JP4366486B2 - Image playback device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reproducing apparatus and a program for sequentially switching and displaying a plurality of captured images.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a plurality of captured images taken by a camera are sequentially switched and reproduced and displayed in a slide show format, an image reproducing apparatus that automatically reproduces images selected in advance from a plurality of images in a predetermined order. It is known (see Patent Document 1). There is also known a slide show apparatus that refers to the contents of the order table and sequentially extracts and displays the images defined in the order table (see Patent Document 2). Also, there is known an image data sequential display device in which a plurality of images are sorted according to their similarity and image display is performed in a slide show format (see Patent Document 3).
JP 11-331739 A JP 2001-103415 A JP 2000-067057 A

 However, in the techniques of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the display order is arbitrarily specified in advance or set in the order table in association with each image that is sequentially displayed in a slide show format. Each image can be reproduced in the desired order, but it is based on a user operation for determining the display order while confirming the reproduction target image. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 described above, when a plurality of images are sequentially switched and displayed, their display times are automatically controlled according to the complexity of the images, or the images are displayed according to the similarity. However, it is necessary to recognize the complexity or similarity by analyzing the contents of the captured image for each image.

 By the way, when a group of images to be played back as a slide show playback includes, for example, images taken at the New Year and images taken during the summer holidays that differ greatly in shooting time, or at home. If there is an image that is significantly different from the shooting location, such as an image taken at a travel destination and an image taken at a travel destination, the summer holiday shot image may appear suddenly after the New Year shot image, The sudden display of the image taken at the travel destination after the image taken on the birthday at the time of the apprehension may result in misunderstanding of the shooting time and shooting location, and the viewer may feel uncomfortable.

 An object of the present invention is to make it possible to complement each other by inserting an image if the connected state of the images in the front and rear is discontinuous depending on the reproduction order in which a plurality of captured images are sequentially switched and reproduced. is there.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reproduction apparatus for sequentially switching and displaying a plurality of photographed images, wherein the plurality of photographed images are sequentially inserted and inserted between images that are related to each other according to the reproduction order. Is compared with the additional information added to each of the captured images in the context, and based on the comparison result, the connection state of the images before and after is continuous or discontinuous. determination means for determining, when it is determined that the connection condition before and after the image is a non-continuous by the determining means, comprises a insertion means for inserting the insert image between the images before and after The determination means compares the additional information added to each of the preceding and following captured images before sequentially switching and displaying the plurality of captured images constituting the reproduction target image group. The operation is repeatedly performed on the entire reproduction target image group, and the discontinuous portion between the upper predetermined images in the descending order of the value based on the temporal or distance interval detected between the images. The insertion means inserts an insert image between the preceding and succeeding images in the area for storing the reproduction target image group when it is determined that the connection between the preceding and following images is discontinuous. It is made to memorize | store.

The invention described in claim 1 may be as follows.
The determination means compares the shooting date and time added to each of the captured images in the context, and determines the connection state of the preceding and following images based on this time interval (the invention according to claim 2).

Here, when the determination unit determines that the connection between the previous and next images is discontinuous, the insertion unit adds the shooting date and time added to the previous image and the subsequent image. It is also possible to insert an insert image having a content corresponding to any one of the shooting date and time and the intermediate date and time (the invention according to claim 3).
In addition, the determination means, after making a determination based on a time lag from the shooting date and time added to each contextual captured image, the imaging position added to each contextual captured image and It is also possible to make a determination based on the distance in the distance (the invention according to claim 4).

 The determination means compares the shooting positions added to the respective captured images in the context, and determines the connection state of the preceding and following images based on this distance distance (the invention according to claim 5).

Here, when it is determined by the determination means that the connection between the preceding and following images is discontinuous, the insertion means is added to the shooting position added to the previous image and the subsequent image. It is also possible to insert an insert image having a content corresponding to any one of the current photographing position and the intermediate position (the invention according to claim 6).
In addition, the determination means, after making a determination based on a distance from the shooting position added to each of the contextual captured images, the shooting date and time added to each of the contextual captured images It is also possible to make a determination based on the time interval (the invention according to claim 7).

