JPH10224677A - Information processor and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an image to easily be viewed by displaying a picture based on its mode and size or displaying only a symbol mark to indicate that then is another and picture when displaying a first picture while overlapping another 2nd picture which has been picture elements. SOLUTION: For displaying thumb nails, a CPU 39 divides the screen of an LCD 6 in accordance with the number of the picture elements and reduces and displays the pictures in respective areas. For overlapping related memory information stored in a memory card 24 with the picture and displaying it, the size of the display area and the number of the picture elements are compared with prescribed reference values. When they are within the reference values, the decoding of note display is realized and a DSP 33 reduces or enlarge a line picture in accordance with the size of the display area. Then, it is sent to the LCD 6 so as to display it. When a note is judged so that it cannot be decoded even if it is displayed, a note mark [M] is displayed for showing the existence of the note.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a recording medium, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus which determines whether or not to display an image based on the type of the image and the size of the display screen. And a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, instead of a camera using a film, an image of a subject is photographed using a CCD or the like, and the photographed image is converted into digital data and recorded in a built-in memory or a removable memory card. Electronic cameras are being used. An image captured using this electronic camera can be reproduced immediately without being developed and printed as in a conventional camera, and can be displayed on a screen such as an LCD or CRT.

[0003] In addition, there are some which can input not only images but also audio. Further, it is conceivable that a handwritten memo can be input to such an electronic camera. In that case, it is conceivable to store the voice or the memo in association with the image. As a result, it is possible to record the surrounding voice at the time of shooting, and to record a simple comment on the shooting location or the shot by handwritten characters.

[0004] In some cases, a screen is divided into a plurality of regions so that a plurality of images can be displayed.

[0005]

As described above, in a case where memo information can be recorded in addition to image information, for example, when displaying a plurality of images or memos by dividing the screen, Since each display area of the divided screen is small, there is a problem that a handwritten memo may not be legible.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and determines whether or not to display an image based on the type of image and the size of a screen for displaying the image. Is to be made more efficient.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus, comprising: storage means for storing a first image and a second image (for example, a memory card in FIG. 4); And display control means for displaying the second image on a predetermined screen (for example, the CPU 39 in FIG. 6).
A first mode in which the first image is displayed on the screen in a first size corresponding to the first number of pixels, and a second mode in which the first image corresponds to a second number of pixels smaller than the first number of pixels. A second mode for displaying on the screen in a size of 2. When the first image is displayed on the screen in the first mode, the second image related to the first image is stored in the storage means. When stored in the first image, the second image is superimposed on the first image and displayed on the screen.

When the first image is displayed on the screen in the second mode, when the second image related to the first image is stored in the storage, A symbol indicating that a second image related to one image exists may be superimposed on the first image and displayed on the screen.

When a plurality of first images are displayed on a screen, the first images are displayed in a plurality of display areas obtained by dividing the screen, and a second image related to the first image is stored. When stored in the means, the display control means can determine whether to display the second image related to the first image based on the size of the display area.

When displaying the first image on the screen, the display control means determines, based on the size of the screen, whether to display the second image superimposed on the first image. You can do so.

The first image is a photographed image, and the second image is
Can be a line drawing.

Further, display means (for example, LCD 6 in FIG. 2) for displaying the first image and the second image can be further provided.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus, comprising: display means for displaying a first image and a second image (for example, an LCD in FIG. 2); and superimposing the second image on the first image. Display control means (for example,
The display control means can display the first image in a plurality of sizes, and can display the second image in the first image in accordance with the size at which the first image is displayed.
Or not to superimpose and display the image.

[0014] The display control means may be arranged such that the size when displaying the first image is equal to or less than the first reference value, or the number of pixels for displaying the first image is equal to or less than the second reference value. In this case, the second image can be prevented from being displayed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium, comprising: storage means for storing a first image and a second image;
And a display control means for displaying an image on a predetermined screen, wherein the display control means corresponds to the first number of pixels. A first mode for displaying on a screen in a first size and a second mode for displaying a first image on a screen in a second size corresponding to a second number of pixels smaller than the first number of pixels Control to operate in any one of
In the case where the first image is displayed on the screen in the mode of the above, when the second image related to the first image is stored in the storage means, the second image is superimposed on the first image. A program for controlling display on a screen is recorded.

In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the storage means stores the first image and the second image, and the display control means displays the first image and the second image on a predetermined screen. And a display control unit displays the first image on the screen in a first size corresponding to the first number of pixels, and a first mode in which the first image is smaller than the first number of pixels. And a second mode for displaying on the screen in a second size corresponding to the second number of pixels, wherein when the first image is displayed on the screen in the first mode, the first image is displayed on the screen. When the related second image is stored in the storage unit, the second image is displayed on the screen while being superimposed on the first image.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the display means displays the first image and the second image, and the display control means superimposes the second image on the first image. It is possible to display on the display means, and at this time, the display control means can display the first image in a plurality of sizes, and in accordance with the size for displaying the first image,
It controls whether or not to display the second image superimposed on the first image.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium, the display control means displays the first image on the screen in a first size corresponding to the first number of pixels, and a first mode. Is controlled to operate in one of the second modes for displaying the image on the screen in the second size corresponding to the second number of pixels smaller than the first number of pixels. Is displayed on the screen, when the second image related to the first image is stored in the storage means, the second image is superimposed on the first image and displayed on the screen. The control program was recorded.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a configuration example of an embodiment of an electronic camera to which the present invention is applied. In the electronic camera of the present embodiment, when photographing a subject, the surface facing the subject is defined as surface X1, and the surface facing the user is defined as surface X2. At the upper end of the surface X1, a finder 2 used to check the photographing range of the subject, a photographing lens 3 for capturing a light image of the subject, and a light emitting unit (strobe) 4 for emitting light for illuminating the subject
Is provided.

