JP4871345B2 - Image display device, image display method, program, and information storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device, an image display method, a program, and an information storage medium.

  In recent years, the number of images held by individuals, such as images taken with a digital camera and images obtained from the Internet, has become enormous, and various computer softwares for efficiently browsing these images are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a face image display device that displays an image representing a person's face.

For example, according to software that displays images while grouping images according to attributes such as the shooting date and clearly indicating the group to which the images belong, it is possible to allow a user to view a large number of images in an easy-to-understand manner. Specifically, for example, there is software that collectively displays images belonging to the same group on an image representing a folder. There is also software that displays images belonging to the same group in a partly overlapping manner at a predetermined location on the image representing the table.
European Patent Application Publication No. 1923835

  However, in conventional software, when an image belonging to a group is displayed on the screen while clearly indicating the group to which the image belongs, the area occupied by each image on the screen is often displayed small. Therefore, with conventional software, it is difficult for the user to recognize the images belonging to the group in an easy-to-understand manner.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image display device, an image display method, a program, and an information storage medium that allow a user to easily recognize an image belonging to a group. .

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image display device according to the present invention includes an image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of images, and an image classification unit that classifies the plurality of images into one or a plurality of groups associated with ranks. And group image arrangement means for arranging the group images corresponding to each group according to the order of the groups along a group image arrangement reference line provided in the display area, and a representative image arrangement area in the display area. Representative image arrangement means for arranging the image belonging to one of the groups corresponding to the range on the group image arrangement reference line corresponding to the representative image arrangement area as a representative image, and at least a part of the display area Display means for displaying on the screen.

  The image display method according to the present invention includes an image acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of images, an image classification step of classifying the plurality of images into one or a plurality of groups associated with ranks, and a display area. A group image arrangement step of arranging group images corresponding to the groups in accordance with the group image arrangement reference line provided in accordance with the order of the groups, and the representative image arrangement area in the display area. A representative image arrangement step of arranging the image belonging to any of the groups corresponding to the range on the group image arrangement reference line corresponding to the representative image, and a display for displaying at least a part of the display area on the screen And a step.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention includes an image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of images, an image classification unit that classifies the plurality of images into one or a plurality of groups associated with ranks, and a group image provided in a display area. Group image arrangement means for arranging the group images corresponding to the groups along the arrangement reference line according to the order of the groups, and the group corresponding to the representative image arrangement area in the representative image arrangement area in the display area The computer functions as representative image arrangement means for arranging the image belonging to any one of the groups corresponding to the range on the image arrangement reference line as a representative image, and display means for displaying at least a part of the display area on the screen. It is characterized by making it.

  The above program can also be stored in a computer-readable information storage medium.

  According to the present invention, an image belonging to either one or a plurality of groups into which a plurality of images are classified is arranged as a representative image in the representative image arrangement area in the display area. The representative image arrangement area corresponds to the range on the group image arrangement reference line in the display area. Then, at least a part of the display area is displayed to the user. For this reason, the user can easily recognize the images belonging to the group.

  In one aspect of the present invention, representative image arrangement area position determining means for determining the position of the representative image arrangement area based on at least one of the position of the group image arrangement reference line or the position where the group image is arranged, Is further included. By doing this, it is possible to determine the representative image arrangement area in consideration of the position of the group image arrangement reference line or the position where the group image is arranged.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the present invention, the representative image placement unit includes the group corresponding to a range on the group image placement reference line determined based on a distance from a representative point in the representative image placement region. The image belonging to any one of the above is arranged as a representative image. In this way, an image to be arranged as a representative image can be determined based on the positional relationship between the representative point in the representative image arrangement area and the range on the group image arrangement reference line.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the representative image arrangement unit arranges the images belonging to any one of the plurality of groups having consecutive ranks as a representative image. In this way, it is possible to associate the representative image with a group having consecutive ranks.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the representative image arrangement unit arranges the image selected based on a random number as a representative image. In this way, the representative image is randomly determined from the plurality of images.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the representative image is switched every predetermined time. In this way, it is possible to arrange a plurality of representative images that are switched every predetermined time in one representative image arrangement region.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the image classification unit classifies the image classification means into the one or a plurality of groups based on attributes associated with the images. In this way, an image belonging to one or a plurality of groups classified based on an attribute associated with each of a plurality of images can be arranged as a representative image in the representative image arrangement area in the display area.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the representative image arrangement areas exist in the display area. In this way, an image belonging to any one of the groups corresponding to the range on the group image arrangement reference line corresponding to each representative image arrangement area can be arranged as a representative image.

  In this aspect, the representative image arrangement unit arranges each representative image arrangement area in another representative image arrangement area whose distance from a representative point in the representative image arrangement area is within a predetermined range. An image different from the image may be arranged as a representative image in the representative image arrangement area. In this way, images belonging to any of the groups corresponding to the range on the group image arrangement reference line corresponding to the plurality of representative image arrangement areas in common overlap with some of these representative image arrangement areas. It can prevent being arranged.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an entertainment system (image display apparatus) 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an entertainment system 10 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 11, a main memory 20, an image processing unit 24, a monitor 26, an input / output processing unit 28, an audio processing unit 30, and a speaker. 32, an optical disk reading unit 34, an optical disk 36, a hard disk 38, interfaces (I / F) 40, 44, a controller 42, a camera unit 46, and a network interface 48. It is.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the MPU 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the MPU 11 includes a main processor 12, sub-processors 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d, 14 e, 14 f, 14 g, 14 h, a bus 16, a memory controller 18, and an interface (I / F) 22. And comprising.

  The main processor 12 is an operating system stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown), for example, a program and data read from an optical disc 36 such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) -ROM, and a program supplied via a communication network. Based on the data and the like, various information processing is performed, and the sub-processors 14a to 14h are controlled.

  The sub-processors 14a to 14h perform various types of information processing in accordance with instructions from the main processor 12, and each part of the entertainment system 10 is read from the optical disk 36 such as a DVD-ROM or the like via a communication network. Control based on supplied programs and data.

  The bus 16 is used for exchanging addresses and data among the various parts of the entertainment system 10. The main processor 12, the sub processors 14a to 14h, the memory controller 18, and the interface 22 are connected to each other via the bus 16 so as to be able to exchange data.

  The memory controller 18 accesses the main memory 20 in accordance with instructions from the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h. Programs and data read from the optical disk 36 and the hard disk 38 and programs and data supplied via the communication network are written into the main memory 20 as necessary. The main memory 20 is also used for work of the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h.

  An image processing unit 24 and an input / output processing unit 28 are connected to the interface 22. Data exchange between the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14 a to 14 h and the image processing unit 24 or the input / output processing unit 28 is performed via the interface 22.