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the additional information added to each of the photographic images in the front and back relation is compared according to the reproduction order in which a plurality of photographic images are sequentially switched and reproduced, and based on the comparison result, It is determined whether the connection between images is continuous or discontinuous, and if it is determined that the connection between images before and after is determined to be discontinuous, an insert image is inserted between the preceding and following images. As a result, the discontinuous part where the shooting situation is greatly fluctuated can be complemented with the insert image, and the discontinuous part is eliminated, thereby realizing the image reproduction without any sense of incongruity as a whole. It becomes possible.
In addition, prior to sequentially switching and displaying a plurality of captured images constituting the reproduction target image group, an operation for comparing additional information added to the respective captured images in the preceding and following relationships is performed on the entire reproduction target image group. Are repeatedly executed, and based on the temporal or distance interval detected for each image, it is determined that the upper predetermined number of images are discontinuous parts in descending order of the value. Therefore, for example, it is possible to specify relatively discontinuous parts, such as specifying a part having the largest temporal or distance separation and a next largest part as a discontinuous part. Become.
In addition, when it is determined that the connection state between the previous and next images is discontinuous, the insert image is inserted and stored between the previous and next images in the area for storing the reproduction target image group. The display can be started after editing the target image group in advance. In this case, for example, it is possible to notify that the insert image has been automatically inserted or to allow the user to confirm the insert image. At this time, it is more effective if the insert image is displayed together with the photographed images before and after the insertion to accept the user's confirmation instruction.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to having the same effect as the first aspect of the invention described above, the photographing dates and times added to the respective photographing images in the context are compared, and based on this time interval. Therefore, for example, an image group that is to be reproduced includes images that have a significantly different shooting time, such as an image shot on the New Year and an image shot on summer vacation. Even in such a case, it is possible to effectively prevent misunderstanding and discomfort in the shooting time.

Here, when it is determined that the connection between the previous and next images is discontinuous, the shooting date and time added to the previous image, the shooting date and time added to the subsequent image, and the intermediate date and time Among them, since an insert image having a content corresponding to any one of them is inserted (the invention according to claim 3), the connection is good.
In addition, after making a determination based on the temporal separation from the shooting date and time added to each captured image in the context, the distance from the shooting position added to each captured image in the context Since the determination based on the above is performed (the invention according to claim 4), it is possible to reliably specify the discontinuous portion.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to having the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1, the shooting positions added to the respective shooting images in the context are compared, and based on this distance difference. Therefore, for example, there is an image in which the shooting location is greatly different, such as an image shot at home and an image shot at a travel destination in an image group to be reproduced. Even in such a case, it is possible to effectively prevent misunderstanding and discomfort in the shooting location.

Here, when it is determined that the connection between the preceding and following images is discontinuous, the shooting position added to the previous image, the shooting position added to the subsequent image, and the intermediate position of these Among them, since an insert image having a content corresponding to any one of them is inserted (invention of claim 6), the connection is good.
In addition, after making a determination based on the distance from the shooting position added to each contextual captured image, the time interval from the shooting date / time added to each contextual captured image is determined. Since the determination based on the above is performed (the invention according to claim 7), it is possible to reliably specify the discontinuous portion.

(Example 1)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This embodiment exemplifies a case where the present invention is applied to an electronic album apparatus having an image reproduction function as an image reproduction apparatus, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing basic components of the electronic album apparatus.
This electronic album device collects and saves externally supplied captured image data as album information in an internal hard disk. The CPU 1 controls the overall operation of the electronic album device in accordance with various programs in the internal storage unit 2. Central processing unit. The internal storage unit 2 is an internal hard disk (HDD) having a program area and a data area. A program area in the internal storage unit 2 stores a program for realizing the present embodiment in accordance with an operation procedure shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which will be described later. In the data area, captured image data is stored. An image folder or the like for storing images is provided. The program and data in the internal storage unit 2 are loaded into a RAM (for example, static RAM) 3 as necessary, or the data in the RAM 3 is saved in the internal storage unit 2. The RAM 3 has a program execution area and a work area.

  The CPU 1 is connected to a key input unit 4 and a display unit 5 as input / output peripheral devices, and a remote controller 7 via a remote controller (remote controller) I / F (interface) 6. At the same time, a memory card 9 is connected via a card drive 8, and a CD / DVD 11 which is a portable external recording medium can be connected via a CD (Compact Disc) / DVD (Digital Video Disc) drive 10. It has become.

  The key input unit 4 is a save button for instructing saving of image data captured by the camera, a selection button for selecting and specifying a desired menu item from a menu screen for selecting a save destination, and a display for instructing start of execution of the slide show display. It has various keys such as a start button. The display unit 5 is a liquid crystal display device that sequentially switches and reproduces a plurality of photographed images in a slide show format, and displays various message information and the like. The remote controller 7 is an input operation unit that performs remote operation, and is provided with various buttons and keys corresponding to the key input unit 4.

  The memory card 9 is an SD card, a memory stake, etc., and is an image recording medium for externally supplying image data taken by a digital camera device (not shown) to the electronic album device. When the card drive 8 is inserted and set in the slot of the card drive 8, the card drive 8 outputs a card set presence signal and gives it to the CPU 1. In this case, the CPU 1 monitors whether or not the memory card 9 is inserted when the above-described save button for instructing saving of the image data is operated, and from the memory card 9 on condition that the memory card 9 is set. Image data (image file) is acquired and recorded and saved.

