position of the enlarged display range is designated via the display position designation means. Each time the display magnification is changed or the enlarged display range is moved, the enlarged display range is changed, and the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image is changed according to the changed enlarged display range. Change the size or position of the enlarged display range specified in the image.

  Therefore, also in the invention of claim 2, as in the invention of claim 1, the user changes the position of the enlarged display range and the display magnification in the image after the enlarged image (main image) is once displayed. In addition, by referring to the sub-image, the position and size of the enlarged display range in the entire image after changing the position and display magnification of the enlarged display range can be easily recognized. An arbitrary portion can be enlarged and displayed at an arbitrary magnification, and after the enlarged image is displayed once, the position and display magnification of the enlarged display range in the image can be freely changed, and the enlarged display range in the entire image can be changed. Can be easily recognized.

  In the invention of claim 2, the display control means displays the display state of the display means in a first state in which the main image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and on the entire surface of the display means. Since the main image and the sub-image are respectively displayed on a single display means by sequentially switching to each of the third states in which the sub-image is superimposed and displayed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly add display means for displaying the sub-image, and the cost can be reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image photographing apparatus, an imaging means for converting an optical image into image information, a display means for displaying an image, and a temporary storage means for temporarily storing an image. Electronic scaling processing means for performing an electronic scaling process for enlarging and displaying an image, and display magnification designation for designating a display magnification for enlarging and displaying an image by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means And a plurality of switches for instructing movement of enlarged display ranges in different directions when an image is enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means , via the plurality of switches by instructing movement of the enlarged display range, the storage of the position of the enlarged display range and the possible display position designating means, an information storage medium for storing image information outputted from said image pickup means Image information that is read out from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means when the enlarged display of the image is not performed. Is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means and displayed on the display means as an image, and switching to a display magnification corresponding to enlarging the image is instructed by the display magnification designating means, and When movement of the enlarged display range is instructed by the display position designating unit, it is determined that it is necessary to perform enlarged display of an image by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing unit, and the display state of the display unit Is an enlarged display range in which the entire image represented by the image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is displayed as the main image. A second state in which the specified sub-image is displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and a display magnification designated via the display magnification designation means among the images represented by the image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage means, and The partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the position of the enlarged display range specified via the display position specifying means is enlarged as a main image on the entire surface of the display means by the electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means. The main image and the sub-image are displayed in a single state by sequentially switching to each of the third states in which the sub-image is superimposed and displayed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. Each time the image is displayed on the display means and a change in display magnification is instructed through the display magnification designating means, or a movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed through the display position designating means. In addition, an enlarged display range is changed according to a display magnification change instruction or an enlarged display range position movement instruction, and the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image is switched according to the changed enlarged display range. Display control means for changing the size or position of the enlarged display range explicitly shown in the image.

The invention of claim 3 includes the same image pickup means, display means, temporary storage means, electronic scaling processing means, display magnification designation means, and display position designation means similar to the inventions of claims 1 and 2. Further, the display control means according to the invention of claim 3 determines whether or not to enlarge the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging means. When not enlarging the image, the image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means and displayed on the display means as an image, When the display magnification designating unit instructs to switch to a display magnification equivalent to displaying an enlarged image, and when the display position designating unit instructs to move the enlarged display range, the electronic change is performed. magnification process unit determines that it is necessary to perform enlarged display of an image by the electronic variable scale magnification process by the display state of the display means, temporarily stored in the read and temporary memory means from the information storage medium image The second state in which the entire image represented by the information is set as the display range, and the sub-image specifying the enlarged display range displayed as the main image is displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and the image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage means Among the images to be represented, electronic scaling processing means is used to display a partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the display magnification designated via the display magnification designation means and the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designation means. In the third state, the main image is enlarged and displayed as a main image on the entire surface of the display unit, and the sub-image is displayed in a superimposed manner on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. The main image and the sub-image are each displayed on a single display means, and a change of the display magnification is instructed via the display magnification designation means, or the position of the enlarged display range is designated via the display position designation means. A partial image to be enlarged and displayed as a main image according to the enlarged display range after changing the enlarged display range according to an instruction to change the display magnification or an instruction to move the position of the enlarged display range. In addition to switching, the size or position of the enlarged display range specified in the sub-image is changed.