  The image processing unit 24 includes a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) and a frame buffer. The GPU renders various screens in the frame buffer based on the image data supplied from the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h. The screen formed in the frame buffer is converted into a video signal at a predetermined timing and output to the monitor 26. As the monitor 26, for example, a home television receiver is used.

  An audio processing unit 30, an optical disk reading unit 34, a hard disk 38, and interfaces 40 and 44 are connected to the input / output processing unit 28. The input / output processing unit 28 controls data exchange between the main processor 12 and the sub-processors 14a to 14h, the audio processing unit 30, the optical disc reading unit 34, the hard disk 38, the interfaces 40 and 44, and the network interface 48.

  The sound processing unit 30 includes an SPU (Sound Processing Unit) and a sound buffer. The sound buffer stores various audio data such as game music, game sound effects and messages read from the optical disk 36 and the hard disk 38. The SPU reproduces these various audio data and outputs them from the speaker 32. As the speaker 32, for example, a built-in speaker of a home television receiver is used.

  The optical disk reading unit 34 reads programs and data stored on the optical disk 36 in accordance with instructions from the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h. Note that the entertainment system 10 may be configured to be able to read a program or data stored in a computer-readable information storage medium other than the optical disk 36.

  The optical disk 36 is a general optical disk (computer-readable information storage medium) such as a DVD-ROM. The hard disk 38 is a general hard disk device. Various programs and data are stored in the optical disk 36 and the hard disk 38 so as to be readable by a computer.

  The interfaces (I / F) 40 and 44 are interfaces for connecting various peripheral devices such as the controller 42 and the camera unit 46. For example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface is used as such an interface.

  The controller 42 is general-purpose operation input means, and is used by the user to input various operations (for example, game operations). The input / output processing unit 28 scans the state of each unit of the controller 42 every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 seconds), and supplies the operation state representing the result to the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h. The main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h determine the content of the operation performed by the user based on the operation state. The entertainment system 10 is configured so that a plurality of controllers 42 can be connected, and the main processor 12 and the sub-processors 14a to 14h execute various processes based on an operation state input from each controller 42. ing.

  The camera unit 46 includes, for example, a known digital camera, and inputs black and white, grayscale, or color photographed images every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 seconds). The camera unit 46 in the present embodiment is configured to input a captured image as image data in JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format. The camera unit 46 is installed on the monitor 26 with the lens facing the user, for example, and is connected to the interface 44 via a cable. The network interface 48 is connected to the input / output processing unit 28 and the network, and relays that the entertainment system 10 performs data communication with other entertainment systems 10 via the network.

  FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating an example of the controller 42. FIG. 3B is an upper side view showing an example of the controller 42. As shown in FIG. 3A, the controller 42 is connected to the entertainment system 10 by a controller cable 62, and a direction button group 60 (a left button 60L, a right button 60R, an up button 60U, and a down button on the left side of the surface 42a. A direction button 60D) and a left operation stick 54 are provided, and a button group 58 (a left button 58L, a right button 58R, an upper button 58U, and a lower button 58D) and a right operation stick 56 are provided on the right side. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, on the back side surface of the controller 42, a first left button 50 </ b> L and a first right button 50 </ b> R are provided on the left and right sides of the front surface 42 a, respectively, A left button 52L and a second right button 52R are provided. When the user holds both sides of the housing of the controller 42 with both hands, the left thumb is positioned on the direction button group 60 and the left operation stick 54, and the right thumb is positioned on the button group 58 and the right operation stick 56. And at least one of the right index finger or middle finger is positioned on the first right button 50R or the second right button 52R, and at least one of the left index finger or middle finger is the first left button 50L or second The left button 52L is located.

  The direction button group 60, the button group 58, the first left button 50L, the first right button 50R, the second left button 52L, and the second right button 52R are configured as pressure sensitive buttons and include a pressure sensor. ing. When the user presses these buttons, a 256-step digital value having a value of 0 to 255 is input to the entertainment system 10 according to the pressing force. That is, in the entertainment system 10, when the digital value input from the controller 42 is 0, the button is not pressed, and when the digital value is 255, the digital button indicates that the button is pressed with the maximum pressing force. It can be judged from the value.

  The left operation stick 54 and the right operation stick 56 are stick-like operation members standing upright on the surface of the housing of the controller 42, and can be tilted by a predetermined angle in all directions from this upright state. As shown in FIG. 3A, the casing longitudinal direction of the controller 42 is the X-axis direction (the right direction in FIG. 3A is the positive direction), and the casing depth direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction is the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 3A). 3A, the direction from the front to the back is the positive direction.) The posture (operation state) of the left operation stick 54 is the inclination (posture data (X, Y)) in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Digital values of 0 to 255 are input to the entertainment system 10 respectively. Specifically, the vicinity of X = 127 or X = 128 indicates that the left operation stick 54 is not inclined in the X-axis direction. X = 255 indicates that the left operation stick 54 is tilted to the limit in the positive direction of the X axis (rightward in FIG. 3A). Further, X = 0 indicates that the left operation stick 54 has fallen to the limit in the negative direction of the X axis (leftward in FIG. 3A). The same applies to the Y-axis direction. The right operation stick 56 is the same as that of the left operation stick 54. In this way, the entertainment system 10 can grasp the current tilt state (posture) of the left operation stick 54 and the right operation stick 56. The left operation stick 54 and the right operation stick 56 are also configured as pressure-sensitive buttons similar to the direction button group 60 and the button group 58, and can be pressed in the axial direction of the stick.

  The controller 42 includes a built-in vibrator (vibrator). The vibrator vibrates in accordance with an instruction from the MPU 11.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the entertainment system 10 having the above hardware configuration is configured as an image display device will be described.

  First, an outline of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a library view screen 70 that is an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 26 of the entertainment system 10 that is operating as an image display device. The library view screen 70 shown in FIG. 4 is a visualization of a virtual three-dimensional space (in this embodiment, for example, the library view space 72 shown in FIG. 5). Specifically, for example, a state in which a library view space 72 in which a large number of photographic image objects 74 that are virtual three-dimensional models showing L-sized white-framed photographs are arranged is viewed from a viewpoint 76 in the same space is publicly known. The library view screen 70 is generated by imaging in real time using the three-dimensional computer graphics technique.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the overall image of the library view space 72. As shown in FIG. 5, in the library view space 72, a group image object 78 composed of one or a plurality of photographic image objects 74 is arranged on an arrangement plane object 80 provided in the virtual three-dimensional space. ing. Thus, the photographic image objects 74 are grouped for each group. Each three-dimensional model is composed of polygons, and each photographic image object 74 is mapped with a photographic image possessed by the user, for example, taken with a digital camera or acquired via the Internet as a texture. Then, one or a plurality of photographic image objects 74 constituting each group image object 78 is mapped with a photographic image having a common attribute such as the same shooting date as a texture. Note that a character string indicating the common attribute may be displayed in the vicinity of the group image object 78.