Further, on the surface X1, a red-eye reduction LED 15 and a CCD 2, which emit light before the flash 4 emits light to reduce red-eye, when shooting with the flash 4 fired.
0 (FIG. 4) is provided with a photometric element 16 for performing photometry when the operation of the CCD 20 is stopped, and a colorimetric element 17 for performing color measurement when the operation of the CCD 20 is stopped.

On the other hand, at the upper end of the surface X2 opposing the surface X1 (a position corresponding to the upper end of the surface X1 where the finder 2, the photographing lens 3, and the light emitting section 4 are formed), the finder 2 and the A speaker 5 for outputting sound recorded in the electronic camera 1 is provided. The LCD 6 and the operation keys 7 formed on the surface X2 are formed vertically below the finder 2, the photographing lens 3, the light emitting unit 4, and the speaker 5. On the surface of the LCD 6, a so-called touch tablet 6A that outputs position data corresponding to a pointed position by a contact operation of a pen-type pointing device described later is arranged.

The touch tablet 6A is made of a transparent material such as glass or resin.
LCD 6 formed inside touch tablet 6A
Can be observed through the touch tablet 6A.

The operation keys 7 are operated when, for example, recording data is reproduced and displayed on the LCD 6.
ng unit) 39 (FIG. 6).

The menu key 7A of the operation keys 7 is
These keys are operated when displaying a menu screen on the LCD 6. The execution key 7B is a key operated when reproducing the recording information selected by the user.

The cancel key 7C is operated when the reproduction of the recorded information is interrupted. The delete key 7D is a key operated when deleting recorded information. The scroll key 7E is a key operated to scroll the screen up and down when a list of recording information is displayed on the LCD 6.

The surface X2 is provided with a slidable LCD cover 14 for protecting the LCD 6 when not in use. The LCD cover 14 covers the LCD 6 and the touch tablet 6A as shown in FIG. 3 when moved vertically upward. When the LCD cover 14 is moved vertically downward, the LCD 6 and the touch tablet 6A appear, and the power switch 11 (described later) arranged on the surface Y2 is turned on by the arm 14A of the LCD cover 14. It has been made like that.

On the surface Z, which is the upper surface of the electronic camera 1,
A microphone 8 for collecting sound and an earphone jack 9 to which an earphone (not shown) is connected are provided.

On the left side (surface Y1), there are provided a release switch 10 which is operated when capturing an image of a subject, and a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 which is operated when switching between continuous shooting modes during shooting. . The release switch 10 and the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
The finder 2, the photographing lens 3, and the light-emitting unit 4 provided at the upper end of the camera 1 are disposed vertically below.

On the other hand, a surface Y2 (right side surface) opposite to the surface Y1
Has a recording switch 1 operated when recording voice.
2 and a power switch 11. The recording switch 12 and the power switch 11 are, like the release switch 10 and the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13, vertically below the viewfinder 2, the photographing lens 3, and the light emitting unit 4 provided at the upper end of the plane X <b> 1. Are located in The recording switch 12 is formed at substantially the same height as the release switch 10 on the surface Y1, so that it does not feel uncomfortable when holding it with either left or right hand.

The height of the recording switch 12 and the height of the release switch 10 are intentionally made different from each other so that when one of the switches is pressed, the opposite side is held with a finger to cancel the moment due to this pressing force. The switch provided on the opposite side may be prevented from being pressed by mistake.

The continuous shooting mode switch 13 is
When the user presses the release switch 10 to photograph a subject, this is used to set whether to photograph the subject in one frame or a predetermined plurality of frames. For example, when the release switch 10 is pressed while the pointer of the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the position where “S” is printed (that is, the mode is switched to the S mode), only one frame is shot. Has been made to take place.

When the release switch 10 is pressed while the pointer of the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the position where "L" is printed (ie, the mode is switched to the L mode), the release is performed. During the period in which the switch 10 is pressed, eight frames are shot per second (that is, the low-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

Further, a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
When the release switch 10 is pressed in a case where the pointer is switched to the position where “H” is printed (that is, the mode is switched to the H mode), during the period in which the release switch 10 is pressed, 30 frames are taken per second (that is, high-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

Next, the internal configuration of the electronic camera 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the electronic camera shown in FIGS. The CCD 20 is provided downstream of the photographing lens 3 (on the surface X2 side), and photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject formed through the photographing lens 3 into an electric signal.

The display element 26 in the viewfinder is arranged in the field of view of the viewfinder 2 and displays the settings of various functions to the user who is looking at the subject through the viewfinder 2.

Below the LCD 6, four cylindrical batteries (AA batteries) 21 are vertically arranged, and the power stored in the battery 21 is supplied to each section. It has been done. Further, a capacitor 22 for storing electric charge for causing the light emitting section 4 to emit light is disposed together with the battery 21 below the LCD 6 vertically.

Various control circuits for controlling each part of the electronic camera 1 are formed on the circuit board 23. A removable memory card 24 is provided between the circuit board 23, the LCD 6 and the battery 21, and various kinds of information input to the electronic camera 1
The data is recorded in a preset area of the memory card 24.

Further, the LCD switch 25 disposed adjacent to the power switch 11 is a switch which is turned on only while its projection is being pressed,
When the cover 14 is moved vertically downward, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the arm 14A of the LCD cover 14 is turned on together with the power switch 11.

When the LCD cover 14 is positioned vertically upward, the power switch 11 is turned on by the LCD switch 25.
Independent of the user. For example, LC
When the D cover 14 is closed and the electronic camera 1 is not used, as shown in FIG.
And the LCD switch 25 is off. In this state, the user turns the power switch 11 on as shown in FIG.
As shown in (5), when the power switch 11 is turned on, the power switch 11 is turned on, but the LCD switch 25 remains off. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the power switch 11 and the LCD switch 25 are turned off and the LCD cover 14 is opened,
As shown in (a), the power switch 11 and the LCD switch 25 are turned on. Thereafter, when the LCD cover 14 is closed, only the LCD switch 25 is turned on as shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), the device is turned off.

