JP2007043247A - Image processing apparatus and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly search target image data by means of displaying a plurality of image data. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic camera includes first feed buttons 205, 206 and a second feed button 213 for switching display of the image data, displays a plurality of the image data in response to the operation applied to the second feed button, and dynamically changes its display mode among the plural image data in cross-reference with each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that enable switching to a display state of a plurality of images.

  Conventionally, image processing apparatuses such as electronic cameras for recording and reproducing still images and moving images using a memory card having a solid-state memory element as a recording medium are already on the market, and electronic cameras equipped with an electronic viewfinder such as a color liquid crystal panel are also sold. Has been.

  According to these electronic cameras, it is possible to continuously display images before photographing and to determine the composition by the user of the electronic camera, or to reproduce and display the photographed images for confirmation. Furthermore, in the reproduction display, in addition to the normal single image display, there are some which are provided with functions useful for detailed image confirmation and search such as enlargement and multiple image display. Also, thumbnails are displayed by holding down the button, and a device for finding a desired image in a short time by increasing the display speed has been made. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228667 discloses an operation member for sending image data to be displayed and an operation member for displaying a plurality of pieces of image data.

JP 2001-111408 A

  On the other hand, the number of images that can be stored has increased with the recent increase in memory cards. Therefore, it is necessary to find a desired image more easily and quickly.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable quick retrieval of target image data by displaying a plurality of image data.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a first image switching unit that switches display of image data on the display unit and a second image switching unit that switches display of image data on the display unit, which is different from the first image switching unit. Image display means, and display control means for controlling the display of image data on the display means in response to an operation on the first image switch means and the second image switch means, and the display control The means displays a plurality of image data in response to an operation on the second image switching means, and dynamically changes the display mode in association with each other between the plurality of image data. .
The image processing method of the present invention is an image processing method by an image processing apparatus for processing image data to be displayed on a display means, the first image switching means for switching display of image data on the display means, A display control step for controlling the display of the image data on the display unit in response to an operation on the second image switching unit for switching the display of the image data on the display unit, which is different from the first image switching unit; In the display control step, a plurality of pieces of image data are displayed in response to an operation on the second image switching means, and the display mode is dynamically changed in association with each other between the plurality of pieces of image data. It is characterized by making it.
A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the image processing method.
The computer-readable recording medium of the present invention is characterized in that the program is recorded.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly search for target image data by displaying a plurality of image data.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments to which the invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

-First embodiment-
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image processing apparatus. Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing lens, 12 denotes a shutter having a diaphragm function, 14 denotes an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 into a digital signal.

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

  An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42 based on the obtained calculation result. TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing are performed.

  Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

  A memory control circuit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32.

  The data of the A / D converter 16 is written into the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or the data of the A / D converter 16 is directly passed through the memory control circuit 22. It is.

  Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory, 26 denotes a D / A converter, 28 denotes an image display unit including a TFT LCD, and the image data for display written in the image display memory 24 passes through the D / A converter 26. Displayed by the image display unit 28.

  If the image data captured using the image display unit 28 is sequentially displayed, the electronic viewfinder function can be realized.

  The image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the image processing apparatus 100 can be greatly reduced. I can do it.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images. Thereby, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed.

  The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50. Reference numeral 32 denotes a compression / decompression circuit that compresses and decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like, reads an image stored in the memory 30, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and stores the processed data in the memory 30. Write to.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes an exposure control means for controlling the shutter 12 having an aperture function, and has a flash light control function in cooperation with the flash 48.

  Reference numeral 42 denotes a distance measuring control means for controlling the focusing of the photographing lens 10, reference numeral 44 denotes a zoom control means for controlling zooming of the photographing lens 10, and reference numeral 46 denotes a barrier control means for controlling the operation of the protection means 102 as a barrier.

  A flash 48 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash light control function. The exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42 are controlled using the TTL method. Based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the captured image data by the image processing circuit 20, the system control circuit 50 performs the exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement. Control is performed on the control means 42.

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

  Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device or a speaker that displays an operation state or a message using characters, images, sounds, or the like in accordance with execution of a program in the system control circuit 50. One or a plurality of places are provided near the portion where they are easily visible, and are configured by a combination of, for example, an LCD, an LED, a sound generation element, and the like.