  The common attributes described above include, for example, attributes indicating the type of subject, such as “photos that may show children” and “photos that may show adults” It may be an attribute indicating the color of the photo, such as “reddish photo” or “blueish photo”.

  A plurality of elliptical representative image objects 82 are arranged on the library view screen 70. In this representative image object 82, an image corresponding to one of the photographic images mapped to the photographic image object 74 constituting the group image object 78 in the vicinity thereof is a photographic image object constituting the group image object 78. It is displayed larger than 74.

  In this embodiment, the photographic image mapped to the representative image object 82 is switched at a predetermined time interval.

  Note that the outline of the representative image object 82 may be smoothed (ie, blurred). In the present embodiment, the photographic image mapped to the representative image object 82 is trimmed along the outline of the representative image object 82.

  In the library view space 72, a library view cursor image object 84 indicating a circular closed region is arranged. The library view cursor image object 84 is displayed on the library view screen 70 with its central portion shining translucently. In this way, the user can recognize the central portion of the library view cursor image object 84. In the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, one group image object 78 (selected group image object 78 a) is indicated by the library view cursor image object 84.

  A library view space 72 illustrated in FIG. 5 is virtually constructed on the main memory 20 of the entertainment system 10, and a group image object arrangement reference line 86 is arranged on a vast flat arrangement object 80. , Group image objects 78 are arranged at almost equal intervals. A plurality of representative image arrangement areas 88 are provided in an area different from the area where the group image object 78 is arranged. In each representative image arrangement area 88, a representative image object 82 to which any one of the photographic images mapped to the photographic image object 74 constituting the neighboring group image object 78 is mapped is arranged.

  A viewpoint 76 is provided above the placement plane object 80. In the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment, an image representing a view of the viewing direction from the viewpoint 76 is generated in real time, that is, every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 seconds), and this is displayed on the monitor 26. I have to.

  When the library view screen 70 is displayed on the monitor 26, the library view cursor image object 84 moves when the user operates the controller 42.

  Further, when the library view screen 70 is displayed on the monitor 26, the user operates the controller 42 so that the viewpoint 76 approaches (zooms in) or moves away (zooms out) the placement plane object 80. That is, the user can change the size of the area (display area) on the placement plane object 80 displayed on the monitor 26.

  6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of a tile view screen 90 which is another example of a screen displayed on the monitor 26 of the entertainment system 10 operating as an image display device. Similar to the library view screen 70, the tile view screen 90 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is a visualization of a virtual three-dimensional space (in this embodiment, for example, the tile view space 92 shown in FIG. 7). Specifically, for example, a state in which a tile view space 92 in which a large number of photographic image objects 74, which are virtual three-dimensional models showing L-sized white-framed photographs, are arranged, is viewed from the viewpoint 76 in the space is publicly known. The tile view screen 90 is generated by imaging in real time using the three-dimensional computer graphics technique. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of an overall image of the tile view space 92. As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7, in the tile view space 92, the photographic image objects 74 are divided into groups corresponding to the group image objects 78 described above, and each group is placed on the arrangement plane object 80. They are arranged side by side. As described above, photographic images having common attributes are mapped as textures to the photographic image objects 74 constituting each group. In addition, the character string which shows the common attribute mentioned above, the number of sheets which belong to a group, etc. may be displayed in the vicinity of each group.

  A tile view cursor image object 94 is arranged between one of the photo image objects 74 (selected photo image object 74 a) and the arrangement plane object 80. In the present embodiment, the tile view cursor image object 94 is, for example, a square image in which semi-transparent corners are formed in a circle. In the present embodiment, the selected photo image object 74 a pointed to by the tile view cursor image object 94 is arranged away from the arrangement plane object 80.

  The tile view space 92 illustrated in FIG. 7 is virtually constructed on the main memory 20 of the entertainment system 10, and is spaced apart for each group on the vast plate-like arrangement plane object 80. The photo image objects 74 are arranged in alignment. A viewpoint 76 is provided above the placement plane object 80. In the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment, an image representing a state in which the viewing direction is viewed from the viewpoint 76 is generated in real time, that is, every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 seconds), and this image is displayed on the monitor 26. I am doing so.

  When the tile view screen 90 is displayed on the monitor 26, the user operates the controller 42 to move the tile view cursor image object 94.

  Further, when the tile view screen 90 is displayed on the monitor 26, the user operates the controller 42 so that the viewpoint 76 approaches (zooms in) or moves away (zooms out) the placement plane object 80. That is, the user can change the size of the area (display area) on the placement plane object 80 displayed on the monitor 26. Specifically, for example, when the tile view screen 90 illustrated in FIG. 6A is displayed on the monitor 26, when the user performs a zoom-in operation, the tile view screen 90 illustrated in FIG. 6B is displayed on the monitor 26. become.

  The screen displayed on the monitor 26 is not limited to the above-described screen. Specifically, for example, an image representing a state where a playlist space (not shown) in which a favorite photo image object 74 is arranged is viewed from the position of the viewpoint 76 is generated, and the image is played on the monitor 26. You may make it display as a list screen (not shown).

  Next, functions realized by the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are functional block diagrams illustrating examples of functions realized by the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the entertainment system 10 according to this embodiment functionally includes an image storage unit 100, an operation signal receiving unit 102, a view switching unit 104, a library view space generation display unit 106, a library view cursor. Image moving unit 108, library view image positional relationship changing unit 110, library view viewpoint moving unit 112, library view identification degree changing unit 114, tile view space generation display unit 116, tile view cursor image moving unit 118, tile view image positional relationship It functions as including a changing unit 120, a tile view viewpoint moving unit 122, and a tile view identification degree changing unit 124. The entertainment system 10 does not have to include all of these elements. Of these elements, the image storage unit 100 is mainly realized by a storage device provided in the entertainment system 10 such as the main memory 20 and the hard disk 38. Operation signal receiving unit 102, view switching unit 104, library view space generation display unit 106, library view cursor image moving unit 108, library view image positional relationship changing unit 110, library view viewpoint moving unit 112, library view identification degree changing unit 114 The tile view space generation / display unit 116, the tile view cursor image moving unit 118, the tile view image positional relationship changing unit 120, the tile view viewpoint moving unit 122, the tile view identification degree changing unit 124, and the entertainment system 10 such as the MPU 11 or the like. It is mainly realized by the control device provided in.