In this embodiment, the memory card 24 can be inserted and removed. However, a memory may be provided on the circuit board 23 so that various information can be recorded in the memory. Also, a memory (memory card 24)
May be output to an external personal computer or the like via an interface (not shown).

Next, an example of the electrical configuration inside the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels photoelectrically converts a light image formed on each pixel into an image signal (electric signal). A digital signal processor (hereinafter referred to as DSP) 33 supplies a CCD horizontal drive pulse to the CCD 20, controls a CCD drive circuit 34, and supplies the CCD 20 with a CCD vertical drive pulse.

The image processing section 31 is controlled by the CPU 39, samples the image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 20 at a predetermined timing, and converts the sampled signal into a signal.
It is designed to amplify to a predetermined level. CPU3
Numeral 9 controls each unit according to a control program stored in a ROM (read only memory) 43. An analog / digital conversion circuit (hereinafter, referred to as an A / D conversion circuit) 32 digitizes the image signal sampled by the image processing unit 31 and supplies the digitized image signal to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 controls a data bus connected to the buffer memory 36 and the memory card 24,
After temporarily storing the image data supplied from the / D conversion circuit 32 in the buffer memory 36, the image data stored in the buffer memory 36 is read, and the image data is recorded on the memory card 24.

The DSP 33 includes an A / D conversion circuit 32
The supplied image data is stored in the frame memory 35 and displayed on the LCD 6, and the memory card 2
After reading out the photographed image data from the memory 4 and expanding the photographed image data, the expanded image data is stored in the frame memory 3.
5 and displayed on the LCD 6.

Further, when the electronic camera 1 is started, the DSP 33 adjusts the exposure time (exposure value) while adjusting the exposure time (exposure value) until the exposure level of the CCD 20 becomes an appropriate value.
0 is repeatedly operated. At this time, the DSP 33 first operates the photometric circuit 51,
According to the light receiving level detected by the photometric element 16,
The initial value of the exposure time of the CCD 20 may be calculated. By doing so, the exposure time of the CCD 20 can be adjusted in a short time.

In addition, the DSP 33 stores the memory card 24
, And the timing of data input / output in the storage of the decompressed image data in the buffer memory 36 and the like.

The buffer memory 36 stores the memory card 24
Speed of data input / output to / from CPU 39 and DSP
It is used to alleviate the difference in processing speed in, for example, 33.

The microphone 8 inputs voice information (collects voice) and supplies the voice information to the A / D and D / A conversion circuit 42.

The A / D and D / A conversion circuit 42 converts an analog signal corresponding to the sound detected by the microphone 8 into a digital signal, and converts the digital signal into a digital signal.
The audio data supplied from the CPU 39 is supplied to the PU 39, and the audio data supplied from the CPU 39 is converted into an analog signal. The analog audio signal is output to the speaker 5.

The photometric element 16 measures the light quantity of the object and its surroundings, and outputs the measurement result to the photometric circuit 51. The photometric circuit 51 performs predetermined processing on an analog signal as a photometric result supplied from the photometric element 16, converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the CPU 39.

The colorimetric element 17 measures the color temperature of the object and its surroundings, and outputs the measurement result to the colorimetric circuit 52. The colorimetric circuit 52 includes the colorimetric element 17.
After a predetermined process is performed on an analog signal that is a colorimetric result supplied from the device, the analog signal is converted into a digital signal, and the digital signal is output to the CPU 39.

The timer 45 has a built-in clock circuit, and outputs data corresponding to the current time to the CPU 39.

The aperture drive circuit 53 sets the aperture diameter of the aperture 54 to a predetermined value. The aperture 54 is
It is arranged between the photographing lens 3 and the CCD 20, and changes the aperture of light incident on the CCD 20 from the photographing lens 3.

In response to a signal from the LCD switch 25, the CPU 39 stops the operations of the photometric circuit 51 and the colorimetric circuit 52 when the LCD cover 14 is open, and stops the operation when the LCD cover 14 is closed. Is
The photometric circuit 51 and the colorimetric circuit 52 are operated, and C is held until the release switch 10 is half-pressed.
The operation of the CD 20 (for example, an electronic shutter operation) is stopped.

When the operation of the CCD 20 is stopped, the CPU 39 controls the photometric circuit 51 and the colorimetric circuit 52 to receive the photometric result of the photometric element 16 and the colorimetric result of the colorimetric element 17. It has been done.

Then, the CPU 39 calculates a white balance adjustment value corresponding to the color temperature supplied from the colorimetric circuit 52 with reference to a predetermined table, and supplies the white balance adjustment value to the image processing section 31. It has been made like that.

That is, when the LCD cover 14 is closed, the operation of the CCD 20 is stopped because the LCD 6 is not used as an electronic viewfinder. Since the CCD 20 consumes a lot of power, stopping the operation of the CCD 20 in this way can save the power of the battery 21.

When the LCD cover 14 is closed, the CPU 39 operates until the release switch 10 is operated (until the release switch 10 is half-pressed).
The image processing unit 31 is controlled so that the image processing unit 31 does not perform various processes.

Further, the CPU 39 controls the LCD cover 14
Is closed, until the release switch 10 is operated (until the release switch 10 is half-pressed) so that the aperture driving circuit 53 does not perform operations such as changing the aperture diameter of the aperture 54. The circuit 53 is controlled.

The CPU 39 is provided with a flash drive circuit 3
7 is controlled so that the strobe 4 emits light appropriately, and the red-eye reduction LED drive circuit 38 is controlled to
Before the strobe 4 emits light, the red-eye reduction LED 15 emits light as appropriate.

When the LCD cover 14 is open (that is, when the electronic viewfinder is used), the CPU 39 can prevent the strobe 4 from emitting light. By doing this,
In the state of the image displayed on the electronic viewfinder,
The subject can be photographed.

The CPU 39 records information on the date and time of shooting as header information of image data in the shot image recording area of the memory card 24 in accordance with the date and time data supplied from the timer 45. (That is, the photographed image data recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 is accompanied by data of the photographing date and time).