  The display unit 54 has a part of its function installed in the optical viewfinder 104. Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed on the LCD or the like includes single shot / continuous shooting display, self-timer display, compression rate display, recording pixel number display, recording number display, remaining image number display, shutter Speed display, Aperture value display, Exposure compensation display, Flash display, Red-eye reduction display, Macro shooting display, Buzzer setting display, Clock battery level display, Battery level display, Error display, Multi-digit number information display and recording There are a display state of the media 200 and 210, a communication I / F operation display, a date / time display, and the like.

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

  Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM. Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, and may be a single unit such as a switch, a dial, a touch panel, pointing by eye-gaze detection, a voice recognition device, or the like. Consists of multiple combinations.

  Here, a specific description of these operating means will be given. Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch, which can switch and set various function modes such as power-off, automatic shooting mode, shooting mode, panoramic shooting mode, playback mode, multi-screen playback / erase mode, and PC connection mode.

  Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned ON during operation of a shutter button (not shown), and performs AF (auto focus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, and the like. Instruct to start operation.

  Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch SW2, which is turned on when the operation of a shutter button (not shown) is completed, and an exposure process for writing image data to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22 from the signal read from the image sensor 12. Development processing using operations in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, recording processing for reading image data from the memory 30, compression in the compression / decompression circuit 32, and writing the image data to the recording medium 200 or 210. Instructs the start of a series of processing operations.

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

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

  70 is an operation unit composed of various buttons, a touch panel, etc., a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button, menu movement + (plus) Button, menu shift- (minus) button, playback image shift + (plus) button, playback image- (minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure correction button, date / time setting button, and the like.

  Reference numeral 80 denotes a power supply control means, which includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, etc., and detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, the remaining battery level, and the detection result In addition, the DC-DC converter is controlled based on an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and a necessary voltage is supplied to each unit including the recording medium for a necessary period.

  82 is a connector, 84 is a connector, and 86 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, NiMH battery or Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

  90 and 94 are interfaces with a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, 92 and 96 are connectors for connecting to a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, and 98 is a recording medium 200 or 210 attached to the connector 92 or 96. Recording medium attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting whether or not the recording medium is present.

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

  The interface and the connector may be configured using a PCMCIA card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, or the like based on a standard.

  In addition, when the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 are configured using a PCMCIA card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, or the like, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, IEEE1394. Image data and management information attached to image data are transferred to and from peripheral devices such as other computers and printers by connecting various communication cards such as cards, P1284 cards, SCSI cards, and PHS communication cards. I can meet each other.

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

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

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

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

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 204 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 206 for connecting to the image processing apparatus 100. Reference numeral 210 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.

  The recording medium 210 includes a recording unit 212 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, and the like, an interface 214 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 216 that connects to the image processing apparatus 100.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a view showing an operation member of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A power button 201 is used to start and end the electronic camera. A menu button 202 is used to enter a menu for changing shooting conditions, setting a date, protecting or deleting an image. Also used to end various setting modes. A decision button 203 is used to decide a selection item. A display button 204 switches display / non-display of shooting information regarding an image or display / non-display of the electronic viewfinder.

  The left button 205 is used for moving the selection item to the left or for image forwarding. The right button 206 is used for moving the selection item to the right or for image forwarding. In the present embodiment, the right button 206 and the left button 205 are used as first feed buttons.

  The up button 207 is used to move the selection item up. The down button 208 is used to move the selection item downward. The shutter button 209 is a button used when shooting in the shooting mode. The zoom button 210 is a button for driving the zoom lens, and can change the angle of view of the object to be photographed by swinging left and right. A mode switch 211 switches between a recording mode and a playback mode. The liquid crystal screen 212 is used when photographing while confirming an image. The liquid crystal screen 212 is also used for confirming the captured image.

  The rotation input member 213 can detect the clockwise / counterclockwise direction and the amount of movement. The input value can be used for changing the shooting parameters and the like, sending the image for reproduction, and the like. In this embodiment, the rotation input member is used as the second feed button.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall operation in the playback mode of this embodiment. First, the presence / absence of input is checked (step S301). If there is no input, wait until input. If there is an input, the current display state is checked (step S302). In step S302, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether an index image composed of a plurality of images such as 3 × 3 is displayed. If an index image is displayed, index image processing is performed in step S303. Is called. Specifically, when the right button 206 of the first feed button is operated, the image next to the currently selected image is selected, and when the left button 205 of the first feed button is operated. Is the state in which the image before the currently selected image is selected. When the second feed button is operated in the clockwise direction, the next image is selected, and when operated in the counterclockwise direction, the previous image is selected.

