JP3757964B2 - Image playback method and camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for reproducing an image recorded in a camera device such as a digital camera, and in particular, an image to be displayed at a specific timing of the operation of the camera device such as activation or termination of the camera device (hereinafter referred to as a specific time display image). Regeneration technology.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Some camera devices such as digital cameras display an opening screen when the device is started up (when the power is turned on). Currently, such opening screens are provided by manufacturers. Further, not only the opening screen, but also an ending screen, a background screen during menu display, or a warning display screen, the screen set by the manufacturer is displayed in the same manner.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the opening screen has been provided by the manufacturer until the time of shipment, and is set by the manufacturer at a specific timing such as when the device starts up, when it ends, when the menu is displayed, or when a warning is issued. Thus, the user's desired image cannot be set / displayed as the specific time display screen as described above. Therefore, the user's desired image cannot be displayed at a specific timing, and there is a disadvantage that the user has few opportunities to demonstrate the uniqueness of the camera he owns.
In other words, when the model / model of the digital camera is the same, as one of the means of differentiating the digital camera of the other person from your own camera, an image displayed on the opening or ending (for example, an emblem, face, flag, some sort of If the composite image etc. is unique, it can show the degree of uniqueness of its own camera, and each user can devise the uniqueness of the opening image etc. of his digital camera. We can expect the expansion of use.
[0004]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image reproduction method and a camera apparatus that display a desired recorded image or captured image as a specific time display image such as an opening image.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To solve the above problem,The image reproduction method of the present invention includes a photographing step for obtaining a photographed image, a recording step for recording a plurality of photographed images obtained by the photographing step in a memory, and a plurality of photographed images recorded in the memory. A selection step for selecting an arbitrary captured image, a registration step for registering the captured image selected in this selection step as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated, an activation step for activating the camera, and the activation step And a display control step of causing the display unit to display a photographed image registered as an opening image by the registration step.
  Further, the camera of the present invention includes a photographing means for obtaining a photographed image, a recording means for recording a plurality of photographed images obtained by the photographing means, and a display means for displaying the photographed images recorded in the recording means. First selection means for selecting an arbitrary photographed image from a plurality of photographed images recorded in the recording means, and an opening for displaying the photographed image selected by the first selection means when the camera is activated Registration means for registering as an image, start means for starting the camera, and display control means for causing the display means to display a captured image registered as an opening image by the registration means when the camera is started by the start means. It was characterized by comprising.
[0006]
  The registration unit determines whether there is a captured image already registered as an opening image when registering the captured image selected by the first selection unit as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated. And means for canceling registration of the photographed image as the opening image when it is determined that there is a photographed image already registered as the opening image.
  Further, the first selection means includes means for selecting an arbitrary plurality of photographed images from a plurality of photographed images recorded in the recording means, and the registration means is selected by the first selection means. Means for registering a plurality of selected photographed images as opening images to be displayed when the camera is activated, and selecting any one of the plurality of photographed images registered as opening images by the registration means; The display control means may include means for causing the display means to display the photographed image selected by the second selection means when the camera is activated by the activation means.
[0007]
  The registration means includes recording control means for recording information indicating that the opening image is displayed when the camera is activated in association with the photographed image selected by the first selection means, and the display control means When the camera is activated by the activation means, the recording control means may include means for causing the display means to display a photographed image stored in association with the information.
  The registration means includes storage means for storing the captured image selected by the first selection means as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated, and the display control means is configured such that the camera is activated by the activation means. And a means for displaying the photographed image stored in the storage means on the display means.
[0008]
  Further, the storage means includes means for storing a manufacturer registration image as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated, and the registration means stores the manufacturer registration image stored in the storage means by the first selection means. A means for replacing the selected photographed image may be included.
  Further, the display device includes a storage unit that stores a manufacturer registration image as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated, and a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a captured image registered as an opening image by the registration unit. When the determination unit determines that there is no photographed image, the control unit displays the manufacturer registration image stored in the storage unit on the display unit, and the determination unit determines that there is a photographed image. In this case, the display unit may include a captured image registered as an opening image by the registration unit.