Therefore, in the invention of claim 3, as in the inventions of claims 1 and 2, after the enlarged image (main image) is once displayed, the user sets the position of the enlarged display range and the display magnification in the image. The position and size of the enlarged display range in the entire image after changing the position and display magnification of the enlarged display range can be easily recognized by referring to the sub-image. It is possible to enlarge and display an arbitrary portion of the image at an arbitrary magnification, and after the enlarged image is displayed once, the position and display magnification of the enlarged display range in the image can be freely changed, and the entire image is enlarged. The position and size of the display range can be easily recognized.
In the invention of claim 3, the display control means displays the display state of the display means in a second state in which the sub-image is displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and enlarges and displays the main image on the entire surface of the display means. Since the main image and the sub image are each displayed on a single display means by sequentially switching to each state of the third state in which the sub image is superimposed and displayed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than the main image, It is not necessary to newly add display means for displaying the sub-image, and the cost can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image photographing apparatus, an imaging means for converting an optical image into image information, a display means for displaying an image, and a temporary storage means for temporarily storing an image. Electronic scaling processing means for performing an electronic scaling process for enlarging and displaying an image, and display magnification designation for designating a display magnification for enlarging and displaying an image by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means And a plurality of switches for instructing movement of enlarged display ranges in different directions when an image is enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means , via the plurality of switches by instructing movement of the enlarged display range, the storage of the position of the enlarged display range and the possible display position designating means, an information storage medium for storing image information outputted from said image pickup means Image information that is read out from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means when the enlarged display of the image is not performed. Is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means and displayed on the display means as an image, and switching to a display magnification corresponding to enlarging the image is instructed by the display magnification designating means, and When movement of the enlarged display range is instructed by the display position designating unit, it is determined that the image needs to be enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing unit, and is read from the information storage medium. Out of the images represented by the image information that has been issued and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means, the display magnification designated via the display magnification designation means and the display position designation means The partial image in the enlarged display range determined according to the position of the enlarged display range that has been determined is enlarged and displayed as a main image on the display means by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means, and the image represented by the image information The main image and the sub-image are simply displayed by superimposing the sub-image clearly showing the enlarged display range displayed as the main image on the entire main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. Each time it is displayed on one of the display means and a change of the display magnification is instructed through the display magnification designating means, or a movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed through the display position designating means. Then, the enlarged display range is changed according to the display magnification change instruction or the enlarged display range position movement instruction, and the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image is cut according to the changed enlarged display range. And a display control means for changing the size or position of the enlarged display range explicitly shown in the sub-image.
The invention of claim 4 includes the same imaging means, display means, temporary storage means, electronic scaling processing means, display magnification designation means, and display position designation means as in the inventions of claims 1-3. Further, the display control means according to the invention of claim 4 determines whether or not to enlarge the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging means. When not enlarging the image, the image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means and displayed on the display means as an image, When an instruction to switch to a display magnification equivalent to enlarging and displaying an image is instructed by the display magnification designating means, and when the movement of the enlarged display range is instructed by the display position designating means, the electronic scaling processing means It is determined that it is necessary to perform an enlarged display of the image by electronic scaling processing, and the display magnification designation hand is selected from the images represented by the image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means. A partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the display magnification designated via the display position and the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designation means is subjected to electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means. As an enlarged display on the display means, and the entire image represented by the image information is used as a display range, and a sub-image specifying the enlarged display range displayed as the main image is superimposed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. The main image and the sub-image are each displayed on a single display means, and a change in display magnification is instructed via the display magnification designation means, or the position of the enlarged display range is moved via the display position designation means A portion that changes the enlarged display range in response to a display magnification change instruction or an enlarged display range position move instruction each time an instruction is issued, and displays the enlarged image as the main image in accordance with the changed enlarged display range It switches the image to change the size or position of the enlarged display range that is specified in the sub-image.
Accordingly, in the invention of claim 4, as in the inventions of claims 1 to 3, after the enlarged image (main image) is once displayed, the user can set the position and display magnification of the enlarged display range in the image. The position and size of the enlarged display range in the entire image after changing the position and display magnification of the enlarged display range can be easily recognized by referring to the sub-image. It is possible to enlarge and display an arbitrary portion of the image at an arbitrary magnification, and after the enlarged image is displayed once, the position and display magnification of the enlarged display range in the image can be freely changed, and the entire image is enlarged. The position and size of the display range can be easily recognized.