The CPU 39 compresses the digitized audio information, temporarily stores the digitized and compressed audio data in the buffer memory 36, and then stores the digitized and compressed audio data in a predetermined area of the memory card 24 (audio recording). Area). At this time, in the audio recording area of the memory card 24, data of the recording date and time is recorded as header information of the audio data.

The CPU 39 controls the lens driving circuit 30 to perform the autofocus operation by moving the photographing lens 3 and also controls the aperture driving circuit 53 to be disposed between the photographing lens 3 and the CCD 20. Diaphragm 54
The opening diameter is changed.

Further, the CPU 39 controls the display circuit 40 in the finder to display the settings in various operations on the display element 26 in the finder.

The CPU 39 has an interface (I / F)
48, predetermined data is exchanged with a predetermined external device (not shown).

The CPU 39 receives a signal from the operation key 7 and appropriately processes the signal.

A pen operated by the user (pen-type indicating member)
When a predetermined position of the touch tablet 6A is pressed by 41, the CPU 39 reads the XY coordinates of the pressed position of the touch tablet 6A, and stores the coordinate data (memo information to be described later) in the buffer memory 36. It is made to let. Further, the CPU 39 records the memo information accumulated in the buffer memory 36 in the memo information recording area of the memory card 24 together with the header information of the memo information input date and time.

Next, various operations of the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the operation of the electronic viewfinder on the LCD 6 of the present apparatus will be described.

When the user half-presses the release switch 10, the DSP 33 determines whether or not the LCD cover 14 is open from the value of the signal corresponding to the state of the LCD switch 25 supplied from the CPU 39. L
If it is determined that the CD cover 14 is closed, the electronic viewfinder operation is not performed. In this case, DSP33
Stops the processing until the release switch 10 is operated.

When the LCD cover 14 is closed, the electronic viewfinder operation is not performed.
39 stops the operation of the CCD 20, the image processing unit 31, and the aperture driving circuit 53. And the CPU 39
Operates the photometric circuit 51 and the colorimetric circuit 52 instead of stopping the CCD 20, and supplies the measurement results to the image processing unit 31. The image processing unit 31 uses the values of the measurement results when performing white balance control and luminance value control.

When the release switch 10 is operated, the CPU 39 controls the CCD 20 and the aperture driving circuit 5
3 is performed.

On the other hand, when the LCD cover 14 is open, the CCD 20 performs an electronic shutter operation at a predetermined exposure time and at a predetermined exposure time, and photoelectrically converts the light image of the object condensed by the photographing lens 3 into a light. Then, the image signal obtained by the operation is output to the image processing unit 31.

The image processing section 31 performs white balance control and luminance value control, performs predetermined processing on the image signal, and outputs the image signal to the A / D conversion circuit 32. When the CCD 20 is operating, the image processing unit 31 uses the adjustment values calculated by the CPU 39 using the output of the CCD 20 and used for the white balance control and the control of the luminance value.

The A / D conversion circuit 32 converts the image signal (analog signal) into image data which is a digital signal, and outputs the image data to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 outputs the image data to the frame memory 35 and causes the LCD 6 to display an image corresponding to the image data.

As described above, in the electronic camera 1, L
When the CD cover 14 is open, at a predetermined time interval,
The CCD 20 operates the electronic shutter.
The electronic viewfinder operation is performed by converting the signal output from 0 into image data, outputting the image data to the frame memory 35, and displaying the image of the subject on the LCD 6 constantly.

As described above, when the LCD cover 14 is closed, the electronic viewfinder operation is not performed, and the operations of the CCD 20, the image processing unit 31, and the aperture driving circuit 53 are stopped, and the power consumption is reduced. Is saving.

Next, shooting of a subject by the present apparatus will be described.

First, the case where the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 provided on the surface Y1 is switched to the S mode (a mode in which only one frame is shot) will be described. First, the power switch 11 shown in FIG.
Is switched on, and the power of the electronic camera 1 is turned on. When the subject is confirmed in the viewfinder 2 and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

When the LCD cover 14 is closed, the CPU 39 restarts the operations of the CCD 20, the image processing section 31, and the aperture driving circuit 53 when the release switch 10 is half-pressed. When the release switch 10 is fully pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

A light image of a subject observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and forms an image on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The optical image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal by each pixel, and is sampled by the image processing unit 31. The image signal sampled by the image processing unit 31 is supplied to an A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to a DSP 33.

The DSP 33 once outputs the image data to the buffer memory 36, reads the image data from the buffer memory 36, and performs a discrete cosine transform.
JPEG (Jo that combines quantization and Huffman coding)
Int Photographic Experts Group), and is recorded in the captured image recording area of the memory card 24. At this time, in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24, data of the photographed date and time is recorded as header information of the photographed image data.

When the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the S mode, only one frame is shot, and even if the release switch 10 is continuously pressed, the subsequent shooting is not performed. I can't. When the release switch 10 is continuously pressed, the taken image is displayed on the LCD 6 when the LCD cover 14 is open.

Second, a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to the L mode (a mode in which 8 frames are continuously shot in one second). When the power of the electronic camera 1 is turned on by switching the power switch 11 to the side where “ON” is printed, and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

When the LCD cover 14 is closed, the CPU 39 restarts the operations of the CCD 20, the image processing section 31, and the aperture driving circuit 53 when the release switch 10 is half-pressed. When the release switch 10 is fully pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

The light image of the subject observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and forms an image on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The optical image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal at each pixel, and is sampled by the image processing unit 31 at a rate of eight times per second. At this time, the image processing unit 31
Of the image electric signals of all the pixels are thinned out.

That is, the image processing section 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix into regions each having 2 × 2 pixels (four pixels) as shown in FIG. From one area, an image signal of one pixel arranged at a predetermined position is sampled, and the remaining three pixels are thinned out.