  8B, the library view space generation display unit 106 includes a library view target image arrangement unit 126, a library view cursor image arrangement unit 128, and a library view space display unit 130. ing. The library view target image arrangement unit 126 includes a library view image acquisition unit 132, a library view image classification unit 134, a library view group image arrangement unit 136, a library view representative image arrangement region determination unit 138, and a library view representative. And an image arrangement unit 140.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the library view group image arrangement unit 136 includes a group image arrangement region determination unit 142, a display element acquisition unit 144, a display element arrangement region determination unit 146, a display element arrangement unit 148, It is comprised including.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 8D, the tile view space generation display unit 116 includes a tile view target image arrangement unit 150 and a tile view identification display unit 152. The tile view target image arrangement unit 150 includes a tile view image acquisition unit 154, a tile view image classification unit 156, and a tile view image arrangement unit 158. The tile view identification display unit 152 includes a tile view cursor image arrangement unit 160 and a tile view space display unit 162.

  These elements are realized by executing a program installed in the entertainment system 10, which is a computer, by a control device such as the MPU 11 provided in the entertainment system 10. This program is supplied to the entertainment system 10 via an information transmission medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, or via a communication network such as the Internet.

  The image storage unit 100 stores a still image taken by a user with a digital camera, a still image downloaded from a site on the Internet via the network interface 48, and the like. In the present embodiment, the image storage unit 100 stores, for example, a photographic image. A photographic image taken by the digital camera is read directly from the digital camera or from a portable storage medium removed from the digital camera via an interface (not shown) connected to the input / output processing unit 28 of the entertainment system 10. Further, the image storage unit 100 also stores attribute information such as the image size, shooting date and time, comments, hue, and subject type of each image. Note that the image storage unit 100 may store a photographic image object 74 in which a photographic image is mapped as a texture.

  The operation signal receiving unit 102 receives an operation signal corresponding to a user operation on the controller 42. Specifically, for example, a digital value indicating the tilt of the left operation stick 54 and the right operation stick 56, a digital value indicating a pressing force on the button group 58, the direction button group 60, and the like are received from the controller 42.

  The view switching unit 104 displays the view displayed on the monitor 26 when the operation signal receiving unit 102 receives an operation signal (for example, an operation signal indicating that a predetermined button included in the button group 58 has been pressed). Switch. Specifically, for example, when the library view screen 70 is displayed on the monitor 26, when the operation signal receiving unit 102 receives an operation signal indicating that the right button 58R is pressed, the view switching unit 104 causes the tile view space generation / display unit 116 to generate the tile view space 92. Further, for example, when the operation signal receiving unit 102 receives an operation signal indicating that the down button 58D is pressed while the tile view screen 90 is displayed on the monitor 26, the view switching unit 104 The library view space 72 is generated by the library view space generation display unit 106.

  The library view space generation / display unit 106 generates a library view space 72. Then, the library view space generation display unit 106 displays the library view screen 70 on the monitor 26. As described above, in this embodiment, the library view space generation display unit 106 includes the library view target image arrangement unit 126, the library view cursor image arrangement unit 128, and the library view space display unit 130.

  The library view target image placement unit 126 places at least one target image (for example, the representative image object 82 or the group image object 78) on the placement plane object 80 in the library view space 72. As described above, in the present embodiment, the library view target image arrangement unit 126 includes the library view image acquisition unit 132, the library view image classification unit 134, the library view group image arrangement unit 136, and the library view representative image arrangement region. A determination unit 138 and a library view representative image arrangement unit 140 are included.

  The library view image acquisition unit 132 acquires a plurality of images (for example, photographic images) stored in the image storage unit 100.

  The library view image classification unit 134 classifies the plurality of images acquired by the library view image acquisition unit 132 into one or a plurality of groups associated with ranks. In the present embodiment, the library view image classifying unit 134 specifically includes one or a plurality of photographic images in which ranks are associated with each other based on an attribute (for example, a shooting date) associated with each photographic image. Classify into groups. Note that the library view image classification unit 134 may classify photographic images based on attributes (for example, color and subject type) different from the shooting date.

  The library view group image arrangement unit 136 is along a group image arrangement reference line (in this embodiment, a group image object arrangement reference line 86) provided on a display area (for example, the arrangement plane object 80) displayed on the monitor 26. Thus, group images (in this embodiment, group image objects 78) corresponding to each group are arranged according to the order of the groups.

  Here, an example of arrangement processing of the group image object 78 by the library view group image arrangement unit 136 will be described. In the arrangement process of the group image object 78, first, a group image arrangement area determination process is performed, and then a display element arrangement process is performed.

  Here, first, an example of the flow of the group image arrangement area determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG.

  First, the group image arrangement area determination unit 142 acquires the number of groups classified by the library view image classification unit 134 (S101). And the group image arrangement | positioning area | region determination part 142 acquires the number of the photographic images which belong to the group about each group (S102). Then, for each group, the group image arrangement area determination unit 142 calculates the size of the group image arrangement area 166 (see FIG. 11) according to the number of photographic images belonging to the group (S103). The data indicating the relationship between the number of photographic images acquired in the process illustrated in S102 and the size of the group image arrangement area 166 calculated in the process illustrated in S103 is, for example, in advance in the main memory 20 or the hard disk 38. It may be stored in a storage device. In the process exemplified in S103, the group image arrangement region determination unit 142 may acquire this data.

  Then, the group image arrangement area determination unit 142 sets a given point on the arrangement plane object 80 as the start point 164 of the group image object arrangement reference line 86 (S104). The group image arrangement area determination unit 142, for example, the arrangement plane object occupied by the group image object arrangement reference line 86 with respect to the width of the arrangement plane object 80 that becomes a display area when the arrangement plane object 80 is displayed most widely on the monitor 26. The position of the start point 164 of the group image object arrangement reference line 86 is set so that the ratio of the width of 80 is 70%.

  Then, the group image arrangement region determination unit 142 generates, for example, a group image object arrangement reference line 86, which is a Bezier curve having a given range of inclination, on the arrangement plane object 80 from the position of the start point 164 (S105). . The group image arrangement region determination unit 142 determines a Bezier curve that is the group image object arrangement reference line 86 based on the positions of four points including the start point 164, for example. An example of the group image object arrangement reference line 86 generated in this way is shown in FIG.

  Then, the group image arrangement area determination unit 142 arranges the group image arrangement area 166 having a size corresponding to the group on the group image object arrangement reference line 86 at a given interval d according to the order of the group (S106). ). An example of the group image arrangement area 166 arranged on the group image object arrangement reference line 86 is shown in FIG.

  Then, the group image arrangement area determination unit 142 confirms whether or not the group image arrangement area 166 has been arranged for all groups (S107). When the group image arrangement area 166 is arranged for all the groups (S107: Y), the process ends.