  The external supply means of the captured image (image file) is not limited to the memory card 9, and each captured file is acquired from the image memory in the camera device when the digital camera device is connected by cable or connector. Then, it may be recorded and saved. Here, on the digital camera device side, a GPS (Global Positioning System) reception function for receiving and acquiring the current position is provided, and the current date and time (year, month, day, hour and minute) is set as the shooting date and time every time shooting is performed. At the same time, the current position (longitude / latitude information) is acquired as the shooting position, and the shooting date and time and the current position are added to the shot image together with the file name. That is, each captured image is associated with additional information indicating the shooting date and current position. Thus, each image file supplied externally directly from the digital camera device with a GPS reception function or via the memory card 9 is recorded and saved in the internal storage unit 2 together with additional information indicating the shooting date and time and the current position.

  The CD / DVD 11 is a portable image recording medium for supplying various images (such as an insert image described later) to the outside and for recording and storing photographed image data read from the memory card 9. The CD / DVD drive 10 is capable of recording image data of a capacity. When one of CD and DVD is inserted and set in the tray, the CD / DVD drive 10 outputs a disk set presence signal and gives it to the CPU 1. Under control, the CD / DVD 11 is accessed to perform image data write or read operations. In this case, the CPU 1 monitors whether or not the CD / DVD 11 is inserted, and starts executing an operation for writing or reading image data on the CD / DVD drive 10 on the condition that the CD / DVD 11 is set. Let

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a case where a plurality of captured images are sequentially switched and displayed in a slide show format. That is, each image arbitrarily selected as a slide show reproduction target image group from among the images recorded and stored in the internal storage unit 2 is sequentially switched and displayed according to a predetermined display order (order of shooting date and time). It is the figure which illustrated the case.
In this case, the CPU 1 reads out the reproduction target image group from the internal storage unit 2 when the user instructs the slide show reproduction, and edits the images in order of the shooting date and time, and then sets the relations before and after depending on the reproduction order. By comparing the shooting date and time added to each image that is adjacent to the image, that is, before and after the image arrangement, a time difference (date gap) between them is calculated, and based on this time difference, the relationship between the previous and next images is calculated. Is determined to be continuous or discontinuous, and when it is determined to be discontinuous, an insert image related to time is inserted and displayed between the images.

  Similarly, the CPU 1 compares the photographing positions added to the adjacent images and calculates a distance difference between them, and based on this distance difference (position gap), the connection between the preceding and following images is continuous. It is determined whether the image is discontinuous or discontinuous, and when it is determined that the image is discontinuous, an insert image relating to the position is inserted and displayed between the images. In the figure, PT1 to PT7 indicate captured images that are switched and displayed in order of shooting date and time, IST indicates an insert image related to the time that is inserted and displayed between adjacent images PT3 and PT4, and ISP is The insert image regarding the position inserted and displayed between adjacent images PT5 and PT6 is shown.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the topic image table 21 for storing and managing insert images relating to time.
This topics image table 21 stores and manages insert images supplied externally via the CD / DVD 11 and corresponds to past year information and month / day information on major events and popular songs that occurred at that time. An image (topic image) showing a title, a singer, etc. is stored as an insert image. If the contents of the CD / DVD 11 are updated regularly or as needed via the Internet by using a personal computer (not shown) or the like, the latest information is updated in accordance with the topic image table 21. Can be registered additionally.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the position image table 22 for storing and managing the insert images related to the positions.
This position image table 22 stores and manages insert images supplied externally via the CD / DVD 11, and inserts images that can recall locations corresponding to sightseeing spots, tourist facilities, and sights throughout Japan. The image is stored as an image. If the contents of the CD / DVD 11 are updated regularly or as needed via the Internet by using a personal computer (not shown) or the like, the position information table 22 is updated with the latest information accordingly. Can be registered additionally.

  Next, the operation concept of the electronic album apparatus in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, each function described in these flowcharts is stored in the form of a readable program code, and operations according to the program code are sequentially executed. In addition, the operation according to the above-described program code transmitted via the transmission medium can be sequentially executed. This also applies to other embodiments described later, and in addition to the recording medium, an operation peculiar to this embodiment can be executed using a program / data supplied externally via a transmission medium.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a slide show display process that is started when the slide show display start button is operated.
First, the CPU 1 executes a process of selecting and specifying a slide show reproduction target image from among various images recorded and stored in the internal storage unit 2 (step A1). In this case, the user designates all the images saved in the internal storage unit 2 or each image saved in an arbitrary image folder as a reproduction target, or selects and designates the reproduction target for each image. You may make it, and the method of the selection is arbitrary. When a plurality of images to be reproduced are selected and specified in this way, the CPU 1 reads out the reproduction target image group from the internal storage unit 2 and temporarily stores it in the work area (slide image memory) of the RAM 3. A default value (2 seconds) is set as a time interval (slide interval) for sequentially switching and reproducing a plurality of photographed images (step A2).