As described above, the present invention determines whether or not to enlarge the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging unit, and enlarges the image. Is not performed, the image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means and displayed as an image on the display means, and the display magnification designation means When an instruction to switch to a display magnification equivalent to enlarging the image is instructed, and when an instruction to move the enlargement display range is instructed by the display position specifying means, an electronic scaling process by the electronic scaling process means determines that it is necessary to perform enlarged display of the image, the display state of the display means, of the temporarily stored image information representing the image in the temporary storage means is read out from the information storage medium, the display times The partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the display magnification designated via the designation means and the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designation means is mainly processed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means. A first state in which the image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display means as an image, and the entire image represented by the image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is set as the display range, and a sub-image clearly showing the enlarged display range displayed as the main image is displayed. A second state in which the image is displayed on the entire surface of the means, and a third state in which the main image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and the sub-image is superimposed and displayed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. By sequentially switching to the state, the main image and the sub-image are respectively displayed on the single display means, and the change of the display magnification is instructed via the display magnification designation means, or the display position designation means is designated. Each time the movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed, the enlarged display range is changed according to the display magnification change instruction or the enlarged display range position movement instruction, and the main image is enlarged according to the changed enlarged display range. The partial image to be displayed is switched and the size or position of the enlarged display range specified in the sub-image is changed. Therefore, when the image is partially displayed, the displayed range can be easily recognized. It has the excellent effect that it becomes possible.

In the present invention, it is determined whether or not to enlarge the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging unit, and the enlarged image is not displayed. The image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means and displayed as an image on the display means, and the image is enlarged and displayed by the display magnification designation means When an instruction to switch to the display magnification corresponding to the instruction is made and when movement of the enlargement display range is instructed by the display position designation means , the image is enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means. It determines that it is necessary to perform, the display state of the display means, of the image represented by the temporarily stored image information in the temporary storage means is read out from the information storage medium, via the display magnification designation means Display means as a main image by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means for the partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display magnification designated by the display position and the display position designation means The first state to be enlarged and displayed on the entire surface, and the main image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and the entire image represented by the image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is set as the display range and displayed as the main image. The main image and the sub-image are displayed in a single display means by sequentially switching to each of the third states in which the sub-image clearly showing the enlarged display range is superimposed and displayed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. The display magnification is changed each time the display magnification is instructed through the display magnification designation means or the movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed through the display position designation means. The enlarged display range is changed according to the position movement instruction of the display or enlarged display range, the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image is switched according to the changed enlarged display range, and the enlarged display range specified in the sub-image Therefore, when the image is partially displayed, it is possible to easily recognize the displayed range of the entire image.

In the present invention, it is determined whether or not to enlarge the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging unit, and the enlarged image is not displayed. The image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means and displayed as an image on the display means, and the image is enlarged and displayed by the display magnification designation means When an instruction to switch to the display magnification corresponding to the instruction is made, and when the movement of the enlargement display range is instructed by the display position designation means , the image is enlarged by the electronic magnification processing by the electronic magnification processing means. determines that it is necessary to perform the display, the display state of the display means, and display range the entire image represented by the temporarily stored image information in the temporary storage means is read out from the information storage medium, the main picture Among the second state in which the sub-image clearly displaying the enlarged display range displayed as the image is displayed on the entire surface of the display means, and the image represented by the image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage means, via the display magnification designation means The partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the designated display magnification and the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designating means is displayed as a main image by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means. The main image and the sub image are displayed in a single display unit by sequentially switching to each of the third states in which the sub image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface and the sub image is superimposed on the main image and displayed at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. The display magnification is changed each time the display magnification is instructed through the display magnification designation means or the movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed through the display position designation means. The enlarged display range is changed according to the position movement instruction of the display or enlarged display range, the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image is switched according to the changed enlarged display range, and the enlarged display range specified in the sub-image Therefore, when the image is partially displayed, it is possible to easily recognize the displayed range of the entire image.
In the present invention, it is determined whether or not to enlarge the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging unit, and the enlarged image is not displayed. The image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is converted according to the number of pixels of the display means and displayed as an image on the display means, and the image is enlarged and displayed by the display magnification designation means When an instruction to switch to the display magnification corresponding to the instruction is made and when movement of the enlargement display range is instructed by the display position designation means, the image is enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means. Display magnification designated through the display magnification designation means among the images represented by the image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means And an enlarged display range of the partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designating means is enlarged and displayed as a main image on the display means by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means, The entire image represented by the image information is set as the display range, and the main image and the sub-image are simply displayed by superimposing the sub-image specifying the enlarged display range displayed as the main image on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image. Each time a display is displayed on one display means and a change of the display magnification is instructed through the display magnification designating means or a movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed through the display position designating means, the display magnification In response to the change instruction or the position movement instruction of the enlarged display range, the enlarged display range is changed, the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image is switched according to the changed enlarged display range, and the sub image is displayed. Since the size or position of the displayed enlarged display range is changed, when the image is partially displayed, it has an excellent effect that it is possible to easily recognize the displayed range of the entire image. .