[0009]
  The registration means includes means for registering the continuous image as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated when the photographed image selected by the selection means is one image in the continuous image. The display control means may include means for causing the display means to display the continuous image registered as an opening image by the registration means when the camera is activated by the activation means.
  The registration means includes means for registering the panorama image as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated when the photographed image selected by the selection means is a part of a panorama image, and the display control means May include means for causing the display means to display the panoramic image registered as an opening image by the registration means when the camera is activated by the activation means.
  The image processing apparatus includes processing means for processing the captured image selected by the first selection means, and the registration means registers means for registering the captured image processed by the processing means as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated. It may be included.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
<Circuit configuration example>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied. A digital camera 100 includes an imaging unit 1, an image processing unit 2, a program storage memory 3, a work memory 4, and an image recording unit. A memory 5, an operation unit 6, a display unit 7, and a communication circuit unit 8 are provided.
[0011]
The imaging unit 1 includes an imaging lens and a strobe light emitting unit, an optical system including an automatic aperture mechanism and an autofocus mechanism, an imaging element such as a CCD that converts a subject light image that has passed through the imaging lens into an electrical signal, a CCD drive circuit, It has a signal converter including a timing generator that supplies a drive signal to the CCD drive circuit and an A / D converter that converts the output signal of the CCD into a digital signal.
[0012]
The image processing unit 2 is composed of circuits such as a CPU, an image data expansion / compression module, a video encoder, a color processor interface, a communication interface, a display control interface, and the like. Operations such as image capture, through-image display, imaging processing, image data compression, compressed data recording, captured image display, playback (compression image data extraction, compressed image data decompression and display), etc. Execute.
[0013]
In addition, the image processing unit 2 registers the setting display image of a specific time display image displayed at a specific timing of the operation of the digital camera, such as when the digital camera opens, ends, or displays a menu under the control of the CPU, and the operation of the digital camera. The specific time display image registered and set in accordance with the specific timing is displayed.
[0014]
The program storage memory 3 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, and a control program for controlling the entire digital camera 100 and a processing mode execution program for realizing various functions (hereinafter, processing modes) provided in the digital camera 100. In addition, a specific image registration program for registering an opening image, a display menu background image, a warning image, an ending image, and the like, a specific image display program for displaying these images at predetermined times, and the like are stored. Among them, the control program is read out when the digital camera 100 is activated and stored in the work memory 4.
When data management is performed on image data, the program storage memory 3 stores an image management program in addition to the above-described program group.
[0015]
The work memory 4 is composed of a volatile memory such as a DRAM, and stores a control program read from the program storage memory, and a temporary (execution) storage area for executing a selected processing mode execution program or a specific screen display program. It is used as a work area, as a temporary storage area for variables and values used in these programs, and as a temporary storage area for image data fetched from the imaging unit 1.
[0016]
The image recording memory 5 includes a recording medium such as a flash memory or a memory card, and records captured image data that has been subjected to compression processing and simple image (thumbnail image) data that has a smaller size and recording density than the captured image. When image management of image data is performed, an image file file management list area for managing image data in units of files is secured in addition to image data.
[0017]
The operation unit 6 is an operation input unit of the digital camera 100. The operation unit 6 includes switches and buttons such as a main switch, a REC mode / playback mode switch, a function selection button (plural), a shutter button, and the like. When the button is operated, a status signal is sent to the image processing unit 2. As one of the operation input means, the operation unit 6 may be provided with an input pen so that touch input is possible.
[0018]
The display unit 7 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, and an opening screen is displayed at startup, a subject image (through image) is displayed in the REC mode, and a playback image can be displayed in the playback mode. Further, a process selection menu can be displayed at the start of the process mode, and an ending screen is displayed at the end. A touch panel made of a transparent plate in which pressure-sensitive elements and the like are arranged on the screen of the display unit 7 may be provided so that designation by touch input of an icon or the like can be performed with a finger or an input pen.
[0019]
The communication circuit unit 8 includes a communication processing circuit for exchanging commands and data with an external apparatus via a communication line.
[0020]
<Basic operation of digital camera>
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the digital camera 100.