For example, at the time of the first sampling (first frame), the upper left pixel a of each area is sampled, and the other pixels b, c and d are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the pixel b at the upper right of each area is sampled, and the other pixels a,
c and d are thinned out. Hereinafter, at the time of the third and fourth samplings, the lower left pixel c and the lower right pixel d
Are sampled and other pixels are decimated. That is, each pixel is sampled every four frames.

The image signal sampled by the image processing section 31 (the image signal of a quarter of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to an A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to a DSP 33. Is done.

The DSP 33 temporarily outputs the digitized image signal to the buffer memory 36, reads the image signal, compresses the image signal in accordance with the JPEG system, and converts the digitized and compressed photographed image data into the memory card 24. Is recorded in the captured image recording area. At this time, in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24, data of the photographed date and time is recorded as header information of the photographed image data.

Third, a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to the H mode (a mode in which 30 frames are continuously shot in one second). When the power of the electronic camera 1 is turned on by switching the power switch 11 to the side where “ON” is printed, and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

When the LCD cover 14 is closed, the CPU 39 restarts the operations of the CCD 20, the image processing section 31, and the aperture driving circuit 53 when the release switch 10 is half-pressed. When the release switch 10 is fully pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

A light image of a subject observed through the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and forms an image on the CCD 20. An optical image of a subject formed on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels is photoelectrically converted into an image signal at each pixel, and is sampled by the image processing unit 31 at a rate of 30 times per second. At this time, the image processing unit 31
8/9 pixels out of the image electrical signals of all the pixels are thinned out.

That is, the image processing section 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix into regions each having 3 × 3 pixels as shown in FIG. Is sampled at a rate of 30 times per second for the image electric signal of one pixel arranged at the position of
The remaining 8 pixels are thinned out.

For example, at the time of the first sampling (first frame), the upper left pixel a of each area is sampled, and the other pixels b to i are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the pixel b disposed on the right side of the pixel a is sampled, and the other pixels a, c to i are thinned out. Hereinafter, at the time of the third and subsequent samplings, the pixels c, d,.
Are sampled and other pixels are decimated. That is, each pixel is sampled every nine frames.

The image signal sampled by the image processing section 31 (the image signal of one-ninth of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to the DSP 33. Is done.

The DSP 33 temporarily outputs the digitized image signal to the buffer memory 36, reads the image signal, compresses the image signal according to the JPEG method, and converts the digitized and compressed photographed image data into the date and time of photographing. The header information is recorded in the captured image recording area of the memory card 24 along with the header information.

[0100] If necessary, the strobe 4 can be operated to irradiate the subject with light. Where L
When the CD cover 14 is open, that is, when the LCD 6 is performing the electronic viewfinder operation, the CPU 39
Can control the strobe 4 not to emit light.

Next, an operation when two-dimensional information (pen input information) is input from the touch tablet 6A will be described.

When the touch tablet 6A is pressed with the pen tip of the pen 41, the XY coordinates of the touched position are displayed on the CPU.
39 is input. The XY coordinates are stored in the buffer memory 36. In addition, data can be written into the frame memory 35 at locations corresponding to the XY coordinates, and a memo corresponding to the contact of the pen 41 can be displayed on the XY coordinates on the LCD 6.

As described above, the touch tablet 6A
Is composed of a transparent member,
The point displayed on the LCD 6 (the point at the position pressed by the pen tip of the pen 41) can be observed, as if the LCD
6 can be felt as if a pen input was made directly. When the pen 41 is moved on the touch tablet 6 </ b> A, a line accompanying the movement of the pen 41 is displayed on the LCD 6. Further, when the pen 41 is intermittently moved on the touch tablet 6A, a broken line accompanying the movement of the pen 41 is displayed on the LCD 6. As described above, the user inputs memo information such as desired characters and graphics into the touch tablet 6A (LCD 6).

When a photographed image is displayed on the LCD 6 and memo information is inputted by the pen 41, the memo information is synthesized with the photographed image information in the frame memory 35 and is simultaneously displayed on the LCD 6. Is displayed.

By operating the predetermined palette 100, the user can select the color of the memo displayed on the LCD 6 from black, white, red, blue and the like.

When the execution key 7B of the operation key 7 is pressed after the memo information is input to the touch tablet 6A by the pen 41, the memo information stored in the buffer memory 36 is stored in the memory card 24 together with the header information of the input date and time. And recorded in the memo information recording area of the memory card 24.

Note that the memo information recorded on the memory card 24 is information subjected to compression processing. Since the memo information input to the touch tablet 6A includes a lot of information having a high spatial frequency component, if the compression processing is performed by the JPEG method used for compressing the photographed image, the compression efficiency is low and the information amount is not reduced. The time required for compression and decompression increases. Furthermore, since the compression by the JPEG method is irreversible compression, it is not suitable for compressing memo information with a small amount of information (when expanded and displayed on the LCD 6, gathers and bleeding due to lack of information are noticeable. To get it).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the memo information is compressed by a run-length method used in a facsimile or the like. The run-length method scans a memo screen in the horizontal direction, and continues the length of information (points) of each color such as black, white, red, and blue, and the length of continuous non-information (portion without pen input) This is a method of compressing the memo information by encoding the memo information.

By using this run length method,
The memo information can be compressed to the minimum, and even when the compressed memo information is decompressed, the loss of the information can be suppressed. Note that the memo information may not be compressed when the information amount is relatively small.

As described above, when a photographed image is displayed on the LCD 6, when a pen input is performed, the photographed image data and the memo information of the pen input are combined in the frame memory 35, and the photographed image and the memo The composite image of LC
Displayed on D6. On the other hand, in the memory card 24, the photographed image data is recorded in the photographed image recording area, and the memo information is recorded in the memo information recording area. As described above, since the two pieces of information are recorded in different areas, the user can delete one of the images (for example, the memo) from the composite image of the captured image and the memo,
Further, each image information can be compressed by an individual compression method.

When data is recorded in the audio recording area, photographed image recording area, or memo information recording area of the memory card 24, a list thereof can be displayed on the LCD 6, as shown in FIG.