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a digital still camera 10 according to the present embodiment. The digital still camera 10 corresponds to the image photographing apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 12 of the digital still camera 10 is substantially box-shaped, and has a shape in which a protrusion (gripping portion) for facilitating gripping of the main body 12 is formed on the left side when viewed from the front. Yes. As shown in FIG. 1A, a lens 14 is attached to the center of the front side of the main body 12, and an optical finder 16 for the user to visually check the photographing range and the like above the lens 14 of the main body 12. A strobe 18 is provided for emitting auxiliary light in the case of shooting at low illuminance.

  On the top surface of the main body 12, a power switch 20 is provided on the right side when viewed from the front, and a shutter button 22 is provided on the left side (position corresponding to the gripping portion). Is provided with a slot 24 into which a memory card (not shown) as an information storage medium according to the present invention can be loaded.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, a color display 26 (which may be a monochrome display) composed of a reflective display device or a transmissive display device (for example, LCD) is attached to the lower side of the back surface of the main body 12. On the upper side of the display 26, a menu switch 28, an execution / screen switch 30 and an operation switch 32 are attached.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the electrical system of the digital still camera 10. Specifically, the lens 14 is a zoom lens (focal length variable lens) provided with an autofocus (AF) mechanism. The AF mechanism and the zoom mechanism of the lens 14 are driven by a drive circuit 36. Instead of the zoom lens, a fixed focal length lens having only an AF mechanism may be used as the lens 14.

  An imaging device 38 composed of an area CCD sensor or the like is disposed at a position corresponding to the focal position of the lens 14 inside the main body 12, and light incident on the lens 14 reflecting the subject is reflected by the imaging device 38. An image is formed on the light receiving surface. The image pickup device 38 is driven at a timing synchronized with a timing signal generated by a timing generation circuit (not shown) built in the drive circuit 36, and image signals (a large number of image signals arranged in a matrix on the light receiving surface). A signal indicating the amount of received light in each photoelectric conversion cell) is output.

  A shutter / aperture 40 is disposed between the lens 14 and the imaging device 38. The shutter and the diaphragm are driven by a drive circuit 36. The shutter is for preventing smear from being generated by light entering the light receiving surface of the imaging device 38 when an image signal is output from the imaging device 38, and may be omitted depending on the configuration of the imaging device 38. Is possible. The diaphragm may be configured with a single diaphragm whose aperture amount can be continuously changed, or may be configured to switch a plurality of apertures with different aperture amounts. A strobe 18 is also connected to the drive circuit 36. The strobe 18 is emitted by the drive circuit 36 when it is detected that the illumination is low or when the user instructs to emit light.

  An analog signal processing unit 42, an A / D converter 44, a digital signal processing unit 46, and a memory 48 are sequentially connected to the signal output terminal of the imaging device 38. The analog signal processing unit 42 amplifies the image signal output from the imaging device 38 and corrects white balance and the like for the amplified image signal. The image signal output from the analog signal processing unit 42 is converted into digital image data by the A / D converter 44 and input to the digital signal processing unit 46. The digital signal processing unit 46 performs various processes such as color correction, γ correction, and Y / C conversion on the input image data. The image data output from the digital signal processing unit 46 is temporarily stored in a memory 48 constituted by a RAM or the like.

  The memory 48 corresponds to the temporary storage unit according to the present invention, and the image data stored in the memory 48 corresponds to the image information according to the present invention. The lens 14, the imaging device 38, the analog signal processing unit 42, the A / D converter 44, and the digital signal processing unit 46 correspond to the imaging unit according to the present invention.

  The drive circuit 36, analog signal processing unit 42, A / D converter 44, digital signal processing unit 46, memory 48 and compression / decompression unit 50 (described later) are connected to a bus 52. In addition to being connected, switches such as the power switch 20, menu switch 28, execution / screen switch 30 and operation switch 32 (indicated as “operation switch” in FIG. 2) and the shutter button 22 are turned on and off. The shutter switches 56 are connected to each other. Although illustration is omitted, the CPU 54 includes peripheral circuits such as a ROM, a RAM, and an input / output port.

  Further, the display 26 and the compression / decompression unit 50 are connected to the memory 48. When displaying an image on the display 26, the CPU 54 performs image display processing described later on the image data temporarily stored in the memory 48 and then transfers the image data to the display 26. As a result, an image represented by the image data temporarily stored in the memory 48 is displayed on the display 26.

  In addition, when storing the image data in the memory card loaded in the slot 24 is instructed, for example, when the shutter button 22 is operated and the shutter switch 56 is turned on, the CPU 54 temporarily stores the image stored in the memory 48. Data is read out and transferred to the compression / decompression unit 50. Thereby, the image data is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 50 and then stored in the memory card. Depending on the shooting mode, the image data may be stored in the memory card without being compressed.