[Start-up]
In FIG. 1, when the main switch is turned on by the user, the digital camera 100 is activated and the control program is stored in the work memory 4 from the program storage memory 3 (S0).
[Opening image display]
Next, the specific image display program is read by the control program and an opening screen 90 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed (S1).
[REC / playback mode selection]
After the opening image is displayed, when the user switches the REC mode / reproduction mode switching switch to the REC (imaging) mode, the process proceeds to S3 and the operations of S3 to S6 are executed. When the user switches the REC mode / reproduction mode switching switch to the reproduction mode, the process proceeds to S8, and the operations of S8 to S11 are executed (S2).
[Preparation for shooting]
When the processing mode is switched to the REC mode, the REC mode processing program is read from the program storage memory 3 and temporarily stored in the work memory 4 to be ready for imaging (S3).
[Through image display]
An image (subject image) in the field of view toward which the user points the digital camera 100 is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 2 via the imaging unit 1 and taken into the work memory 4 as image data, and a moving image is displayed on the display unit 7. Display (hereinafter referred to as a through image display) is performed (S4).
[0021]
[Shooting mode selection / menu display, etc.]
When the user selects a desired process (for example, continuous shooting mode) by operating a button or the like of the operation unit 6, the selected processing program is read from the program storage memory 3 and temporarily stored in the work memory 4. The desired process can be executed. In this case, when a specific function button (for example, a function selection explanation button) is pressed by the specific image display program, an icon or a menu and its description may be displayed (S5).
[0022]
[Imaging]
When the user presses the shutter button at a desired angle, the subject image is image-processed by the image processing unit 2 via the imaging unit 1 and taken into the work memory 4 as image data, and the taken image data Is compressed by the image processing unit 2, and the compressed image data is recorded in the image recording memory 5. The recorded image is displayed as a still image on the display unit 7. When image management is performed by the image management program, the recorded image identification information (tag information, image storage address, etc.) is stored in the image file management list (FIG. 4) secured in the image recording memory 5. Is registered (S6).
[0023]
[Ending image display]
If the user presses the shooting continuation button (one of the function selection buttons), the process returns to S3. If the REC mode / playback mode switch is switched to the playback mode, the process proceeds to S8. After displaying the image for a predetermined time, the process is terminated. In this case, when a specific function button (for example, a function selection explanation button) is pressed, an icon or a menu and its explanation may be displayed (S7).
[0024]
[Preparing for image playback]
When the processing mode is switched to the reproduction mode, the reproduction mode processing program is read from the program storage memory 3 and temporarily stored in the work memory 4 so that the image can be reproduced (S8).
[0025]
[Playback image display]
First, compressed image data of the most recently captured image is read from the image recording memory 5, temporarily stored in the work memory 4, and decompressed by the image processing unit 2 to be used as image data for one frame. It is temporarily stored in the memory 4 and further processed by the image processing unit 2 and displayed on the display unit 7 (S9).
[0026]
[Playback mode selection / menu display, etc.]
Next, when the user selects a desired process (for example, an image search mode or an image transmission mode) by operating a button or the like of the operation unit 6, the selected processing program is read from the program storage memory 3 and work is performed. Temporarily stored in the memory 4 and desired processing can be executed. In this case, when a specific function button (for example, a function selection explanation button) is pressed by the specific image display program, an explanation image of the reproduction image may be displayed (S10).
[0027]
“Run playback mode”
The image data is sequentially read from the image recording memory 5 and decompressed, and the image is reproduced and displayed, and the selected reproduction processing mode is executed. For example, if the selected process is an image search process, a desired image can be searched by fast-forwarding the image. If the selected process is an image transmission mode, the image data is transmitted to the external device via the communication circuit unit 9. . When image management is performed by the image management program, images can be read from the image recording memory in the order of logical numbers in the image file management list, not in the order of image recording (S11).
[0028]
[Ending image display]
When the user presses the playback process continuation button, the process returns to S9. When the REC mode / playback mode switching switch is switched to the REC mode, the process returns to S3. When the end button is pressed, the ending image is displayed for a predetermined time by the specific image display program. The power is turned off and the process is terminated (S12).