  If the index image is not displayed in step S302, that is, if a single image (one image) is displayed, the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, it is checked whether or not the input by the user was the first feed buttons 205 and 206 (step S304). In the case of the first feed buttons 205 and 206, the next image or the previous image is displayed while one image is being displayed (step S307).

  On the other hand, if the input is not the first feed button 205, 206, the process proceeds to step S305. In step S305, it is checked whether or not the input is the second feed button 213.

  If the input is the second feed button 213, three images 902 to 904 are displayed vertically as indicated by 909 in FIG. 9 (step S308). 909 in FIG. 9 shows a state where the image 902 is currently selected. The image 902 is displayed larger in front of the images 903 and 904. In this state, when the second feed button 213 is operated in the clockwise direction, the image moves as shown by 907 in FIG. Then, the upper image is selected.

  When the input is not the input of the second button 213, the process proceeds to the process appropriate for each button (step S306).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing in a state where one image of step S307 in FIG. 3 is displayed. First, an image to be displayed is read (step S401). Next, the information written in the file header, such as shooting information, for the image to be displayed is analyzed (step S402). Thereafter, the read image is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 212 (step S403).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing in a state where a plurality of images in step S308 of FIG. 3 are displayed. The thumbnail of the current image is read according to the rotation direction of the second feed button 213 (step S501). Next, the thumbnails of the previous and subsequent images are read (step S502). The thumbnail of the current image and the three thumbnail images that have been read are displayed (step S503). After the display, a timer is set (step S504). Although FIG. 5 has been described using an example in which three images are displayed, it is only necessary to be able to display a plurality of images, and is not limited to three.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing in the timer waiting state of FIG. First, the presence / absence of input is checked (step S601). If there is no input, it is checked whether 1 second has elapsed from the timer set (step S504) (step S602). If one second has not elapsed, the process returns to the input determination again. If one second has elapsed, the process moves to the animation display state (step S603). The animation display state here means that the upper and lower two images are erased from the three images displayed in the multi-image display state, and the image displayed in the center is gradually enlarged and finally displayed. Is the state displayed on the entire screen. Also, for example, the size of the image remains the same, and two lines spread up and down from the position where the top and bottom sides of the image overlap or in the vicinity thereof, and finally the two lines appear on the top and bottom sides of the screen. An animation may be displayed so that a white area surrounded by these two lines extends over the entire screen. If there is an input, it is checked whether it is the second feed button 213 (step S604). In the case of the second feed button 213, the timer clear (step S605) is executed, and then the display state of a plurality of images is entered. If the input is not the second feed button 213, it is checked whether or not the input is the enter button 203 (step S606). In the case of the determination button 203, after executing timer clear (step S607), the display state of one image is entered. If the input is not the enter button 203, the process returns to the input determination again.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing in the animation display state in step S603 of FIG. First, the presence / absence of input is checked (step S701). If there is no input, the next frame of the animation is displayed (step S702). Specifically, of the three images displayed in the multi-image display state, the upper and lower two images are deleted, and an image in which the image displayed in the center is enlarged by one step is displayed. By repeating the processing in step S702 several times, the image becomes larger in steps, and finally the image is displayed on the entire screen. If there is an input, it is checked whether it is the second feed button 213 (step S703). When the input is the second feed button 213, after the animation is interrupted (step S704), a display state of a plurality of images is set. If the input is not the second feed button 213, it is checked whether the input is the enter button 203 (step S705). In the case of the determination button 203, after the animation is interrupted (step S706), the display state of one image is entered. If the input is not the enter button 203, the process returns to the input determination again.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition caused by the operation of the first feed buttons 205 and 206. In this example, when the second feed button 213 is input while the image 801 is displayed, the image 802 corresponding to the feed direction is displayed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition caused by operation of the second feed button 213. When the second feed button 213 is input while the image 901 is displayed, the display state 909 is switched to a multiple image display state 909. The thumbnail 902 of the image sent according to the direction of the second feed button 213 is displayed in the center, and the thumbnails 903 and 904 before and after that are also displayed. A date 906 of the current image 902 and an indicator 905 indicating the current position are also displayed. In this state, when an input is further made by the second feed button 213, the current image is further moved to the next image to display a plurality of images (907). When the above-described animation display state is entered when there is no input for a predetermined time (one second) from the multiple image display state, or when the enter button 203 is operated, the display state 908 of the current image is shifted to.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the first feed button for simply sending an image, a second feed button for switching the display mode of the display image as well as the image feed is provided separately, and by operating the second feed button. Since it is configured to switch to the display state of a plurality of images, a desired image can be quickly searched according to the display state of the plurality of images.