  When an instruction to reproduce (display) the image represented by the image data stored in the memory card loaded in the slot 24 is given, the image data is read from the memory card, and the read image data is If the compressed image data has been compressed and stored, the compressed image data is decompressed (decompressed) by the compression / decompression unit 50 and then temporarily stored in the memory 48. Then, using the image data temporarily stored in the memory 48, an image is displayed (reproduced) on the display 26.

  Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, there is an image reproduction mode in which an image display mode is instructed to be displayed on the display 26 or an image represented by image data stored in the memory card is displayed on the display 26. The image display process executed by the CPU 54 when selected is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This image display process is performed in a state where image data obtained by imaging by the imaging device 38 or image data read from the memory card is stored in the memory 48.

  In step 100, it is determined whether or not to enlarge the image by electronic scaling. When enlargement display by electronic scaling is not performed (when the entire image represented by the image data stored in the memory 48 is displayed on the display 26), the process proceeds to step 102, where the image data stored in the memory 48 is stored. The pixel density is converted according to the number of pixels of the display 26 (converted so that the vertical and horizontal pixel numbers of the image represented by the image data match the vertical and horizontal pixel numbers of the display 26).

  In the next step 104, the image data after the pixel density conversion is developed in a display image data storage area (bitmap memory) provided in the memory 48 in advance. Then, the process proceeds to step 126, and the image data stored in the display image data storage area is transferred to the display 26. As a result, the entire image represented by the image data stored in the memory 48 is displayed on the entire surface of the display 26. In step 128, it is determined whether or not to end the display of the image. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 to repeat step 100 and subsequent steps.

  By the way, the operation switch 32 provided on the back surface of the main body 12 of the digital still camera 10 is provided with switches corresponding to the ends of the substantially rectangular buttons in the vertical and horizontal directions. When the is pressed, the corresponding switch is turned on. In the image shooting mode, the operation switch 32 is used to instruct switching of the zoom magnification, and the upper switch is turned on when the zoom magnification is increased, and the lower switch is turned on when the zoom magnification is decreased.

  The CPU 54 changes the optical magnification (focal length) of the lens 14 in accordance with the on / off state of the upper / lower switch of the operation switch 32, and similarly switches the optical magnification of the optical viewfinder 16. If the image is being displayed on the display 26, an image corresponding to the optical magnification of the lens 14 is displayed on the display 26. In the image capturing mode, the image data stored in the memory 48 is periodically updated by the image signal periodically output from the imaging device 38, but only by changing the optical magnification of the lens 14 as described above. While the zoom magnification is being switched, the determination in step 100 is not affirmed, and the entire image represented by the image data stored in the memory 48 is always displayed on the entire surface of the display 26.

  Further, in the image shooting mode, when the optical magnification of the lens 14 is the maximum and the zoom switch is further instructed via the operation switch 32, the image can be displayed on the display 26. Then, it is determined that it is necessary to perform an enlarged display of the image by the electronic scaling process, and the determination in step 100 is affirmed. In the electronic scaling process in the image shooting mode, the center position of the enlarged display range always matches the center position of the original image.

  On the other hand, in the image reproduction mode, the operation switch 32 is used to instruct switching of the image display magnification and movement of the image display range. That is, if the upper / lower switch is simply turned on / off, it means that the image display magnification has been changed, the upper switch is turned on when increasing the image display magnification, and the lower side when decreasing the image display magnification. The switch is turned on. In addition, when any of the upper / lower / right / left switches is turned on while a button (not shown) is being pressed, this means that an image display range change has been instructed, and the button has been pressed. The switch corresponding to the direction in which the image display range is desired to be moved is turned on.

  In the image reproduction mode, the initial value of the image display magnification is a magnification (that is, the minimum magnification) at which the entire image represented by the image data is displayed on the entire surface of the display 26. When switching (that is, enlargement display of an image) is instructed, and when movement of the enlargement display range is instructed via the operation switch 32, it is determined that it is necessary to perform enlargement display of the image by electronic scaling processing. Then, the determination in step 100 is affirmed. In the electronic scaling process in the image reproduction mode, the center position of the enlarged display range is changed and set according to an instruction to move the enlarged display range.

  If the determination in step 100 is affirmed as described above, the process proceeds to step 110, and the enlarged display parameters (the enlargement ratio of the image and the center position of the enlarged display range) set or changed by operating the operation switch 32. Capture. In step 112, a position corresponding to the outer edge of the enlarged display range on the image represented by the image data stored in the memory 48 is calculated based on the captured enlarged display parameter. In step 114, data (enlarged image data) corresponding to the enlarged display range is extracted from the image data stored in the memory 48 based on the calculation result of step 112.