[0029]
When the process ends in step S7 or S11, the same ending image is displayed in step S12. However, another ending image is displayed at the end of the REC mode (step S7) and the end of the playback mode (step S11). You may make it display.
[0030]
<Display image at specific time>
In this embodiment, the opening image, the ending image, the menu background image, the function explanation image, and the like are displayed at the time of specification (hereinafter referred to as a specific time display image) in addition to the specific time display image registered in advance by the manufacturer. An image desired by the user can be added, and the display of the specific time display image registered by the user is given priority during display, and the manufacturer registration image is displayed when there is no specific time display image registered by the user ( 8), the manufacturer registration image may be omitted, the manufacturer registration image may be replaced with the user registration image, or a plurality of user registration images are registered as specific-time display images, and images to be displayed from among them are registered. You may make it selectable.
[0031]
Further, the specific-time display image registered by the user may be an image selected from images recorded in the digital camera 100, may be registered by capturing a desired subject, or may be recorded or captured. An image obtained by processing (combining a plurality of images, reducing, or cutting) an image may be used.
[0032]
Further, when the selected image is one of the continuous images, all of the continuous images are registered as the specific time display images, and the continuous images registered as the specific time display images at the time when the display is designated. May be displayed.
[0033]
If the selected image is a part of the panorama image, the entire panorama image is registered as the specific time display image, and the panoramic image registered as the specific time display image is displayed at the specified display time. May be.
[0034]
In addition, when a description image is registered as a specific-time display image, when a desired image is reproduced in the image reproduction mode, when the image explanation button is pressed, the explanation image of the image (for example, if the display image is a car, The manufacturer, year, option, price, etc., such as classification, name, habitat, sex, sex location, whether or not protected animal, nature, etc.) may be displayed. Further, the menu display image and the explanation image among the specific time display images may be combined and displayed on one side or four corners of the currently displayed image.
[0035]
[Registration management of specified display images]
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the image file management list. The image file management list 50 includes a display designation field 511 for storing a display designation value for designating the display timing of the specified-time display image and an image for storing the image number of the recorded image. A tag information field 51 including a number field 512, an image storage position field 52 for storing an image storage address, an image size field 53 for storing an image size (code), and an image to be described when an explanation image is designated Information necessary for managing the specific display image is stored for each image, such as an explanation image number column 54 for storing the image number of the image.
[0036]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each image data recorded in the image recording memory 5 and tag information, and an opening image will be described as an example.
In this example, the tag information 51 corresponds to the recorded image 60 in one-to-one correspondence, and each tag information is registered in the image file management list (50) as shown in FIG. Is managed by. In this embodiment, the tag information is data having a 2-byte length, but the data length of the tag information 51 is not limited to 2 bytes. In the example of FIG. 5, the tag information 51 of the recorded image is indicated by 00xx (xx indicates the image recording order and takes a value from 01 to FF), and the tag information of the opening image registered by the manufacturer is 1F ×. The tag information of the opening image registered by the user is indicated by 0Fxx, and the ending image is indicated by 1Dxx (manufacturer registration) or 0Dxx (user registration). In addition, tag information of an image whose display timing is not specified (= normally recorded image) is indicated by 00xx. In the present embodiment, the upper byte of the tag information, that is, the code indicating the content of the display designation field 511 is assigned with a code and associated with each display timing.
[0037]
Note that tag information and the like created using an external device such as a personal computer can be registered in the image file management list 50 via the communication circuit unit 8 of the digital camera 100.
[0038]
[Registration processing operation of specified display image]
A: Registration of recorded images
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the registration process of the specific time display image by the user. This is an operation example in the case of registering a desired image as the specific time display image among the images registered in the image recording memory 5. is there.
In FIG. 3A, when the specific image registration process is selected in the playback mode, the specific image registration program is read by the control program, and the above-described playback procedure (reading and compression of recorded image data) is performed to select the registered image. Data decompression, fast-forward display processing, etc.) are executed to sequentially display images on the display unit 7 (T1).