-Second Embodiment-
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the internal configuration of the electronic camera and the configuration of the operation member according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the overall operation in the playback mode of the electronic camera according to the present embodiment. First, the presence / absence of input is checked (step S1101). If there is no input, wait until input. If there is an input, it is checked whether it is the second feed button 213 (step S1102). In the case of the second feed button 213, shooting information such as the shooting date and time of the image data that has become current in response to the operation of the second feed button 213 is checked, and information other than the image corresponding to the shooting information and the shooting information (for example, the background image) ) Is acquired (step S1103). If the input is not the input of the second feed button 213, the process proceeds to the process appropriate for each button (step S1104).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing in a timer waiting state in the present embodiment. First, the presence / absence of input is checked (step S1201). If there is no input, it is checked whether 1 second has elapsed from the timer set (step S504) (step S1202). If one second has not elapsed, the process returns to the input determination again. If one second has elapsed, the process moves to the animation display state (step S1203). As described above, the animation display state here means that, for example, the upper and lower two images of the three images displayed in the multi-image display state are erased, and the image displayed in the center is gradually changed. It is displayed in a large size and finally displayed on the entire screen. If there is an input, it is checked whether it is the second feed button 213 (step S1204). In the case of the second feed button 213, after executing the timer clear (step S1205), the shooting information such as the shooting date and time of the image data that has become current is checked in accordance with the operation of the second feed button 213, and the shooting information and shooting information are obtained. Information other than the image corresponding to (for example, a background image) is acquired (step S1208), and the display state of a plurality of images is entered. If the input is not the second feed button 213, it is checked whether the input is the enter button 203 (step S1206). In the case of the determination button 203, after executing timer clear (step S1207), the display state of one image is entered. If the input is not the enter button 203, the process returns to the input determination again.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing in the animation display state in the present embodiment. First, the presence / absence of input is checked (step S1401). If there is no input, the next frame of the animation is displayed (step S1402). Specifically, of the three images displayed in the multi-image display state, the upper and lower two images are deleted, and an image in which the image displayed in the center is enlarged by one step is displayed. By repeating the processing in step S1402 several times, the image becomes larger in steps, and finally the image is displayed on the entire screen. If there is an input, it is checked whether it is the second feed button 213 (step S1403). When the input is the second feed button 213, after the animation is interrupted (step S1404), the shooting information such as the shooting date and time of the image data that has become current is checked in accordance with the operation of the second feed button 213, and the shooting information is obtained. Information other than the image corresponding to the shooting information (for example, a background image) is acquired (1407), and a display state of a plurality of images is obtained. If the input is not the second feed button 213, it is checked whether or not the input is the enter button 203 (step S1405). In the case of the determination button 203, after the animation is interrupted (step S1406), the display state of one image is entered. If the input is not the enter button 203, the process returns to the input determination again.

  Next, a process of displaying a plurality of images in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The thumbnail of the current image is read according to the rotation direction of the second feed button 213 (step S1301). Next, the thumbnails of the images before and after that are read (step S1302). Subsequently, together with the read thumbnail image, the shooting information such as the shooting date and time acquired in step S1103 and step S1208 and the background image are displayed (step S1303). After the display, a timer is set (step S1304). Note that the processing in the display state of one image in the present embodiment is the same as the processing in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition caused by operation of the second feed button 213. When the second feed button 213 is input while the image 1501 is displayed, the display is switched to the multiple image display state 1509. The thumbnail 1502 of the image sent in accordance with the direction of the second feed button 213 is displayed in the center, and the thumbnails 1503 and 1504 before and after that are also displayed. A date 1506 of the current image and an indicator 1505 indicating the current position are also displayed. In this state, when an input is further made by the second feed button 213, the current image is further moved to the next image, and the display state 1507 of a plurality of images is shifted. When the enter button 203 is operated, the screen shifts to a one image display state 1508.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a transition example of the display state of a plurality of images by operating the second feed button 213. When the second feed button 213 is input in a state where a plurality of images such as 1601 are displayed, the shooting information of the next image is read and a background image corresponding to the read information is added to the thumbnail image and displayed (1602, 1603). At this time, if the next image is different, since the shooting information is different, the background image associated therewith may be different. Examples of the background image associated with the shooting information include a background image imitating the season corresponding to the date included in the shooting information.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since it is configured to display both the shooting information of the image that has become current by the operation of the feed button and, for example, the background image corresponding to the shooting information, the search for the image is more intuitive. This makes it possible to improve the user-friendliness.