  For example, the range (outer edge) of the image represented by the image data stored in the memory 48 is a range represented by a white rectangle shown in FIG. 4A, and the enlarged display range is hatched in FIG. 4B. In the range represented by the rectangle indicated by, data within the range represented by the rectangle indicated by the hatching is extracted as enlarged image data. Note that it is possible for the display control means according to the present invention to determine the enlarged display range according to the operation of the operation switch 32 and extract the enlarged image data corresponding to the enlarged display range as in steps 112 and 114 described above. The operation switch 32 corresponds to display magnification designation means and display position designation means according to the present invention.

  In step 116, the pixel density of the extracted enlarged image data is converted according to the enlargement ratio and the number of pixels of the display 26 (the vertical and horizontal pixel numbers of the image represented by the extracted enlarged image data match the vertical and horizontal pixel numbers of the display 26). To be converted). In step 118, the enlarged image data after the pixel density conversion is developed in the display image data storage area.

  In the next step 120, the image representing the boundary between the enlarged display range and the outside of the range (outer edge of the enlarged display range) is combined with the image represented by the original image data stored in the memory 48. Change the data. In step 122, the pixel density of the image data is set to a predetermined pixel density so that the frame size of the image represented by the frame-combined image data is reduced to a predetermined size (for example, about a fraction of the original image). Convert. In step 124, the image data (reduced image data) converted to a predetermined pixel density is developed in an area corresponding to the upper right corner of the display surface of the display 26 in the display image data storage area.

  The image data developed in the display image data storage area as described above is transferred to the display 26 in the next step 126, so that the display 26 has an example as shown in FIG. An enlarged image 80 (corresponding to the main image of the present invention) enlarged at a magnification according to the operation of the operation switch 32 is displayed on the entire surface, and the entire image is displayed in the upper right corner of the display surface. As a result, an image 82 to which a frame 84 that clearly indicates the range being displayed is added (hereinafter referred to as a navigation image 82) is displayed with a display magnification smaller than that of the enlarged image 80.

The navigation image 82 corresponds to the sub image according to the present invention. Further, the display method shown in FIG. 4B corresponds to the third state according to the present invention, and “displays the main image and the sub image on a single display unit” according to claim 4. It corresponds also to. Steps 110 to 126 correspond to the display control means described in claim 4.

  The user can easily recognize what kind of image the entire image is by referring to the navigation image 82 displayed on the display 26 and can easily visually recognize the range displayed as the enlarged image 80. In the image shooting mode, for example, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the shooting range is appropriate. In the image playback mode, for example, the details of the image can be confirmed by referring to the enlarged image 80. Alternatively, when viewing, the range to be displayed as the enlarged image 80 can be easily determined by referring to the navigation image 82.

  In addition, the above steps 110 to 126 are repeatedly executed while the determination of step 128 is negative and the determination of step 100 is affirmative. Therefore, when the user operates the operation switch 32 again, the zoom magnification is adjusted. When the change, the change of the image display magnification, or the movement of the enlarged display range is instructed, the enlarged display range is changed, and the size of the frame 84 or the navigation image 82 is changed along with the change of the enlarged display range. The position at will be changed.

  In the above aspect, the enlarged image 80 is always displayed while the enlarged image is displayed by the electronic scaling process, and the navigation image 82 is always displayed on the enlarged image 80 in the upper right corner of the enlarged image 80. However, in the present invention, instead of this, for example, each time the switching of the display mode is instructed by operating the menu switch 28 or the operation switch 32, for example, as shown in FIG. The state in which only 80 is displayed on the display 26, the state in which only the navigation image 82 is displayed on the display 26, and the state in which the enlarged image 80 and the navigation image 82 are respectively displayed are sequentially switched.

Thereby, in the range displayed as the enlarged image 80, a portion where the navigation image 82 overlaps can be confirmed, or the position and size of the enlarged display range can be confirmed in detail with reference to the navigation image 82. Can be easily performed. Further, each time the switching of the display mode is instructed, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the setup can be switched to the above three states, for example, the presence / absence of strobe light emission, the presence / absence of exposure correction, and the AE mode. It may be possible to sequentially switch to four types of states including the state where the screen 66 is displayed. Each mode shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 corresponds to the display control means according to claims 1 to 3 .

  In FIG. 4B and the like, an example is shown in which the boundary between the enlarged display area and the outside of the enlarged display area is clearly indicated by a frame 84 composed of high-density lines. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, it may be composed of a low-density (for example, white) line or a low-saturation line. Further, instead of the frame, for example, at least one of brightness, saturation, and hue of the image is changed between the enlarged display area and the outside of the enlarged display area (for example, outside the enlarged display area where the outside of the enlarged display area is set to low brightness). For example, the hue outside the enlarged display area may be changed to a complementary color of the original color). In the above description, the enlarged display range is rectangular with a constant aspect ratio. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the aspect ratio of the enlarged display range is arbitrarily determined, or the shape of the enlarged display range itself is arbitrarily changed. It may be possible.