[0039]
If there is an image to be registered as a specific time display image among the images displayed in step T1, the specific button of the digital camera (in this embodiment, a shutter button having a two-step pressing structure) is pressed one step. The image is selected as a specific time display image and displayed on the screen of the display unit 7. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 6, display designation (referred to as a specific display timing, in this embodiment, when starting (when power is turned on), when finished (when power is turned off), when displaying a menu, and as an explanatory image Menu) is displayed (T2).
[0040]
When a display time (for example, startup) is designated here (T3), the display designation field 511 of the image file management list 50 is searched to check whether there is an image for which the designated display time has already been registered by the user. (For example, when the start time is designated as the image display timing, it is checked whether or not the content of the display designation column 511 is “0F” meaning an opening image of user registration displayed at the start time) (T4).
[0041]
If there is an image that has been designated for display in step T4, in order to invalidate the registered display designation, the upper 1 byte of the tag information, that is, the contents of the display designation column 511 is set to "00" in T6. If there is no image designated for display (= registered image), the process proceeds to T6 as it is. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the second recorded image (tag information = 0001) is designated as the opening image, the third image is already registered as the user-registered opening image (tag information = 0F02). If it has, the upper 1 byte (= display designation field 511) of the tag information of the third image is set to “00” as shown in (d), the display designation registration as the opening image is canceled, and the process proceeds to T6. (T5).
[0042]
If there is a transition from step T5, the upper 1 byte of the tag information of the recorded image designated for display is changed to “0F”, the recorded image is set as the opening image, and the registration process is terminated. For example, when the third recorded image (tag information = 0000) is designated as the opening image as shown in FIG. 5A, the upper 1 byte of the tag information is changed to “0F” as shown in FIG. 5B. The opening image (tag information = 0F02) is set (T5). When the second recorded image (tag information = 0001) is designated as the opening image as shown in FIG. 5C, the upper 1 byte of the tag information of the second image is changed to “0F”. An opening image (tag information = 0F01) is assumed. In the present embodiment, tag information for manufacturer registration is prohibited (T6).
[0043]
By specifying the display in step T3 above, registration of the opening image to be displayed on the opening screen, ending images to be displayed on the ending screen, menu screen, warning screen and explanation screen, menu background image, warning image and function Explanation images, explanation images for reproduction images, and the like can be registered. Note that the image may be selected after the display timing is specified by changing the order of the image selection at T1 and the display specification at T3.
[0044]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the image display timing selection screen selected by the user in step T2 of FIG. 3, and the image is displayed on the right side of the replay image 71 of the steamer selected as the specific time display image by the user. A menu listing the time is shown. When the user designates a menu and designates a display timing, a selection image (in this case, a steamer 71) is displayed on the display timing.
[0045]
In FIG. 6, the display timing “・ displaying image” indicates the display timing of the explanation image, and when the explanation image display button is operated while a certain image is displayed, the registered image is displayed as the explanation image of the image. It means to do.
That is, it is assumed that the description image registration is selected when “・ displaying image” is selected from the display time selection menu (FIG. 6) displayed in a part of the selected image in step T3 of FIG. The process transits to T3-2, and when “• displaying image” is not selected, the process transits to T4 (T3-1).
When the menu “• Displaying image” is selected, a recorded image with display designation = “00” among the recorded images is displayed in a fast-forwarded manner, and the user is prompted to select an image to be explained. (T3-2).
[0046]
When an image to be described is selected, the image number of the image is stored in the description image number column 54 of the image management file 50, and the process proceeds to T3 (T3-3).
When an explanation image for function explanation or explanation of a reproduction image is registered by the above operation, when the image of the image number displayed in the explanation image number column 54 is reproduced, if the explanation image display button is pressed, step T6 is performed. The explanation image registered in is displayed.
[0047]
B: Registration processing operation during imaging
Further, in the registration process of the specific time display image of the present invention, not only the image recorded in the image recording memory 5 but also a desired image among the images captured at the time of shooting can be registered as the specific time display image. .
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the registration process of the specific time display image by the user, and shows an operation example when registering as the specific time display image at the time of imaging.
In FIG. 7, when the specific image registration processing is selected in the playback mode, the specific image registration program is read by the control program, and a display designation menu (not shown) for designating (selecting) the display timing on one side of the image is displayed. Since it is displayed, the user selects a desired display timing (U1).