  When the group image arrangement area 166 is not arranged for all groups (S107: N), the end point of the group image object arrangement reference line 86 generated by the process exemplified in S105 is set as a new start point 164. (S108). Then, the process exemplified in S105 is executed again. In the present embodiment, in the process illustrated in S105, the group image arrangement region determination unit 142 alternately sets the group image object arrangement reference line 86 that goes to the lower right and the group image object arrangement reference line 86 that goes to the lower left. Generate.

  In this way, a group image object arrangement reference line 86 as illustrated in FIG. 5 is generated on the arrangement plane object 80, and the group image arrangement area 166 is the number of groups along the group image object arrangement reference line 86. Just placed. In the present embodiment, the group image object placement reference line 86 directed to the lower right and the group image object placement reference line 86 directed to the lower left are alternately generated, so that the group image object placement reference line 86 as a whole is generated. 5 has a meandering curved shape as exemplified in FIG.

  The group image arrangement area 166 may not be on the group image object arrangement reference line 86. Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when the number of groups is small, the group image arrangement region determination unit 142 alternately displays the group images on both sides of the group image object arrangement reference line 86 that is a straight line. The arrangement area 166 may be arranged.

  Next, display element arrangement processing for arranging a group image object 78 composed of one or a plurality of photographic image objects 74 in the group image arrangement area 166 will be described. In the display element arrangement process, the group image object 78 is arranged in each group image arrangement area 166. Therefore, hereinafter, an example of a flow of processing for arranging the group image object 78 in one group image arrangement area 166 will be described with reference to a flowchart illustrated in FIG.

First, the display element acquisition unit 144 acquires one or a plurality of photographic images belonging to the group to be arranged (S201). Then, the display element acquisition unit 144 sorts the photographic images acquired in the process exemplified in S201 in the order of the photographing time, and associates the order with each photographic image (S202). Then, the display element acquisition unit 144 acquires the photographic image with the highest order among the photographic images that have not been processed (that is, the photographic image with the latest photographing time) (S203). Then, the display element arrangement area determining unit 146 determines the display element arrangement area size corresponding to the order (S204). The rank and the display element arrangement region size have a relationship as exemplified in FIG. Specifically, for example, y = x ^1/5 (x: relative rank (for example, rank obtained by normalizing rank in a group according to a predetermined rule), y: display element arrangement area size). Then, the display element arrangement area determination unit 146 determines the length of one side centered on the arrangement reference point 168 (for example, the center of gravity) in the group image arrangement area 166 as illustrated in FIG. The display element arrangement area 170 which is a quadrangle on the arrangement plane object 80 having the displayed display element arrangement area size y is determined (S205). FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display element arrangement area 170. Thus, in this embodiment, the display element arrangement | positioning area | region determination part 146 determines the display element arrangement | positioning area | region 170 which becomes large according to order, for example.

  Then, the display element arrangement unit 148 determines the position of the drop start reference point 172 in the display element arrangement area 170 based on the random number (S206). Then, the photographic image in which the photographic image to be arranged is mapped to the rectangular object in the area around the drop start point 174 that is separated from the drop start reference point 172 by the given distance. The object 74 is arranged (S207). The fall start point 174 is arranged on the viewpoint 76 side with respect to the arrangement plane object 80.

  Then, the display element arrangement unit 148 drops the photographic image object 74 toward the arrangement plane object 80 according to given motion data (for example, motion data based on physical simulation) (S208). The motion data is stored in advance in a storage device such as the main memory 20 or the hard disk 38, for example. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the processing exemplified in S203 to S208 has been completed for all the photographic image objects 74 (S209). When the processing illustrated in S203 to S208 has been completed for all the photographic image objects 74 (S209: Y), the processing for arranging the group image objects 78 is terminated. If the process exemplified in S203 to S207 has not been completed for all the photographic image objects 74 (S209: N), the process exemplified in S203 is executed again.

  As described above, the display element arrangement unit 148 drops each photographic image object 74 on the arrangement plane object 80, whereby the group image object 78 is arranged on the arrangement plane object 80.

  As described above, when the display element arrangement unit 148 arranges the photographic image objects 74, the photographic image objects 74 constituting the group image object 78 are expected to be stacked in a substantially mountain shape. Then, each photographic image object 74 is stacked so that the photographing time of the photographic image object 74 arranged inside (near the top) is before the photographing time of the photographic image object 74 arranged outside (near the base). It is expected. In this way, in this embodiment, the user can easily recognize the shooting order of the photographic image objects 74 constituting the group image object 78.

  As described above, the display element arrangement unit 148 approaches the arrangement plane object 80 provided in the library view space 72 according to the order associated with each display element (in this embodiment, the photographic image object 74). In addition, each display element (in this embodiment, the photographic image object 74) is displayed so that many objects that pass through the arrangement reference point 168 on the arrangement plane object 80 and are separated from the line perpendicular to the arrangement plane object 80 appear. Deploy. In this embodiment, as the viewpoint 76 is moved by the library view viewpoint moving unit 112, the viewpoint 76 (or the vicinity of the viewpoint 76) is entered (that is, the group image object 78 is displayed on the screen of the monitor 26). The library view group image arrangement unit 136 performs the display element arrangement process exemplified in the above-described S201 to S209 for the group image object 78 when the area is displayed (or the vicinity of this area). May be executed. In this way, each time the group image object 78 enters the visual field of the viewpoint 76 (or in the vicinity of the visual field of the viewpoint 76), the photographic image objects 74 constituting the group image object 78 are rearranged in the group image arrangement area 166. The Rukoto. Therefore, each time the group image object 78 enters the visual field of the viewpoint 76 (or in the vicinity of the visual field of the viewpoint 76), a different impression can be presented to the user for the group image object 78. Details of the library view viewpoint moving unit 112 will be described later.

  In the above-described processing, the display element arrangement unit 148 may arrange each photographic image object 74 on the arrangement plane object 80 by rotating it by a corresponding angle. Specifically, for example, in the process illustrated in S207, the display element arrangement unit 148 rotates the photo image object 74 about an axis perpendicular to the arrangement plane object 80 by an angle determined based on a random number. Thus, it may be arranged in a region centering on the drop start point 174.

  When the position of the drop start reference point 172 calculated in the process illustrated in S206 described above and the position of another photographic image object 74 already arranged on the arrangement plane object 80 satisfy a predetermined relationship. (Specifically, when the distance between the position of the center point of the photographic image object 74 and the position of the drop start reference point 172 is shorter than a predetermined range, or the photographic image object 74 arranged in the process illustrated in S207. Is displayed on the arrangement plane object 80 and an area occupied by another photographic image object 74 exceeds the predetermined range), the display element arrangement unit 148 The position of the drop start reference point 172 may be recalculated.