-Third embodiment-
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the internal configuration of the electronic camera and the configuration of the operation member according to this embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the overall operation in the playback mode of the electronic camera according to the present embodiment. First, the presence / absence of input is checked (step S1701). If there is no input, wait until input. If there is an input, it is checked whether it is the forward second feed button 213 (step S1702). In the case of the forward second feed button 213, an image indicating the forward direction is acquired (step S1703). If the input is not the forward second feed button 213, it is checked whether the input is the backward second feed button 213 (step S1704). If the input is the second feed button 213 in the reverse direction, an image indicating the reverse direction is acquired (step S1705). When the input is not the input of the second feed button 213 in the reverse direction, the process proceeds to the process appropriate for each button (step S1706).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing in a timer waiting state in the present embodiment. First, the presence / absence of input is checked (step S1901). If there is no input, it is checked whether 1 second has elapsed from the timer set (step S1804) (step S1902). If one second has not elapsed, the process returns to the input determination again. If one second has elapsed, the process moves to the animation display state (step S1903). As described above, the animation display state here means that, for example, the upper and lower two images of the three images displayed in the multi-image display state are erased, and the image displayed in the center is gradually changed. It is displayed in a large size and finally displayed on the entire screen. If there is an input, it is checked whether it is the second feed button 213 (step S1904). In the case of the second feed button 213, after clearing the timer (step S1905), an image corresponding to the feed direction by the operation of the second feed button 213 is acquired (step S1908), and the process proceeds to a display state of a plurality of images. If the input is not the second feed button 213, it is checked whether the input is the enter button 213 (step S1906). In the case of the determination button 213, after clearing the timer (step S1907), the process proceeds to the display state of one image. When the input is not the enter button 213, the process returns to the input determination again.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing in the animation display state according to this embodiment. First, the presence / absence of input is checked (step S2001). If there is no input, the next frame of the animation is displayed (step S2002). Specifically, of the three images displayed in the multi-image display state, the upper and lower two images are deleted, and an image in which the image displayed in the center is enlarged by one step is displayed. By repeating the process in step S2002 several times, the image becomes larger in steps, and finally the image is displayed on the entire screen. If there is an input, it is checked whether it is the second feed button 213 (step S2003). When the input is the second feed button 213, the animation is interrupted (step S2004), and then an image corresponding to the feed direction by the operation of the second feed button 213 is acquired (step S2007), and a display state of a plurality of images is obtained. Transition. If the input is not the second feed button 213, it is checked whether or not the input is the enter button 203 (step S2005). In the case of the enter button 203, after the animation is interrupted (step S2007), one image is displayed. If the input is not the enter button 203, the process returns to the input determination again.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing in a display state of a plurality of images. A thumbnail of the current image is read according to the rotation direction of the second feed button 213 (step S1801). Next, the thumbnails of the previous and subsequent images are read (step S1802). Subsequently, the read thumbnail image is displayed together with the images acquired in step S1703, step S1705, step S1908, and step S2007 (step S1803). After the display, a timer is set (step S1804). In addition, since the process at the time of the display state of one image in this embodiment is the same as that of the 1st and 2nd embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen transition caused by the operation of the second feed button 213. When the second feed button 213 is input in a state where the image 2101 is displayed, the display state is switched to a multiple image display state 2111. The thumbnail 2102 of the image sent according to the direction of the second feed button 213 is displayed in the center, the thumbnails 2103 and 2104 before and after that are displayed, and the image 2109 according to the feed direction by the operation of the second feed button 213 is displayed. Is displayed. In addition, a date 2106 of the current image and an indicator 2105 indicating the current position are also displayed. In this state, when further input is made by the second feed button 213, the current image is further moved to the next image, and the display state 2107 of a plurality of images is moved. When the enter button 203 is operated, one image is displayed (2108).

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the image corresponding to the feed direction by the operation of the second feed button 213 is acquired and displayed, the user can operate the second feed button 213 from the screen. Can be grasped, and usability can be further improved.