On the display screen of the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 9, the date when the information was recorded (recorded date) (in this case, November 1, 1996) is displayed at the lower end of the screen. The number and recording time of the information recorded on the recording date are displayed on the left side of the screen.

[0113] On the right side of the recording time, a thumbnail image is displayed. This thumbnail image is displayed on the memory card 2
4 is created by thinning (reducing) the bitmap data of each image data of the photographed image data recorded in No. 4. The information with this display is information including captured image information. That is, “10:16” and “10: 2”
The information recorded (input) at "one minute" includes photographed image information, and the information recorded at other times does not include image information.

A memo icon “□” indicates that a predetermined memo is recorded as line drawing information.

A sound icon (note) is displayed on the right side of the display area of the thumbnail image, and a recording time (unit: second) is displayed on the right side of the icon (when no sound information is input, , These are not displayed).

As shown in FIG. 9, the user places a desired sound icon in the list displayed on the LCD 6 with the pen 4.
2 to select and specify the information to be reproduced by pressing with the pen tip of FIG.
Is pressed by the pen tip of the pen 41 to reproduce the selected information.

For example, when the voice icon indicating “10:16” shown in FIG. 9 is pressed by the pen 41, the CPU 39 causes the selected recording date and time (10:16) to be displayed.
Minute) from the memory card 24, and after expanding the sound data, the A / D and D /
It is supplied to the A conversion circuit 42. The A / D and D / A conversion circuit 42 converts the supplied audio data into an analog signal,
Playback is performed via the speaker 5.

When reproducing the photographed image data recorded on the memory card 24, the user presses the desired thumbnail image with the pen tip of the pen 41 to select the information, and presses the execution key 7B to select the selected information. To play.

That is, the CPU 39 instructs the DSP 33 to read out the photographed image data corresponding to the photographing date and time of the selected thumbnail image from the memory card 24.
The DSP 33 expands the photographed image data (compressed photographed image data) read from the memory card 24, stores the photographed image data in the frame memory 35 as bitmap data, and causes the LCD 6 to display it.

The image photographed in the S mode is displayed on the LCD 6 as a still image. This still image is CC
It goes without saying that the image signals of all the pixels of D20 are reproduced.

An image photographed in the L mode is continuously displayed on the LCD 6 at a rate of 8 frames per second. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is CCD2
0 is a quarter of the total number of pixels.

Normally, the human eye is sensitive to the degradation of the resolution of a still image, and thus thinning out the pixels of the still image is perceived by the user as degradation of the image quality. However, when the continuous shooting speed at the time of shooting is increased, eight frames are captured per second in the L mode, and when this image is reproduced at a speed of eight frames per second, the number of pixels of each frame is equal to the pixel number of the CCD 20. Although this is a quarter of the number, since the human eye observes eight frames per second, the amount of information perceived by the human eye per second is twice as large as that of a still image.

That is, one of the images shot in the S mode
Assuming that the number of pixels of a frame is 1, the number of pixels of one frame of an image captured in the L mode is １ ／. When an image (still image) captured in the S mode is displayed on the LCD 6, the amount of information perceived by the human eye in one second is 1 (= (number of pixels 1) × (number of frames 1)). On the other hand, when an image captured in the L mode is displayed on the LCD 6, the amount of information perceived by the human eye in one second is 2 (= (number of pixels ４) × (number of frames 8)) (ie, The human eye receives twice as much information as a still image.) Therefore, even if the number of pixels in one frame is reduced to ４, the user can observe the reproduced image at the time of reproduction without much concern about deterioration in image quality.

Further, in the present embodiment, different pixels are sampled for each frame and the sampled pixels are displayed on the LCD 6, so that an afterimage effect occurs to human eyes, and 4 pixels per frame. Even if three pixels are thinned out, the user can observe the image photographed in the L mode displayed on the LCD 6 without much concern about the deterioration of the image quality.

An image shot in the H mode is an LC mode.
The images are continuously displayed on D6 at a rate of 30 frames per second. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is C
Although the number of pixels of the CD 20 is one-ninth of the total number of pixels, for the same reason as in the case of the L mode, the user can copy an image captured in the H mode displayed on the LCD 6 without much concern about deterioration in image quality. Can be observed.

In this embodiment, the L mode and the H mode
When capturing an image of a subject in the mode, the image processing unit 31 controls the CCD 2 so that the image quality does not deteriorate during reproduction.
Since pixels of 0 are thinned out, the load on the DSP 33 can be reduced, and the DSP 33 can be operated at low speed and with low power. This also means that
The cost and power consumption of the device can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, as described above, it is possible to record not only a light image of a subject but also memo (line drawing) information. In the present embodiment, a mode for inputting such information (shooting mode and memo input mode) is provided, and these modes are appropriately selected according to the operation of the user, and the input of information is smoothly performed. It has been made.

FIG. 10 shows a display example in which the screen is divided into nine regions and an image is displayed in each region. The number of regions into which the screen is divided can be determined, for example, according to the number of selected images. For example, n is an arbitrary natural number, n is determined so that the number of selected images is larger than (n-1) ² and equal to or smaller than n ² , and the screen is divided into n ² regions. be able to. In this example, since eight images were selected,
3 is determined as the value of n. Therefore, the screen is 9 (= 3
² ) It is divided into two areas.

In this example, since the size of each area is relatively small, the number of pixels in the area is relatively small and the area cannot be read even when a memo is displayed. "M" is displayed instead of the memo.

That is, the user picks (selects) an arbitrary plurality of images in a list as shown in FIG. 9 using the pen 41, and then selects the execution key 7B. When instructing the display of the plurality of selected images on the LCD 6, the CPU 39 sets L to L in accordance with the number of selected images.
The screen of the CD 6 is divided into a predetermined number of areas, and each selected image is reduced and displayed in each area of the divided screen. When memo information (line drawing information) related to the image is stored in the memory card 24, whether to display the memo information is determined based on the number of pixels and the size of the divided area.