[0048]
Next, the display designation field 511 of the image file management list 50 is searched to check whether there is an image for which the designated display time has already been registered. If there is no image for which display designation has been made (= registered image). If there is an image in which the designated display timing is registered as it is, the transition is made to U4 as it is (U2), in order to invalidate the registered display designation, the upper 1 byte of the tag information, that is, the display designation column 511 The content of is changed to U4 with “00” (U3).
[0049]
Next, the subject image data captured via the imaging unit 1 is processed by the image processing unit 2 and displayed as a through image on the display unit 7 (U4).
Step U4 is repeated until the button is pressed, and when the user presses the shutter button, an imaging process is performed. That is, the subject image at that time is taken in as display image data, compressed by the image processing unit 2, and written into the image recording memory 5 (U5).
[0050]
At the same time, the display designation code indicating the display timing is written in the display designation column 511 of the image file management list 50, the image number of the image is written in the image number column 512, the image size is written in the size column 52, and the specific display image is registered. End image processing.
[0051]
Registration of the opening image displayed on the opening screen, the ending image displayed on the ending screen, the menu screen, the warning screen and the explanation screen, the menu background image, the warning image, and the function by specifying the display in step U1 above. Description images, image description images, and the like can be registered.
[0052]
If “displaying image” is designated as the display timing in step U1, the image number to be explained is written assuming that the registered image is the explanation image (FIG. 7B) ( U6).
In other words, when “・ Displaying image” is selected from the display timing selection menu displayed on the screen in step U1 of FIG. 7B, the process proceeds to U1-2 assuming that the description image registration is selected. If "Image display" is not selected, the process proceeds to U2 (U1-1).
[0053]
When the menu “• Displaying image” is selected, a recorded image with display designation = “00” among the recorded images is displayed in a fast-forwarded manner, and the user is prompted to select an image to be explained. (U1-2).
When an image to be described is selected, the image number of the image is stored in the description image number column 54 of the image management file 50, and the process proceeds to T2 (U1-3).
When the explanation image is registered by the above operation, when the image having the image number displayed in the explanation image number column 54 is reproduced, when the explanation image display button is pressed, the explanation image registered in step U6 is displayed. .
[0054]
[Display operation of specified display image]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the display operation (opening image display) of the specific time display image, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the opening image for user registration.
[0055]
In FIG. 8, when the digital camera 100 is activated, the control program is stored in the work memory 4 from the program storage memory 3, and the specific image display program is read by the control program (V0).
[0056]
The display designation field 511 of the image file management list 50 is searched to check whether there is an opening image registered as a user (V1).
[0057]
If there is an opening image registered in step V1, the storage address of the image is extracted from the image storage address column 52 of the image file management list 50, the corresponding image data (user registration opening image) is extracted and reproduced, Displayed on the display unit 7 for a fixed time, and when the fixed time has passed, the opening image display is terminated (FIG. 9) (V2).
[0058]
If there is no user-registered opening image in step V1, the display designation field 511 of the image file management list 50 is further searched, the storage address of the manufacturer-registered opening image is extracted from the image storage address field 52, and the image is displayed. Data (manufacturer registration opening image) is taken out and reproduced and displayed on the display unit 7 for a certain period of time. When the certain period of time has passed, the opening image display is terminated (V3).
[0059]
With the above operation, an opening image can be displayed at startup.
For example, when the REC mode or playback mode processing is finished and the user presses a confirmation button (such as “END” button) for ending all processing, the display designation field 511 of the image file management list 50 is searched, and user registration is performed. By checking whether or not there is an ending image, the ending image can be displayed by the same operation as in FIG. Further, the processing mode selection menu can be detected when the selection menu is displayed and a corresponding registered image (menu image) can be displayed.
[0060]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the display operation (description screen display) of the specific-time display image, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of the reproduction image and its explanation image.
[0061]
In FIG. 10, when the user presses the explanation image display button while displaying a certain reproduced image (W0), the control program is stored in the work memory 4 from the program storage memory 3, and the specific image display program is executed by the control program. Is read (W1).
[0062]
The description image number column 54 of the image file management list 50 is searched using the image number of the reproduced image as a key to check whether or not there is an explanatory image of the reproduced image (W2).