 In this state, the CPU 1 refers to the additional information (shooting date / time) added to each reproduction target image in the work area (slide image memory) in the RAM 3 so that the images are arranged in the shooting date / time order. After sorting the arrangement order (step A3), the head image is designated as a display target (step A4), and the designated image is displayed and output from the display unit 5 (step A5). Then, the additional information added to the designated image is read (step A6), the additional information added to the next order image is read (step A7), and the shooting date and time are compared (step A6). A8) It is checked whether or not the dates are different (step A9). Here, it is determined whether or not the first image PT1 and the second image PT2 are shot on different days in the reproduction target image group arranged in order of the shooting date and time, and the images shot on the same day are compared with each other. If there is (NO in step A9), the connection state of each image is determined based on whether or not the time difference between them is a predetermined value or more (for example, 6 hours or more) (step A10).

 If it is less than 6 hours (NO in step A10), it is assumed that the connection between the first and second images is continuous, and the process proceeds to step A16, where the designated image (first image is displayed). ) Is compared with the shooting position added to the next-order image (second image) to determine whether the distance difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 5 km or more). Based on the above, the degree of connection between the images is determined (step A17). Here, if it is less than 5 km (NO in step A17), it is determined that the connection state of each image is continuous. In this case, the process proceeds to step A20, and waits until the slide interval time (2 seconds) elapses, and the display of the designated image (first image) is continued for 2 seconds.

 When the CPU 1 detects the elapse of the slide interval time (2 seconds), the CPU 1 proceeds to step A21 to check whether or not the insert image is specified. In this case, since the insert image is not specified, the next order image (2 After specifying the first image) as a display target (step A23), it is checked whether or not the display of the final image is completed (step A24). Returning to A5, the designated image (second image) is displayed and output. In this case, if the second and third images PT2 and PT3 are also taken on the same day (NO in step A9), the time difference between them is less than 6 hours (NO in step A10), and the distance difference is also less than 5 km. (NO in step A17) Since the insert image is not specified as described above, the second image is displayed for 2 seconds (step A20), and the third image is designated and displayed. Output (steps A23 and A5).

 Here, the third and fourth images PT3 and PT4 were also taken on the same day (NO in step A9), but if the time difference between them is 6 hours or more (YES in step A10), The fourth image has a large time gap, and it is determined that they are discontinuous, and the specified image (third image) and the next order image (fourth image) are complemented. A default image (for example, a full blue image) prepared in advance as an insert image is specified (step A15). If the designated image and the next order image are taken on different days (YES in step A9), the year information of the shooting date and time added to them is compared to check whether the year information is also different. (Step A11).

 If the year information is the same (NO in step A11), the date information is acquired from the shooting date and time added to the next order image (fourth image), and the topic image is based on this date information. The table 21 is searched, and the topic image corresponding to this month and day is specified as an insert image (step A12). In FIG. 2, IST indicates a topic image (insert image) specified based on the date information added to the fourth image, and the topic image includes the third images PT3 and PT4. It is inserted between the images PT4 of the first sheet. If the year information of the designated image and the next order image are different (YES in step A11), the topics image table 21 is searched based on this year information, and the topics image corresponding to this year information is acquired (step S11). A13), this topic image is specified as an insert image (step A14).

 After the insert image is specified in this manner, the process proceeds to step A19, where the specified insert image is located in the work area of the RAM 3, and in this case, between the third image PT3 and the fourth image PT4. Insert and remember. When the designated image (third image) has been displayed for 2 seconds (step A20), the insert image is checked for identification (step A21). In this case, the insert image is identified. After the insert image is reproduced and displayed for 2 seconds (step A22), the next-order image (fourth image) is designated as a display target and displayed (steps A23 and A5). Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated.

As a result, for example, even if the time difference between the fifth and sixth images PT5 and PT6 taken on the same day is less than 6 hours (NO in step A10), the distance difference between them is 5 km or more. If this is the case (YES in step A17), the position image table 22 is searched based on the shooting position of the next-order image (sixth image), and the insert image corresponding to this shooting position is specified (step A18). In FIG. 2, ISP indicates an insert image specified based on the shooting position (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) added to the sixth image. This insert image is the fifth image. It is inserted between PT5 and the sixth image PT6.
Then, when the 2-second display of the designated image (fifth image) ends (step A20), the CPU 1 checks whether or not the insert image is specified (step A21). In this case, the insert image is specified. Therefore, after the insert image is reproduced and displayed for 2 seconds (step A22), the next-order image (sixth image) is designated as a display target and displayed (steps A23 and A5). Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated until the display of the final image is completed (YES in step A24).