In this case, since the screen is divided into nine regions, the size of each region is relatively small, and the number of pixels in that region is relatively small, so that even if a memo is displayed, it cannot be read. Therefore, note display is not performed.
The criteria for this determination by the CPU 39 can be set in advance by the user.

Therefore, for example, the screen of the LCD 6 is relatively large and the resolution is high.
It is possible to set so that the memo is displayed even when the screen is divided, and not to display the memo when the screen is divided into 16 sections.

In the display example of FIG. 10, a memo mark "M" indicating that related memo information is stored is displayed at the lower left of the image on the right end of the upper stage. Similarly, a memo mark “M” is displayed on each of the middle left image and the left image. Further, a memo mark “M” is displayed in the lower center image.

As described above, since the memo mark “M” is displayed, the user can recognize that related memo information is recorded in the image displaying the memo mark “M”. . When the user wants to view a memo related to a predetermined image, the user selects that image using the pen 41 and presses the execution key 7
Select B. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11, the selected image is displayed on the entire screen, and the related memo is displayed so as to be superimposed on the image.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a screen when an image is displayed in each area of the screen divided into four parts. In this example, since the size of each area is relatively large, the number of pixels in the area is relatively large, and the area can be read even when a memo is displayed. I have to.

That is, as described above, when a plurality of images are selected by the user and display thereof is instructed,
The CPU 39 controls the LCD 6 according to the number of selected images.
Is divided into a predetermined number of areas, and the selected image is reduced and displayed in each area of the divided screen. When memo information related to the image displayed in each area is stored in the memory card 24, whether to display the memo information is determined based on the number of pixels and the size of each area of the divided screen. I do. In this case, since the screen is divided into four areas, when the memo is displayed, it can be read,
The PU 39 displays a memo.

In the display example of FIG. 12, notes related to the two images in the upper row are displayed.

FIG. 13 shows a display example when the entire screen of the LCD 6 is relatively large. As described above, in the case where the entire screen is relatively large and the total number of pixels is large, the memo can be read even when the memo is displayed in each area of the nine-divided screen. If the memo information is stored, the memo is superimposed on the image and displayed. Of course, if only the memo information is stored, only the memo is displayed.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14, when displaying a plurality of selected images on a plurality of display areas divided according to the number of selected images, the images related to each image are displayed. A processing procedure for controlling whether or not to display a line drawing when stored in the memory card 24 will be described.

First, in step S1, the CPU 39 obtains the sizes of a plurality of display areas obtained by dividing the screen according to the number of selected images and the number of pixels in each display area. Next, the process proceeds to step S2, in which a value 1 is assigned to a variable N for controlling the number of times of processing.

Next, in step S3, the CPU 39
The N-th selected image (hereinafter, the N-th selected image is referred to as an image (N)) is reduced or enlarged according to the number of pixels of the display area by the control of the DSP 33 or the like. You.

In step S4, the image (N) reduced or enlarged in step S3 is displayed on the N-th display area of the plurality of display areas (hereinafter, the N-th display area of the plurality of display areas). Will be described as a display area (N)). Next, in step S5, the CPU 39 determines whether a line drawing related to the image (N) just displayed is stored in the memory card 24 or not.

If it is determined that the line drawing related to the image (N) is stored in the memory card 24, step S6
Proceed to. In step S6, it is determined whether or not the size (size) of the display area is equal to or smaller than a predetermined reference value A. When it is determined that the size of the display area is not smaller than the predetermined reference value A, the process proceeds to step S7, and it is determined whether the number of pixels in the display area is smaller than the predetermined reference value B. When it is determined that the number of pixels in the display area is not less than the predetermined reference value B, the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, a line drawing related to the image (N) is stored in the memory card 2 under the control of the CPU 39.
4 and are reduced or enlarged according to the size of the display area. Next, in step S9, the line image reduced or enlarged in step S8 is displayed in the display area (N).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S6 that the size of the display area is equal to or smaller than the predetermined reference value A,
Alternatively, when it is determined in step S7 that the value indicating the number of pixels in the display area is equal to or smaller than the predetermined reference value B, the process proceeds to step S10, and a memo mark "M" is displayed at the lower left of the display area under the control of the CPU 39. Is displayed.

In step S5, when it is determined that the line drawing relating to the image (N) is not stored in the memory card 24, or in step S9 or step S9.
When the process of 10 is completed, the process proceeds to step S11, and the value of the variable N is incremented by one. Then, in step S12, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable N is larger than the number of selected images. When it is determined that the value of the variable N is smaller than or equal to the number of the selected images, the process returns to step S3, and the processes after step S3 are repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the variable N is larger than the number of selected images, that is, if it is determined that the above processing has been completed for all the selected images, all the processing ends. .

As described above, whether to display the memo information is determined based on the size of the screen of the LCD 6, the number of divisions, and the resolution (the number of pixels). Instead of displaying it, a mark indicating that memo information exists can be displayed instead. This keeps the screen from becoming difficult to see,
Usability can be improved.

When information is selected from the list, if the maximum number of screens that can be divided is, for example, 9, it is possible to prevent the selection of more than 10 information. In addition, useless operation of the user can be suppressed.

A program for causing the CPU 39 to execute the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.
In the ROM 43, the memory card 24, or the like. This program may be supplied to the user in a state stored in the ROM 43 or the memory card 24 in advance, or a CD-ROM (co
mpact disc-read only memory) or the like may be supplied to the user. In that case, ROM
43 is, for example, an electrically rewritable EEPROM.
(Electrically erasable and programmable read only
memory) etc.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the screen is divided into four or nine regions and images and memos are displayed in each region. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any number of areas (for example, n ² areas (where n is a natural number)) can be divided and an image or a memo can be displayed in each area.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the screen of the LCD 6 of the electronic camera 1 is divided and a plurality of images and memos are displayed thereon has been described. The present invention can also be applied to a case where a plurality of images and memos are displayed.