[0063]
If there is a description image in step W1, the storage address of the image is extracted from the image storage address column 52 of the image file management list 50, the corresponding description image data (description image data registered by the user) is extracted and reproduced, Displayed on the display unit 7 (W3). In this case, the explanation image is displayed until the user presses the explanation image display button again, and when the explanation image display button is pressed, the original reproduced image is displayed (W4).
[0064]
If there is no explanatory image in step W1, a message to that effect is displayed on a part of the screen on which the reproduced image is displayed. This message display is deleted after a predetermined time (W5).
[0065]
In step W3, the explanation image is displayed on the full screen when the user presses the explanation image display button. However, when the user presses the explanation image display button, the explanation image may be displayed together with the reproduction image. (For example, the explanation image may be displayed in a synthesized manner on the upper right quarter of the reproduced image).
In addition, a plurality of explanation images may be provided. In this case, the screen may be changed for each explanation image, or the size may be changed according to the number and displayed (composite display) with reproduction.
[0066]
Further, the explanation image of the explanation image may be subordinated to the explanation image provided with a hierarchy in the explanation image. In this case, the explanation screen is switched every time the user presses the explanation image display button. Alternatively, a reproduction image, primary explanation image, secondary explanation image,... (Primary explanation image> secondary explanation image>...) May be combined and displayed on one screen.
[0067]
In FIG. 11, (a) is an example of a reproduced image (infant image 110), and (b) is an explanation displayed when the explanation screen display button is pressed while the reproduced image of (a) is displayed. It is an example of an image. In this example, the explanatory image is only the image 111 of the infant's parents, but it can be registered and displayed as an image including characters such as age, name, and relationship, a message, and the like.
[0068]
In addition, as an example of the explanation image, an explanation about the specific function of the digital camera is registered corresponding to the specific function, and the explanation image is displayed while the specific processing selection screen is displayed (while the specific function is being executed). It is also possible to display an image (function explanation image) describing the specific process and the operation method by pressing the button.
[0069]
In each of the above embodiments, the tag information and the recorded image are associated with each other via the image file management list, and another identification as to whether the recorded image is a registered image with the upper 1 byte of the tag information as a display designation code, and the recorded image In the case of a registered image, the type can be identified. However, tag information may be associated with a recorded image (and registered image) without providing an image file management list, and tag information may be associated with a recorded image. May be added.
[0070]
Further, the management of the image file is performed in a well-known DOS (Disc operating system) management format, and by making the file name unique, another identification as to whether the recorded image is a registered image and recording When the image is a registered image, the type can be identified.
[0071]
That is, when a unique file name YAMA 98 is given at the time of recording an image, the image management program registers the image ID “YAMA98.XX” in which the image identifier XX is added to the file name and management information such as the data size in the directory. Even if image management is performed based on this registration information, it is possible to identify whether the recorded image is a registered image, and if the recorded image is a registered image, the type can be identified. it can. For example, if the identifier of the normal recorded image is aa, the image ID of the image YAMA98 is “YAMA98.aa”, and if the identifier of the manufacturer registered opening image is b1, the image ID of the image YAMA98 is “YAMA98.b1”. If the identifier of the user registration opening image is b0, the image ID of the image YAMA98 is “YAMA98.b0”, so whether the recorded image is a registered image or not. The type can be identified. Management can be similarly performed by adding a unique identifier to the ending image and other specific-time display images.
[0072]
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above,The present inventionAccording to the above, the user-desired image is set (registered) as a specific-time display image to be displayed during the specific operation of the camera from among the recorded images of the camera, and corresponds to a specific timing (time) during the operation of the camera It is possible to display a specific-time display image (for example, an opening image registered by the user at startup or an ending image registered by the user at the end of operation can be displayed), so each camera has uniqueness (uniqueness) be able to.
[0074]
  Also,The present inventionAccording to the above, a desired image can be set (registered) as a specific time display image, and a specific time display image corresponding to a specific timing (time) during operation of the camera can be displayed. It is possible to devise such as configuring the subject. Therefore, it is possible to display a screen in which the originality of the user is added to each camera, and to make the camera more unique (uniqueness) (for example, pasting his / her face photo and drawing his / her name) For example, if the image is taken as a subject and registered as an opening image, the camera owner is clear and confused with others).