In the flowchart of FIG. 5, after comparing the shooting date and time of the adjacent images, the operation for comparing the shooting position of each image based on the comparison result is shown. When the shooting positions of the images are compared and then the shooting dates and times of the images are compared based on the comparison result, the flowchart of FIG. 6 is executed.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing for specifying an insert image by comparing the shooting date and time of each image based on the comparison result after comparing the shooting position of each image in the slide show display processing. Since the portion is basically the same as that in FIG. 5, only the characteristic portion is shown. That is, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing only a portion that replaces steps A4 to A18 of FIG.

 First, in a state where one image is designated and reproduced and displayed from the top of the reproduction target image group (step B1), the CPU 1 determines the photographing position added to each adjacent image (designated image and next-order image). Reading (step B2), comparing these shooting positions (step B3), and if the distance difference is 5 km or more (YES in step B4), the position image table 22 is searched based on the shooting position of the next order image. Then, an insert image corresponding to this photographing position is specified (step B5). If the distance difference is less than 5 km (NO in step B4), the shooting date / time of each adjacent image (designated image and next order image) is read (step B6), and the shooting date / time is compared (step B7). Whether the time difference is 6 hours or more is checked (step B8). If it is less than 6 hours, the insert image is not specified, but if it is 6 hours or more, the topic image is based on the shooting date and time of the next order image. The table 21 is searched, and an insert image corresponding to this photographing date / time is specified (step B9).

 As described above, in the first embodiment, the CPU 1 selects and designates a plurality of images to be reproduced as a slide show from various images recorded and stored in the internal storage unit 2, and then the plurality of captured images. Are sequentially switched and displayed on the display unit 5, the additional information added to the respective photographed images having the previous and following relationship (adjacent relationship) according to the reproduction order is compared, and based on the comparison result, the previous and next images are compared. It is determined whether the connection state of the image is continuous or discontinuous, and when it is determined that the connection state of the preceding and following images is discontinuous, an insert image is inserted between the preceding and following images. Therefore, the discontinuous part where the situation at the time of shooting greatly fluctuates can be complemented by the insert image, and the image reproduction without any discomfort is realized as a whole by eliminating the discontinuous part. Together and it becomes possible to, an image can be displayed inserts sequentially switched reproduced insert image while the.

  In this case, since the CPU 1 compares the shooting date and time added to each of the captured images in the context, and determines the connection state of the preceding and following images based on this time interval, for example, the reproduction target Even in the case where images taken during the New Year and images taken during the summer vacation are included in the image group to be different, it is possible to effectively prevent misunderstanding and discomfort in the shooting time. It becomes possible.

  Here, when it is determined that the connection state of the preceding and following images is discontinuous, the topics image table 21 is searched based on the shooting date and time added to the subsequent image (next order image), and the corresponding Since the insert image to be inserted is inserted, the connection is good. In addition, after making a determination based on the temporal separation from the shooting date and time added to each captured image in the context, the distance from the shooting position added to each captured image in the context Since the determination based on is performed, it is possible to reliably specify the discontinuous portion.

 Similarly, since the CPU 1 compares the shooting positions added to the respective shooting images in the context, and determines the connection state of the preceding and following images based on this distance, for example, Even if the images to be played include images taken at home and images taken at a travel destination, such as images taken at home, it is effective to confuse and misunderstand the shooting location. It becomes possible to prevent.

 Here, when it is determined that the connection state of the preceding and following images is discontinuous, the position image table 22 is searched based on the shooting position added to the subsequent image (next order image), and it corresponds to that. Since the insert image to be inserted is inserted, the connection is good. In addition, after making a determination based on the distance from the shooting position added to each contextual captured image, the time interval from the shooting date / time added to each contextual captured image is determined. Since the determination based on is performed, it is possible to reliably specify the discontinuous portion.

In the first embodiment described above, the display time (slide interval time) of the photographed image selected and designated as the reproduction target and the display time of the insert image are the same time (2 seconds). The display time of the insert image may be shortened, or conversely, longer than the interval time.
Further, in the first embodiment described above, “6 hours” is exemplified as the reference value for determining the time interval, and “5 km” is illustrated as the reference value for determining the distance interval. A value arbitrarily selected and designated from a plurality of reference value candidates may be used as a reference.

In addition, when inserting an insert image, the topics image table 21 and the position image table 22 are searched based on the shooting date and time or the shooting position added to the image after the insertion position (next order image). However, the topics image table 21 and the position image table 22 may be searched based on the shooting date and time or the shooting position added to the image (designated image) before the insertion position, and further added to the previous and next images. It is also possible to obtain the intermediate date / time or intermediate position value of the imaged shooting date / time or the shooting position, and search the topics image table 21 and the position image table 22 based on the intermediate date / time or intermediate position value.
(Example 2)

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In the first embodiment described above, an insert image is inserted and displayed while sequentially switching and displaying a plurality of photographed images. However, in the second embodiment, a plurality of photographed images are sequentially switched and displayed. Prior to this, image editing for inserting and storing the insert image in advance in the reproduction target image group in the work area of the RAM 3 is executed.
Here, the same or the same names in both embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the features of the second embodiment. .