In the above embodiment, it is also possible to select information including only a line drawing on the display screen displaying the list of FIG. 9, and in this case, the size of the display area and the number of pixels are limited. Accordingly, only the memo mark “M” can be displayed in the corresponding display area, or only the line drawing can be displayed in the corresponding display area.

[0154]

According to the information processing apparatus of the first aspect, the display control means displays the first image on the screen in the first size corresponding to the first number of pixels. When,
A second mode for displaying the first image on the screen in a second size corresponding to a second number of pixels smaller than the first number of pixels, and displaying the first image on the screen in the first mode. When the second image related to the first image is stored in the storage unit, the second image is superimposed on the first image and displayed on the screen. Whether or not to display the second image can be determined based on the size of the display screen and the number of pixels. As a result, an unrecognizable image is prevented from being displayed, and the screen can be easily viewed.

According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention,
The display control means is capable of displaying the first image in a plurality of sizes. Depending on the size at which the first image is displayed, the display control means may display the second image superimposed on the first image. Since whether or not to display the second image can be determined based on the size of the display screen and the number of pixels. As a result, an unrecognizable image is prevented from being displayed, and the screen can be easily viewed.

According to the recording medium of the ninth aspect, the display control means converts the first image into the first image corresponding to the first number of pixels.
A first mode for displaying on the screen in a size of
Is controlled to operate in one of the second modes for displaying the image on the screen in the second size corresponding to the second number of pixels smaller than the first number of pixels. When the second image related to the first image is stored in the storage unit, the second image is displayed on the screen.
Since the program for controlling the superimposed image on the first image to be displayed on the screen is recorded, it is determined whether or not to display the second image based on the size and the number of pixels of the display screen. Can be. As a result, an unrecognizable image is prevented from being displayed, and the screen can be easily viewed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic camera to which the present invention is applied, as viewed from the front side.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic camera 1 as viewed from the back side with the LCD cover 14 opened.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electronic camera 1 as viewed from the back side with the LCD cover 14 closed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the electronic camera 1.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an LCD switch 25 and an LCD cover 14 of the electronic camera 1.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal electrical configuration of the electronic camera 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a thinning process.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the thinning processing.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the LCD 6 of the electronic camera 1.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example in which a memo mark is displayed instead of displaying a memo.

11 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the center image in FIG. 10 is selected.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen divided into four parts.

FIG. 13 is a display example of a screen divided into nine when the entire screen is relatively large.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for controlling whether to display a line drawing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic camera 2 Viewfinder 3 Shooting lens 4 Light-emitting part (flash) 5 Speaker 6 LCD (display means) 6A Touch tablet 7 Operation key 7A Menu key 7B Execute key 7C Cancel key 7D Delete key 7E Scroll key 8 Microphone 9 Earphone jack 10 Release Switch 11 Power switch 12 Recording switch 13 Continuous shooting mode switching switch 15 Red-eye reduction LED 16 Photometric element 17 Colorimetric element 20 CCD 21 Battery 22 Capacitor 23 Circuit board 24 Memory card (storage means) 26 Display element in viewfinder 30 Lens drive circuit 31 Image processing unit 32 Analog / digital conversion circuit (A / D) 33 Digital signal processor (DSP) 34 CCD drive circuit 35 Frame memory 36 Buffer memo 37 strobe drive circuit 38 red-eye reduction LED drive circuit 39 CPU (display control means) 40 display circuit in finder 41 pen 42 A / D-D / A conversion circuit 45 timer 48 interface 51 photometry circuit 52 colorimetry circuit 53 aperture drive circuit 54 Aperture

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A display device comprising: a storage unit that stores a first image and a second image; and a display control unit that displays the first image and the second image on a predetermined screen. A first mode in which the first image is displayed on the screen in a first size corresponding to a first number of pixels, and a second mode in which the first image is smaller than the first number of pixels. A second mode for displaying on the screen in a second size corresponding to the number of pixels, wherein when the first image is displayed on the screen in the first mode, the first mode The second relating to the image
The second image is stored in the storage means,
An information processing apparatus characterized in that the image is superimposed on the first image and displayed on the screen. 2. The display control means according to claim 1, wherein, when said first image is displayed on said screen in said second mode, said second image related to said first image is stored in said storage means. The method according to claim 1, wherein when stored, a symbol indicating that the second image related to the first image is present is superimposed on the first image and displayed on the screen. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. When displaying a plurality of the first images on the screen, the first images are displayed in a plurality of display areas obtained by dividing the screen, and the first image is related to the first image. When a second image is stored in the storage unit, the display control unit determines whether to display the second image related to the first image based on the size of the display area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus determines: 4. The display control means, when displaying the first image on the screen, causes the second image to be superimposed and displayed on the first image based on a size of the screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the information processing is performed. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image is a photographed image, and the second image is a line drawing. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the first image and the second image. 7. A display means for displaying a first image and a second image, and a display control means capable of superimposing the second image on the first image and displaying the second image on the display means. The display control means is capable of displaying the first image in a plurality of sizes, and displays the second image in accordance with the size at which the first image is displayed. An information processing apparatus for controlling whether to superimpose and display an image. 8. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein a size when displaying the first image is equal to or smaller than a first reference value, or when a number of pixels for displaying the first image is a second reference value. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second image is not displayed when the value is equal to or less than the value. 9. An information processing apparatus comprising: storage means for storing a first image and a second image; and display control means for displaying the first image and the second image on a predetermined screen. A first mode in which the display control means displays the first image on the screen in a first size corresponding to a first number of pixels; and Controlling the first image to operate in one of a second mode in which the first image is displayed on the screen at a second size corresponding to a second number of pixels smaller than the first number of pixels; In the case where the first image is displayed on the screen in the mode described above, when the second image related to the first image is stored in the storage unit, the second image is displayed in the second mode. Control so as to be superimposed on the first image and displayed on the screen. Recording medium characterized by recording a program.