  The image information according to the present invention is not limited to image data representing a single image, and image data representing a state in which a plurality of images are arranged in a matrix (so-called index image) is included in the present invention. It may be used as such image information.

  In the above description, the digital still camera is described as an example of the image photographing apparatus according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a digital video camera.

(A) of the digital still camera which concerns on this embodiment is the perspective view seen from the front side, (B) is the perspective view seen from the back side. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electric system of the digital still camera shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an image display process. (A) is a conceptual diagram for explaining processing when a part of an image is enlarged, and (B) shows an enlarged image on a single display and a navigation image superimposed on the enlarged image. It is an image figure which shows an example in the case. It is an image figure which shows an example in the case of switching a display image according to a display mode switching instruction | indication. It is an image figure which shows the other example at the time of switching a display image according to a display mode switching instruction | indication.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Digital still camera 16 Optical finder 26 Display 32 Operation switch 38 Imaging device 48 Memory 54 CPU
80 Enlarged image 82 Navigation image 84 Frame

Claims (5)

An imaging means for converting an optical image into image information;
Display means for displaying an image;
Temporary storage means for temporarily storing images;
Electronic scaling processing means for performing electronic scaling processing for displaying an enlarged image;
Display magnification designation means for designating a display magnification when an image is enlarged and displayed by the electronic magnification processing by the electronic magnification processing means;
A plurality of switches for instructing movement of enlarged display ranges in different directions when an image is enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means; and the enlarged display via the plurality of switches. Display position designation means capable of designating the position of the enlarged display range by instructing movement of the range ;
When it is determined whether or not to perform an enlarged display of the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging unit, and when the enlarged display of the image is not performed, The image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit is converted according to the number of pixels of the display unit and displayed as an image on the display unit, and the image is displayed by the display magnification designation unit. When the switching to the display magnification corresponding to the enlarged display is instructed, and when the movement of the enlarged display range is instructed by the display position designating unit, the electronic scaling process by the electronic scaling process unit The image information that has been determined to need to be enlarged and displayed, and the display state of the display means is read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means Among the images to be represented, a partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the display magnification designated via the display magnification designation means and the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designation means is changed to the electronic change. A first state in which an enlargement display is performed as a main image on the entire surface of the display means by electronic scaling processing by the magnification processing means, and the entire image represented by the image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage means is set as a display range and displayed as the main image A second state in which a sub-image clearly showing the enlarged display range is displayed on the entire surface of the display unit, and the main image is enlarged on the entire surface of the display unit, and the sub-image is displayed on the entire surface of the display unit. The main image and the sub-image are each displayed on a single display means by sequentially switching to each of the third states to be displayed superimposed on the main image at a small display magnification, Every time a change in display magnification is instructed via the display magnification designation means, or every time a movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed through the display position designation means, an instruction to change the display magnification or the enlarged display range The enlarged display range is changed in accordance with the position movement instruction, the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image is switched in accordance with the changed enlarged display range, and the size of the enlarged display range explicitly shown in the sub-image Or display control means for changing the position;
An image photographing device including An imaging means for converting an optical image into image information;
Display means for displaying an image;
Temporary storage means for temporarily storing images;
Electronic scaling processing means for performing electronic scaling processing for displaying an enlarged image;
Display magnification designation means for designating a display magnification when an image is enlarged and displayed by the electronic magnification processing by the electronic magnification processing means;
A plurality of switches for instructing movement of enlarged display ranges in different directions when an image is enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means; and the enlarged display via the plurality of switches. Display position designation means capable of designating the position of the enlarged display range by instructing movement of the range ;
When it is determined whether or not to perform an enlarged display of the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging unit, and when the enlarged display of the image is not performed, The image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit is converted according to the number of pixels of the display unit and displayed as an image on the display unit, and the image is displayed by the display magnification designation unit. When the switching to the display magnification corresponding to the enlarged display is instructed, and when the movement of the enlarged display range is instructed by the display position designating unit, the electronic scaling process by the electronic scaling process unit The image information that has been determined to need to be enlarged and displayed, and the display state of the display means is read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means Among the images to be represented, a partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the display magnification designated via the display magnification designation means and the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designation means is changed to the electronic change. A first state in which the main image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display unit by electronic scaling processing by the magnification processing unit, and the main image is enlarged and displayed on the entire surface of the display unit and is temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit. A third state in which the entire image represented by the image information is set as a display range, and a sub-image clearly indicating an enlarged display range displayed as the main image is superimposed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image By sequentially switching to each of the states, the main image and the sub-image are each displayed on a single display means, and a change in display magnification is instructed via the display magnification designation means. Or whenever the movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed via the display position specifying means, the enlarged display range is changed in accordance with the display magnification change instruction or the enlarged display range position movement instruction. Switching the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image according to the enlarged display range, and changing the size or position of the enlarged display range explicitly shown in the sub-image;