Further, the flow of the display element arrangement processing is not limited to the above processing example. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the display element arrangement region determination unit 146 increases the distance from the arrangement reference point 168 of the drop start reference point 172 according to the order of each photo image object 74. The drop start reference point 172 of the image object 74 may be determined. For example, the display element arrangement region determination unit 146 causes the drop start reference so that the distance from the arrangement reference point 168 increases as the order of each of the photographic image objects 74 increases, p ₁ , p ₂ , p _3. A point 172 may be arranged. In the example of FIG. 16A, the trajectory connecting the positions of the respective drop start reference points 172 has a concentric shape, and in the example of FIG. 16B, the trajectory connecting the positions of the respective drop start reference points 172 has a spiral shape. Yes. The display element placement unit 148 may not place each photographic image object 74 on the placement plane object 80 by dropping according to the motion data.

  The library view representative image arrangement region determination unit 138 is arranged with the position of the group image arrangement reference line (in this embodiment, the group image object arrangement reference line 86) or the group image (in this embodiment, the group image object 78). The position of the representative image arrangement area 88 is determined based on at least one of the existing positions. In the present embodiment, a plurality of representative image arrangement areas 88 are provided on the arrangement plane object 80.

  Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the library view representative image arrangement area determination unit 138 sets a grid area 176 having a given size on the arrangement plane object 80. Then, the library view representative image arrangement area determination unit 138 extracts, from these grid areas 176, continuous representative image arrangement candidate areas 178 in two or more grids in which the photographic image object 74 is not arranged. Then, the library view representative image arrangement area determining unit 138 determines at least a part of the representative image arrangement candidate area 178 as the representative image arrangement area 88.

  The library view representative image arrangement area determination unit 138 does not need to extract the representative image arrangement candidate area 178. The position of the representative image arrangement area 88 may be determined in advance.

  The library view representative image arrangement unit 140 corresponds to the range on the group image arrangement reference line (in this embodiment, the group image object arrangement reference line 86) corresponding to the representative image arrangement area 88 in the representative image arrangement area 88. An image belonging to one of the groups (in this embodiment, a photographic image) is arranged as a representative image (in this embodiment, a representative image object 82). At this time, the library view representative image placement unit 140 selects a group corresponding to the range on the group image object placement reference line 86 determined based on the distance from the representative point (for example, the center of gravity) in the representative image placement area 88. Images belonging to any one of them may be arranged as representative images.

  Specifically, the library view representative image arrangement unit 140, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, an arrangement plane object centered on a representative point (representative image arrangement area representative point 180) in the representative image arrangement area 88. One or a plurality of photographic image objects 74 arranged in a circular area (representative image selection area 182) having a predetermined radius r on 80 is selected. As described above, in the present embodiment, the library view representative image placement unit 140 has a group image object placement reference whose distance from the representative image placement area representative point 180 is within a predetermined range (for example, shorter than the predetermined distance). An image belonging to any of the groups corresponding to the range on the line 86 (for example, an image mapped to the photographic image object 74) may be arranged as a representative image. At this time, an upper limit (for example, 20) may be provided for the number of photo image objects 74 selected by the library view representative image arrangement unit 140. Then, the library view representative image arrangement unit 140 arranges the photographic image mapped to the selected photographic image object 74 in the representative image arrangement area 88.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a photographic image mapped to one of the photographic image objects 74 arranged in the representative image selection area 182 is enlarged and arranged in the representative image arrangement area 88. Therefore, the user can easily recognize what photographic image object 74 is arranged in the vicinity of the representative image arrangement area 88.

  Note that the library view representative image arrangement unit 140 may switch the photographic images arranged in the representative image arrangement area 88 at predetermined time intervals. In this way, the user can recognize the photographic image objects 74 arranged in the vicinity of the representative image arrangement area 88 one after another. Further, the library view representative image placement unit 140 may place a photographic image selected based on a random number in the representative image placement area 88. Further, the library view representative image placement unit 140 may place the photographic images belonging to any of a plurality of groups having consecutive ranks in the representative image placement area 88.

  When a plurality of representative image arrangement areas 88 are provided on the arrangement plane object 80 as in the present embodiment, the photographic images mapped to one photographic image object 74 are different from each other. There is a possibility of being placed in region 88. In such a case, the library view representative image arrangement unit 140 is an image arranged in another representative image arrangement area 88 whose distance from a representative point in one representative image arrangement area 88 is within a predetermined range. Different photographic images may be arranged as representative images in this representative image arrangement region.

  The library view cursor image placement unit 128 places a library view cursor image object 84 indicating a closed region on the placement plane object 80. In the present embodiment, a library view cursor image object 84 indicating a circular closed region whose central portion shines translucently is arranged on the arrangement plane object 80.

  The library view space display unit 130 displays at least a part of the display area (for example, the arrangement plane object 80 in this embodiment) on the screen of the monitor 26.

  The library view cursor image moving unit 108 receives an operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit 102 when the library view screen 70 is displayed on the monitor 26 (for example, an operation signal indicating that the left operation stick 54 has been operated). Accordingly, the library view cursor image object 84 in the library view space 72 is moved in four directions (front and rear, left and right) along the arrangement plane object 80.

  The library view image positional relationship changing unit 110 has a distance between the position of the library view cursor image object 84 on the arrangement plane object 80 and the position of the target image (in the present embodiment, the group image object 78) within a predetermined range. The library view cursor image object 84 so that the distance from the viewpoint 76 to the target image (in this embodiment, the group image object 78) is shorter than the distance from the viewpoint 76 to the library view cursor image object 84. And the relative positional relationship between the target image (in this embodiment, the group image object 78) are changed.

  Specifically, the library view image positional relationship changing unit 110, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the representative point of the group image object 78 (group image object representative point 184) on the arrangement plane object 80. When the center of the library view cursor image object 84 (library view cursor image object center 188) is arranged in a circular region (influence region 186) with a predetermined radius R centered at the center, a group image object 78 is formed. Each photographic image object 74 is changed in distance from the arrangement plane object 80 by a predetermined distance h (for example, each photographic image object 74 is separated from the arrangement plane object 80). FIG. 19A is an example of a diagram illustrating a state where the library view cursor image object center 188 is not arranged in the influence area 186. FIG. 19B is an example of a diagram illustrating a state in which the library view cursor image object center 188 is arranged in the influence area 186. In this way, the group image object 78 selected by the library view cursor image object 84 is identified and displayed. In the present embodiment, the center portion of the library view cursor image object 84 is hidden by the group image object 78 pointed to by the library view cursor image object 84, but the photo image object 74 pointed to by the library view cursor image object 84 is the placement plane object. By floating from above 80, the user can recognize the group image object 78 pointed to by the library view cursor image object 84.

  Note that the library view cursor image object 84 may be larger than the group image object 78, as illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B.