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a basic operation of the digital camera.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of registration processing of a specific time display image by a user.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image file management list.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between each image data recorded in the image recording memory and tag information.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image display timing selection screen selected by a user.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of registration processing of a specific time display image by a user.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a display operation of a specific time display image.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an opening image.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a display operation (description screen display) of a specific-time display image.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a reproduction image and an explanation image.
[Explanation of symbols]
5 Image recording memory (memory)
7 Display section
50 Image management list
51 Tag information (specific information display information)
54 Description image number (specific display information)
100 Digital camera (camera)

Claims (11)

A shooting step for acquiring a shot image;
A recording step of recording a plurality of photographed images acquired in this photographing step in a memory;
A selection step of selecting an arbitrary photographed image from a plurality of photographed images recorded in the memory;
A registration step of registering the captured image selected in this selection step as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated;
An activation step to activate the camera;
A display control step for displaying a captured image registered as an opening image in the registration step on the display unit when the camera is activated in the activation step;
An image reproduction method comprising: Photographing means for obtaining a photographed image;
Recording means for recording a plurality of photographed images acquired by the photographing means;
Display means for displaying captured images recorded in the recording means;
First selection means for selecting an arbitrary photographed image from a plurality of photographed images recorded in the recording means;
Registration means for registering the photographed image selected by the first selection means as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated;
An activation means for activating the camera;
Display control means for displaying a photographed image registered as an opening image by the registration means on the display means when the camera is activated by the activation means;
A camera comprising: The registration unit determines whether there is a captured image already registered as an opening image when registering the captured image selected by the first selection unit as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated. 3. The camera according to claim 2, further comprising: means for canceling registration of the photographed image as the opening image when it is determined that there is a photographed image already registered as the opening image. The first selection means includes means for selecting an arbitrary plurality of photographed images from a plurality of photographed images recorded in the recording means,
The registration means includes means for registering a plurality of captured images selected by the first selection means as opening images displayed when the camera is activated,
Second selection means for selecting an arbitrary captured image from a plurality of captured images registered as opening images by the registration means;
3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the display control means includes means for causing the display means to display a photographed image selected by the second selection means when the camera is activated by the activation means. . The registration means includes recording control means for recording information indicating that the opening image is displayed when the camera is activated in association with the captured image selected by the first selection means,
The display control means includes means for causing the display means to display a photographed image stored in association with the information when the camera is activated by the activation means. The camera according to any one of 2 to 4. The registration means includes storage means for storing the captured image selected by the first selection means as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated,
The display control means includes means for causing the display means to display a captured image stored in the storage means when the camera is activated by the activation means. Camera described in. The storage means includes means for storing a manufacturer registration image as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated,
The registration unit selects a manufacturer registration image stored in the storage unit as the first selection unit. 7. The camera according to claim 6, further comprising means for replacing with a photographed image selected by. Storage means for storing a manufacturer registration image as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated;
Determining means for determining whether there is a photographed image registered as an opening image by the registration means;
The display control unit displays the manufacturer registration image stored in the storage unit on the display unit when the determination unit determines that there is no captured image, and determines that there is a captured image by the determination unit. 5. The camera according to claim 2, further comprising means for causing the display means to display a photographed image registered as an opening image by the registration means. The registration means includes means for registering the continuous image as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated when the photographed image selected by the selection means is one of the continuous images.
The display control means includes means for causing the display means to display the continuous image registered as an opening image by the registration means when the camera is activated by the activation means. The camera according to any one of 8. The registration means includes means for registering the panoramic image as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated when the captured image selected by the selection means is a part of a panoramic image.
The display control means includes means for causing the display means to display the panoramic image registered as an opening image by the registration means when the camera is activated by the activation means. The camera according to any one of 9. Processing means for processing the captured image selected by the first selection means;
The camera according to claim 2, wherein the registration unit includes a unit that registers the captured image processed by the processing unit as an opening image displayed when the camera is activated.

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