An image photographing device including An imaging means for converting an optical image into image information;
Display means for displaying an image;
Temporary storage means for temporarily storing images;
Electronic scaling processing means for performing electronic scaling processing for displaying an enlarged image;
Display magnification designation means for designating a display magnification when an image is enlarged and displayed by the electronic magnification processing by the electronic magnification processing means;
A plurality of switches for instructing movement of enlarged display ranges in different directions when an image is enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means; and the enlarged display via the plurality of switches. Display position designation means capable of designating the position of the enlarged display range by instructing movement of the range ;
When it is determined whether or not to perform an enlarged display of the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging unit, and when the enlarged display of the image is not performed, The image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit is converted according to the number of pixels of the display unit and displayed as an image on the display unit, and the image is displayed by the display magnification designation unit. When the switching to the display magnification corresponding to the enlarged display is instructed, and when the movement of the enlarged display range is instructed by the display position designating unit, the electronic scaling process by the electronic scaling process unit The image information that has been determined to need to be enlarged and displayed, and the display state of the display means is read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means A second state in which the entire image to be displayed is displayed as a display range, and a sub-image clearly showing the enlarged display range displayed as the main image is displayed on the entire surface of the display means; and image information temporarily stored in the temporary storage means Among the images represented by the display magnification designated by the display magnification designation means and a partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designation means. A third state in which the electronic image is enlarged and displayed as a main image on the entire surface of the display unit by the electronic scaling process, and the sub-image is displayed superimposed on the main image at a display magnification smaller than that of the main image; Whether the main image and the sub-image are respectively displayed on a single display means by switching to each of the states, and whether to change the display magnification is instructed via the display magnification designating means. Alternatively, every time a movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed via the display position specifying means, the enlarged display range is changed in accordance with an instruction to change the display magnification or an instruction to move the position of the enlarged display range. Display control means for switching the partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image according to a display range, and changing the size or position of the enlarged display range explicitly shown in the sub-image;
An image photographing device including An imaging means for converting an optical image into image information;
Display means for displaying an image;
Temporary storage means for temporarily storing images;
Electronic scaling processing means for performing electronic scaling processing for displaying an enlarged image;
Display magnification designation means for designating a display magnification when an image is enlarged and displayed by the electronic magnification processing by the electronic magnification processing means;
A plurality of switches for instructing movement of enlarged display ranges in different directions when an image is enlarged and displayed by electronic scaling processing by the electronic scaling processing means; and the enlarged display via the plurality of switches. Display position designation means capable of designating the position of the enlarged display range by instructing movement of the range ;
When it is determined whether or not to perform an enlarged display of the image represented by the image information stored in the information storage medium for storing the image information output from the imaging unit, and when the enlarged display of the image is not performed, The image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit is converted according to the number of pixels of the display unit and displayed as an image on the display unit, and the image is displayed by the display magnification designation unit. When the switching to the display magnification corresponding to the enlarged display is instructed, and when the movement of the enlarged display range is instructed by the display position designating unit, the electronic scaling process by the electronic scaling process unit Among the images represented by the image information read from the information storage medium and temporarily stored in the temporary storage means. Electronic scaling by the electronic scaling processing means is performed on the partial image within the enlarged display range determined according to the display magnification designated via the rate designation means and the position of the enlarged display range designated via the display position designation means. The display unit enlarges and displays the main image as a main image by the processing, sets the entire image represented by the image information as a display range, and displays a sub-image specifying the enlarged display range displayed as the main image smaller than the main image. By superimposing on the main image at a magnification, the main image and the sub-image are each displayed on a single display means, and a change in display magnification is instructed via the display magnification designation means, or Each time the movement of the position of the enlarged display range is instructed via the display position specifying means, the enlarged display range is changed according to the display magnification change instruction or the enlarged display range position movement instruction. Switches the said partial image to be enlarged and displayed as the main image in accordance with the enlarged display range, a display control means for changing the size or position of the enlarged display range that is specified in the sub-image,
An image photographing device including   5. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein visible information representing a range displayed as the main image is displayed on a transmissive dot matrix display as the display unit. The image capturing device according to item.

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