  The library view image positional relationship changing unit 110 may determine the distance h for separating the photographic image object 74 from the arrangement plane object 80 based on the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the arrangement plane object 80 ( FIG. 20). Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the library view image positional relationship changing unit 110 moves the photo image object 74 to the placement plane object as the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80 increases. The distance h at which the photographic image object 74 is separated from the placement plane object 80 may be determined so that the distance h from the distance 80 is shortened. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the distance h that separates the photographic image object 74 from the arrangement plane object 80 and the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the arrangement plane object 80.

  The radius R described above corresponds to the size of the group image object 78 and the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the arrangement plane object 80, for example. More specifically, for example, the radius R is proportional to the product of the radius of the area on the placement plane object 80 occupied by the group image object 78 and the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80.

  As described above, when the group image object 78 is separated from the arrangement plane object 80 (that is, when the group image object 78 is pointed by the library view cursor image object 84), the operation signal receiving unit 102 When an operation signal indicating that a predetermined button (for example, the right button 58R) is pressed is received, the view switching unit 104 generates a tile view space 92 and is indicated by the library view cursor image object 84. The viewpoint 76 may be set at a position where the photographic image object 74 belonging to the group corresponding to the image object 78 is displayed on the upper side of the monitor 26. Then, the view switching unit 104 may display a tile view screen 90 on the monitor 26 that shows the viewing direction from the viewpoint 76.

  As described above, when the group image object 78 is separated from the arrangement plane object 80 (that is, the group image object 78 is identified and displayed), the library view cursor image moving unit 108 performs the library view cursor image object. The library view cursor image object 84 may be moved closer to the group image object 78 according to the distance between the center 188 and the group image object representative point 184.

  Here, an example of the flow of the movement process of the library view cursor image object 84 when the group image object 78 is separated from the arrangement plane object 80 will be described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG.

  First, the operation signal receiving unit 102 receives an operation signal for the controller 42 (S301). Then, the library view cursor image moving unit 108 calculates the operation signal movement amount vector v1 (x1, y1) based on the digital value indicated by the operation signal (S302). FIG. 22 shows an example of the operation signal movement vector v1 (x1, y1). Then, the library view cursor image moving unit 108 acquires the distance between the library view cursor image object center 188 and the group image object representative point 184 (S303). Then, based on the distance acquired in the process exemplified in S303, the attractive force movement vector v2 (x2, y2) is calculated (S304). FIG. 22 shows an example of the attractive force movement vector v2 (x2, y2). Here, the attractive force movement vector v2 (x2, y2) is, for example, the direction from the library view cursor image object center 188 to the group image object representative point 184, and has a large size corresponding to the distance acquired in the process illustrated in S303. It is a vector. Here, for example, the norm of the attractive force movement vector v2 (x2, y2) increases as the distance acquired in the process illustrated in S303 decreases. Note that the magnitude of the attractive force movement vector v2 (x2, y2) may correspond to (for example, inversely proportional to) the radius R (the radius of the influence region 186) described above.

  Then, the library view cursor image moving unit 108 calculates the total movement amount vector v3 (x3, y3) (S305). For example, the library view cursor image moving unit 108 calculates the total movement amount vector v3 (x3, y3) according to, for example, a mathematical formula of v3 (x3, y3) = v1 (x1, y1) + v2 (x2, y2). FIG. 22 shows an example of the total movement amount vector v3 (x3, y3). Then, the library view cursor image moving unit 108 moves the library view cursor image object 84 along the arrangement plane object 80 by the total movement amount vector v3 (x3, y3) (S306).

  As described above, the library view cursor image moving unit 108 causes the library view cursor image object 84 to approach the group image object 78, thereby facilitating selection of the group image object 78 using the library view cursor image object 84.

  The library view viewpoint moving unit 112 receives an operation signal (for example, an operation signal indicating that the right operation stick 56 has been operated) received by the operation signal receiving unit 102 when the library view screen 70 is displayed on the monitor 26. Accordingly, the position of the viewpoint 76 in the library view space 72 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement plane object 80. As described above, in this embodiment, the library view viewpoint moving unit 112 changes the distance between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80. That is, the library view viewpoint moving unit 112 changes the size of the area displayed on the screen of the monitor 26. In the present embodiment, the library view viewpoint moving unit 112 also determines the viewpoint 76 in the library view space 72 when the position where the library view cursor image object 84 is displayed in the monitor 26 exceeds a predetermined range. Is moved along the arrangement plane object 80.

  The library view identification degree changing unit 114 changes the degree of identification of the display element in accordance with the change in the size of the area displayed on the screen of the monitor 26. Specifically, for example, the library view identification degree changing unit 114 responds to a change in the distance between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80 and displays the object of the display element (for example, each photo constituting the group image object 78). The distance of the image object 74) from the arrangement plane object 80 is changed. More specifically, for example, when the library view viewpoint moving unit 112 moves the position of the viewpoint 76 as described above, the library view identification degree changing unit 114 sets the moved viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80. The arrangement of the photographic image objects 74 constituting the group image object 78 so that the photographic image objects 74 constituting the group image object 78 are separated from the arrangement plane object 80 by a distance corresponding to the distance H between The distance from the plane object 80 is changed.

  Note that the library view identification degree changing unit 114 determines the transparency and brightness of the library view cursor image object 84 (for example, the library view cursor image object 84 based on the distance H between the moved viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80). The display mode such as the intensity of light applied to the light source may be changed. Specifically, for example, the transparency and brightness of the library view cursor image object 84 may be increased as the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80 is shorter. More specifically, for example, the transparency and brightness of the library view cursor image object 84 may be proportional to the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80.

  The tile view space generation display unit 116 generates a tile view space 92 illustrated in FIG. 7 and displays the tile view screen 90 on the monitor 26. As described above, in the present embodiment, the tile view space generation display unit 116 includes the tile view target image arrangement unit 150 and the tile view identification display unit 152.

  The tile view target image placement unit 150 places at least one target image (for example, a photographic image object 74) on the placement plane object 80 in the tile view space 92. As described above, the tile view target image arrangement unit 150 includes the tile view image acquisition unit 154, the tile view image classification unit 156, and the tile view image arrangement unit 158.

  Similar to the library view image acquisition unit 132, the tile view image acquisition unit 154 acquires a plurality of images (for example, photographic images) stored in the image storage unit 100.

  Similar to the library view image classification unit 134, the tile view image classification unit 156 classifies the plurality of images acquired by the tile view image acquisition unit 154 into one or a plurality of groups associated with ranks. In the present embodiment, specifically, the tile view image classification unit 156 classifies into groups based on attributes associated with each photo image, such as a shooting date.