  In the above embodiment, the image information representing the arrow is acquired and displayed as an image corresponding to the feed direction by the operation of the feed button 213 as shown in FIG. 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, FIG. As shown, a background image in which a plurality of horizontal lines are arranged above and below the currently current image is prepared, and the arrangement density of the horizontal lines is changed between the upper and lower sides of the current image according to the operation direction of the feed button 213. Also good. When the feed button 213 is operated leftward, for example, as shown in FIG. 22A, the arrangement density of horizontal lines below the current image is increased, and the arrangement density of horizontal lines above the current image is decreased. On the other hand, when the feed button 213 is operated to the right, for example, as shown in FIG. 22B, the arrangement density of the horizontal lines below the current image is lowered and the arrangement density of the horizontal lines above the current image is increased. To do.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the animation is canceled with the determination button 203 and the state is shifted to the one image display state. However, an operation member other than the determination button 203 may be used. The timer setting time may be arbitrarily set.

  The recording media 200 and 210 are not only memory cards such as PCMCIA cards and compact flash (registered trademark), hard disks, but also micro DAT, magneto-optical disks, optical disks such as CD-R and CD-WR, DVDs, and the like. Of course, there is no problem even if it is composed of a phase change type optical disk or the like.

  Of course, there is no problem even if the recording media 200 and 210 are composite media in which a memory card and a hard disk are integrated. Further, there is no problem even if a part of the composite medium is detachable.

  In the description of the embodiments, the recording media 200 and 210 are described as being separated from the image processing apparatus 100 and arbitrarily connectable. However, any or all of the recording media are connected to the image processing apparatus 100. Of course, there is no problem even if it remains fixed.

  Further, the recording medium 200 or 210 may be connected to the image processing apparatus 100 in any number of single or plural. In the above description, the recording media 200 and 210 are mounted on the image processing apparatus 100. However, the recording medium may have any combination of a single or a plurality of recording media.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (basic system or operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the electronic camera which concerns on the 1st thru | or 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation member of the electronic camera which concerns on the 1st thru | or 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the whole operation | movement of the electronic camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the one image display state in the 1st thru | or 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the multiple image display state in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the timer waiting state in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the animation display state in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition by operation of the 1st feed button in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition by operation of the 2nd feed button in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of an index image. It is a flowchart which shows the whole operation | movement of the electronic camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the timer waiting state in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the display state of the several image in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the animation display state in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the transition of the screen by operation of the feed button in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the display state of the several image by operation of the feed button in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the whole operation | movement of the electronic camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the display state of the several image in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the timer waiting state in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the animation display state in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the transition of the screen by operation of the feed button in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the transition of the screen by operation of the feed button in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

201 Power button 202 Menu button 203 Enter button 204 Display button 205 Left button (first feed button)
206 Right button (first feed button)
207 Up button 208 Down button 210 Zoom button 211 Mode selection switch 212 LCD screen 213 Rotation input member (second feed button)

Claims (9)

First image switching means for switching display of image data on the display means;
A second image switching means for switching display of image data on the display means, different from the first image switching means;
Display control means for controlling display of image data on the display means in response to operations on the first image switching means and the second image switching means;
The display control means displays a plurality of image data in response to an operation on the second image switching means, and dynamically changes the display mode in association with each other between the plurality of image data. A featured image processing apparatus.   The display control means changes a display mode of the plurality of image data so that the plurality of image data move in response to an operation on the second image switching means. An image processing apparatus according to 1. Further comprising information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to image data selected from among the plurality of image data in response to an operation on the second image switching means;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit further displays information on the image data acquired from the information acquisition unit on the display unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit further causes the display unit to display image data corresponding to information related to the image data.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit further displays information indicating an operation method for the second image switching unit on the display unit.   The display control means interrupts the animation display of the image data and displays the plurality of pieces of image data when there is an operation on the second image switching means in the animation display state of the image data. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An image processing method by an image processing apparatus for processing image data to be displayed on a display means,
Operation for a first image switching unit that switches display of image data on the display unit and a second image switching unit that switches display of image data on the display unit, which is different from the first image switching unit. And a display control step for controlling the display of the image data on the display means,
In the display control step, in response to an operation on the second image switching means, a plurality of image data is displayed, and the display mode is dynamically changed in association with each other between the plurality of image data. A featured image processing method.   A program for causing a computer to execute the image processing method according to claim 7.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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