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a slide show display process that is started when the slide show display start button is operated.
First, as in the first embodiment described above, the CPU 1 executes a process of selecting and specifying a slide show playback target image from among various images recorded and stored in the internal storage unit 2 (step C1). As a time interval (slide interval) for sequentially switching and reproducing a plurality of photographed images after reading out a reproduction target image group selected and designated as a target from the internal storage unit 2 and temporarily storing it in the work area (slide image memory) of the RAM 3 The default value (2 seconds) is set (step C2). Then, the CPU 1 refers to the additional information (shooting date / time) added to each reproduction target image in the work area (slide image memory) in the RAM 3 and arranges the images in order of shooting date / time. Are sorted (step C3).

 Next, after designating the head image, the CPU 1 calculates the time difference by comparing the photographing date and time added to the designated image with the photographing date and time added to the image of the next order. Based on whether the time difference is a predetermined time or more (for example, 30 minutes or more), it is determined whether the connection between the preceding and succeeding images is continuous or non-continuous. It is assumed that the images are continuous, and the operation of detecting this image as a separation position is sequentially repeated for the entire reproduction target image group (step C4). The detected break position and its time difference are associated with each other and temporarily stored in the work area of the RAM 3, and the entire reproduction target image group is divided into a plurality of blocks based on each break position (step C5).

FIG. 8 shows a case where images selected arbitrarily as a playback target image group of a slide show are sequentially switched and displayed according to a predetermined display order (order of shooting date / time). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state divided into four blocks, in which “B1”, “B2”, and “B3” are detected as block break positions and divided into four blocks.
After the entire reproduction target image group is divided into a plurality of blocks in this way, the head block is designated as a processing target block (step C6), and then the shooting position added to the head image in the designated block (Step C7), the photographing position added to the head image in the next block following the designated block is read (step C8), and these positions are compared to find the distance difference (step C9). Based on whether or not the distance difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (for example, 5 km or more), it is determined whether the connection state of the preceding and following images is continuous or discontinuous (step C10).

 As a result, if it is less than 5 km, the process proceeds to step C13. If it is 5 km or more, the position image table 22 is searched based on the shooting position added to the head image in the next block, and the insert image relating to the position is searched. Is read and acquired (step C11), and the insert image is inserted and stored in the position immediately before the head image in the next block, that is, the position between the designated block and the next block (step C12). In this case, the example of FIG. 8 shows a case where an insert image related to the position is inserted and stored between the first block and the second block at the block delimiter position B1. Then, it is determined whether or not the next block is the last block (step C13). If the next block is not the last block, the next block is designated as a processing target block (step C14), and the process returns to the above-described step C7. The designated block and the shooting position of the next block are compared. As a result, if the distance difference is 5 km or more, an insert image is inserted and stored between the blocks (steps C7 to C12).

 As a result, when the next block becomes the last block (YES in step C13), the process proceeds to the next step C15, and a delimiter position having a large time difference is selected from the delimiter positions obtained by dividing the entire reproduction target image group into a plurality of blocks. That is, as described above, the work area of the RAM 3 that stores the position and the time difference in association with each other is accessed, the total number of the positions where the entire reproduction target image group is divided into a plurality of blocks is totaled, and this total value is obtained. On the other hand, the number of breaks of 10% is obtained, and the time difference of each break position is compared, and the break positions corresponding to 10% are selected in descending order of time difference (high order). For example, when the total value of the delimiter positions is “80”, the time difference corresponding to delimiter positions B1, B2, B3,..., B80 is “B50” <“B80” <“B60”. If there are, the eight delimiter positions B50, B80, B60,... Are selected in descending order of time difference. Then, the default image is inserted and stored at the selected separation position (step C16). The default image is, for example, a full blue image. After such pre-processing is completed, the CPU 1 starts slide show display, and sequentially switches and displays each image at every slide time interval while reading out each image from the head of the reproduction target image group (step C17).

  In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the shooting date and time added to the images in the preceding and following relations are identified as block delimiter positions while comparing, and the shooting position and rear block added to the image in the front block are specified. The case where an insert image is inserted between blocks when it is determined to be discontinuous while comparing the shooting position added to the image inside is shown. The shooting position added to each image is specified as the block break position while comparing the shooting date and time added to the image in the front block and the shooting date and time added to the image in the rear block. Even when an insert image is inserted between blocks when determined to be discontinuous while comparing, the same is basically applied, and the flowchart of FIG. It is possible to row.

  In this case, in the process corresponding to step C3 described above, the shooting positions added to the images in the front-rear relationship are compared, and if the distance difference between them is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, greater than or equal to 500 m), The position is detected as a block break position on the assumption that the images are highly discontinuous. In the processing corresponding to steps C7 to C12 described above, the shooting dates and times between the blocks are compared, and the time difference is detected. Is 6 hours or more, an insert image relating to time may be inserted between the blocks.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, prior to the slide show display, the CPU 1 compares the additional information added to the respective captured images in the front-rear relationship, and the connection between the previous and subsequent images is discontinuous. When it is determined that there is an insert image, the insert image is inserted and stored in the work area of the RAM 3 that stores the reproduction target image group, so that the slide show display can be started after the reproduction target image group is pre-edited.

  In this case, as a result of repeatedly performing the operation of comparing the additional information added to the images in the preceding and succeeding relationship with respect to the entire reproduction target image group, the operation is performed based on the time difference or distance difference calculated for each image. Since the upper predetermined number of images are determined to be discontinuous parts in descending order of the value, for example, the part having the largest temporal or distance separation between the images and the next largest part are non-consecutive. It becomes possible to relatively specify non-continuous parts, such as being able to specify as continuous parts.

  Further, the CPU 1 compares the additional information added to each of the images in the front and back relationship according to the playback order in which a plurality of captured images are switched and played back, and based on the comparison result, the connection between the previous and next images is continuous. This block is determined after iteratively repeating the operation of determining whether it is non-continuous or not and specifying the interval between images as non-continuous as a block break position for the entire reproduction target image group. The additional information added to the image in the front block is compared with the additional information added to the image in the rear block with respect to the delimiter position, and the connection between the blocks is determined based on the comparison result. Since it is determined whether it is continuous or discontinuous, and an insert image is inserted between the blocks when it is determined to be discontinuous, the insert is inserted in units of blocks. It is possible to insert an image, it is possible to noncontiguous portions easily and reliably identified. In this case, for example, a group of images to be replayed includes a photographed image taken when hiking during summer vacation, a photographed image taken when swimming, and a photographed image taken when going to a summer festival. , Summer vacation blocks, bathing blocks, summer festival blocks.

  In this case, the CPU 1 identifies the block break position while comparing the shooting date and time (or shooting position) added to the images in the preceding and following relations, and the shooting position added to the image in the front block. Compare the shooting position (or shooting date and time) added to the image in the back block, determine the connection between the blocks, and insert the insert image between the blocks when it is determined that they are discontinuous Therefore, it is possible to specify the insertion position of the insert image by taking into account the temporal and distance intervals, and within each block divided based on the temporal interval (or distance interval). An insert image can be inserted based on a distance distance (or a time distance).

  In the second embodiment described above, for example, when the pre-editing for inserting and storing the insert image in the reproduction target image group is completed, for example, the fact that the insert image is automatically inserted is notified, or the insert image is displayed to the user. It may be displayed and confirmed. At this time, it is more effective if the insert image is displayed together with the photographed images before and after the insertion to accept the user's confirmation instruction.

  In the second embodiment described above, the distance difference or the magnitude of the distance difference is compared for each block, and an insert image is inserted by selecting a block delimiter position corresponding to the top 10% in descending order of the value. However, the ratio is not limited to the top 10%, and the ratio is arbitrary. If the distance difference or the size of the distance difference is compared, if there is a thing whose size is protruding, the separation position is set. You may make it select. Furthermore, without dividing the image group to be played back into blocks, the distance difference between each image or the magnitude of the distance difference is sequentially compared, and the top two images are specified as the insertion position of the insert image in descending order of the value. Only the maximum value may be specified as the insertion position.

  For example, the time difference between the first and second sheets is “TM1”, the time difference between the second and third sheets is “TM2”, the time difference between the third and fourth sheets is “TM3”, and the fourth sheet. And when the time difference between the 30th and 31st sheets is “TM30”, “TM3” <“TM30” <“TM2” <“TM4” <“ If there is a relationship of “TM1”..., The upper predetermined amount (for example, the upper two) between the images in descending order, that is, between the third and fourth images, the 30th image, and the 31st image The position between the images is specified as the insertion position, and the insert image is inserted and stored at the position, or the insert image is inserted only between the images having the maximum time difference, for example, between the third and fourth images. You may make it memorize | store.

  In the second embodiment described above, when an insert image is inserted between blocks, an insert corresponding to the shooting date and time or the shooting position added to the head image of the rear block (next block) at the separation position is inserted. An image is inserted, but an insert image corresponding to the shooting date / time or shooting position added to the first or last image in the front block (specified block) at the delimiter position is inserted, or the intermediate date / time of the previous / next block or An intermediate position value may be obtained, and an insert image corresponding to the intermediate date and time or the intermediate position value may be inserted.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the contents of the topic image table 21 and the position image table 22 are acquired via the CD / DVD 11. The contents may be received and acquired.
In addition, the playback target image may be a still image or a moving image, or may be a mixture of a still image and a moving image. The electronic album device is not limited to a stand-alone type, and each component thereof is It may be a distributed system that is physically separated into two or more casings and transmits and receives data via a wired transmission line such as a communication line or cable, or a wireless transmission line such as radio waves, microwaves, or infrared rays. . Further, the present invention is not limited to an electronic album apparatus having an image reproduction function, and can be similarly applied to, for example, a digital camera apparatus and a personal computer.

  On the other hand, a recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a RAM card, etc.) on which program codes for executing the above-described units are recorded may be provided to the computer. That is, a computer-readable recording medium having a program code, and a function of acquiring an insert image to be inserted between images that are related to each other according to a playback order in which a plurality of captured images are sequentially switched and played back; A function of comparing additional information added to each captured image in the front-rear relationship, and determining whether the connection state of the front and rear images is continuous or non-continuous based on the comparison result; A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for realizing a function of inserting the insert image between the front and rear images when it is determined that the connection between the front and rear images is discontinuous You may make it provide.

The block diagram which showed the basic component in the case of the electronic album apparatus provided with the image reproduction function applied as an image reproduction apparatus. The figure which illustrated the case where a some photographed image was switched and displayed sequentially in a slide show format, and showed that the insert image was inserted in the location determined that the connection between each image is discontinuous. The figure which showed the structure of the topics image table 21 which memorize | stores and manages the insert image regarding time. The figure which showed the structure of the position image table 22 which memorize | stores and manages the insert image regarding a position. The flowchart which showed the slide show display process started when the display start button of a slide show is operated. The flowchart which showed the process which specifies an insert image by comparing the imaging | photography date of each image based on this comparison result, after comparing the imaging position of each image in a slide show display process. The flowchart which showed the slide show display process started when the display start button of a slide show is operated in this 2nd Example. In the second embodiment, when the images arbitrarily selected as the playback target image group of the slide show are sequentially switched and displayed in accordance with a predetermined display order (order of shooting date and time), a plurality of the playback target image groups are displayed. The figure which illustrated the state divided into the block of.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
2 Internal storage 3 RAM
4 Key input section 5 Display section 9 Memory card 11 CD / DVD
21 Topics Image Table 22 Position Image Table

Claims (7)

An image playback device that sequentially switches and displays a plurality of captured images,
An acquisition means for acquiring an insert image for insertion between images that are related to each other according to a playback order in which a plurality of captured images are sequentially switched and played back;
Determining means for comparing additional information added to each of the captured images in the context, and determining whether the connection state of the images before and after is continuous based on the comparison result; ,
When it is determined by this determination means that the state of connection between the front and back images is discontinuous, an insertion means for inserting the insert image between the front and rear images,
Comprising a result, the
The determination unit performs an operation of comparing additional information added to each of the captured images in the preceding and following relationship before sequentially switching and displaying a plurality of captured images constituting the playback target image group. It is repeatedly executed on the whole, and it is determined that the upper predetermined number of images are discontinuous parts in descending order of the value based on a temporal or distance interval detected for each image,
The insertion means inserts and stores an insert image between the preceding and following images in an area for storing a reproduction target image group when it is determined that the connection state of the preceding and following images is discontinuous.
An image reproducing apparatus characterized by being configured as described above . The determination means compares the shooting date and time added to each of the captured images in the context, and determines the connection state of the images before and after based on this time interval.
The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, which is configured as described above. When the determination unit determines that the connection between the preceding and following images is discontinuous, the insertion unit includes the shooting date and time added to the previous image and the shooting date and time added to the subsequent image. , And insert and store an insert image having contents corresponding to any of these intermediate dates and times,
The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image reproducing apparatus is configured as described above. The determination means, after making a determination based on a temporal difference from the shooting date and time added to each contextual captured image, the distance from the shooting position added to each contextual captured image Make a decision based on the gap
The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image reproducing apparatus is configured as described above. The determination means compares the shooting position added to each of the captured images in the context, and determines the connection state of the preceding and following images based on this distance.
The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, which is configured as described above. In the case where the determination unit determines that the connection between the preceding and following images is discontinuous, the insertion unit includes the shooting position added to the previous image and the shooting position added to the subsequent image. , And insert and store an insert image corresponding to one of these intermediate positions,
6. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image reproducing apparatus is configured as described above. The determination means performs a determination based on a distance from a shooting position added to each captured image in the context, and then a time with a shooting date / time added to each captured image in the context Make a decision based on the gap
6. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image reproducing apparatus is configured as described above.

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