  The tile view image arrangement unit 158 displays a target image object (in this embodiment, a photographic image object 74) in which a target image (for example, a photographic image) belonging to the group is pasted on the arrangement plane object 80 for each group. Align and arrange. A character string indicating the name of the group may be arranged on the arrangement plane object 80 in the vicinity of the arranged photographic image objects 74.

  The tile view identification display unit 152 identifies and displays at least one of a plurality of display elements (for example, the photographic image object 74 in this embodiment) displayed on the monitor 26. As described above, in the present embodiment, the tile view identification display unit 152 includes the tile view cursor image arrangement unit 160 and the tile view space display unit 162.

  The tile view cursor image arrangement unit 160 identifies a tile view cursor image object 94 indicating at least one of the photographic image objects 74 and a position corresponding to the displayed photographic image object 74 (for example, the photographic image object 74). And the arrangement plane object 80). At this time, for example, the tile view cursor image placement unit 160 arranges the tiles so that the center of gravity of the photographic image object 74 and the center of gravity of the tile view cursor image object 94 are aligned on a straight line perpendicular to the placement plane object 80. A view cursor image object 94 may be arranged. In the present embodiment, the tile view cursor image object 94 is larger in size than the photo image object 74.

  The tile view space display unit 162 displays an image representing at least a part of an area where a plurality of display elements (in this embodiment, for example, a photographic image object 74) are arranged on the monitor 26.

  The tile view cursor image moving unit 118 receives an operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit 102 when the tile view screen 90 is displayed on the monitor 26 (for example, an operation signal indicating that the left operation stick 54 has been operated). Accordingly, the tile view cursor image object 94 in the tile view space 92 is moved to a position between the adjacent photographic image object 74 and the arrangement plane object 80 in the front, rear, left and right directions. In this way, the photographic image object 74 pointed to by the tile view cursor image object 94 changes.

  The tile view image positional relationship changing unit 120 changes the distance from the arrangement plane object 80 of the photographic image object 74 pointed to by the tile view cursor image object 94. Specifically, the tile view image positional relationship changing unit 120 changes the distance from the arrangement plane object 80 of the photographic image object 74 pointed to by the tile view cursor image object 94, for example. More specifically, for example, the tile view image positional relationship changing unit 120 specifically separates, for example, the photographic image object 74 indicated by the tile view cursor image object 94 from the arrangement plane object 80. At this time, the tile view image positional relationship changing unit 120 may determine the distance by which the photographic image object 74 is separated from the arrangement plane object 80 based on the distance between the viewpoint 76 and the arrangement plane object 80. Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the tile view image positional relationship change unit 120 moves the photographic image object 74 away from the placement plane object 80 as the distance between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80 increases. You may shorten the distance to make. The relationship between the distance between the objects and the distance from the viewpoint to the object may be common or different between the library view space 72 and the tile view space 92.

  The tile view viewpoint moving unit 122 receives an operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit 102 when the tile view screen 90 is displayed on the monitor 26 (for example, an operation signal indicating that the right operation stick 56 has been operated, In response to an operation signal indicating that the button 58R has been operated, the position of the viewpoint 76 in the tile view space 92 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement plane object 80. Thus, in the present embodiment, the tile view viewpoint moving unit 122 changes the distance between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80 according to the operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit 102. That is, the library view viewpoint moving unit 112 changes the size of the area displayed on the screen of the monitor 26 according to the operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit 102. In the present embodiment, the tile view viewpoint moving unit 122 also displays the viewpoint 76 in the tile view space 92 when the position where the tile view cursor image object 94 is displayed in the monitor 26 exceeds a predetermined range. Is moved along the arrangement plane object 80.

  When the tile view viewpoint moving unit 122 moves the position of the viewpoint 76 in the tile view space 92 closer to the placement plane object 80, the photographic image object 74 pointed to by the tile view cursor image object 94 is tiled. The position of the viewpoint 76 in the tile view space 92 may be moved along the arrangement plane object 80 so as to be displayed at the center of the view screen 90.

  The tile view identification degree changing unit 124 changes the degree of identification of the display element in accordance with the change in the size of the area displayed on the screen of the monitor 26. Specifically, for example, as described above, when the tile view viewpoint moving unit 122 moves the position of the viewpoint 76, the tile view identification degree changing unit 124 determines that the moved viewpoint 76, the placement plane object 80, The arrangement planes of the photographic image objects 74 constituting the group image object 78 so that the photographic image objects 74 constituting the photographic image object 74 are separated from the arrangement plane object 80 by a distance corresponding to the distance H between The distance from the object 80 is changed.

  Note that the tile view identification degree changing unit 124 determines the transparency and luminance (for example, the library view cursor image object 84) of the tile view cursor image object 94 based on the distance H between the moved viewpoint 76 and the arrangement plane object 80. The display mode such as the intensity of light applied to the light source may be changed. Specifically, for example, the transparency and brightness of the tile view cursor image object 94 may be increased as the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80 is shorter. More specifically, for example, the transparency and brightness of the library view cursor image object 84 may be proportional to the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6B, when the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80 is short (that is, when a small number of photographic image objects 74 are displayed on the tile view screen 90), FIG. The tile view cursor is more than the case where the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the arrangement plane object 80 is long as illustrated in FIG. 6 (that is, when many photographic image objects 74 are displayed on the tile view screen 90). The separation distance of the photographic image object 74 pointed to by the image object 94 from the arrangement plane object 80 is short. Further, when the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the arrangement plane object 80 is short, the transparency and luminance of the tile view cursor image object 94 are higher than when the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the arrangement plane object 80 is long. It is low. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, when the distance between the photographic image object 74 and the arrangement plane object 80 is short, the operation signal receiving unit 102 has pressed a predetermined button (for example, the right button 58R). Is received, the tile view identification degree changing unit 124 enlarges and displays the photographic image mapped to the photographic image object 74 pointed to by the tile view cursor image object 94 on the monitor 26. You may make it display.

  In this way, the photographic image object 74 pointed to by the tile view cursor image object 94 can be presented to the user in a display mode suitable for the distance H between the viewpoint 76 and the placement plane object 80. In the present embodiment, when the tile view viewpoint moving unit 122 brings the position of the viewpoint 76 in the tile view space 92 closer to the placement plane object 80, the photo pointed by the tile view cursor image object 94 is used. Since the position of the viewpoint 76 in the tile view space 92 is moved along the arrangement plane object 80 so that the image object 74 is displayed at the center of the tile view screen 90, the position of the viewpoint 76 approaches the arrangement plane object 80. When the distance h that separates the photo image object 74 from the placement plane object 80 is shortened and the transparency and brightness values of the tile view cursor image object 94 are reduced, the user is directed to the photo that is pointed to The image object 74 can be easily recognized.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, the entertainment system 10 converts each photo image object 74 constituting the group image object 78 pointed to by the library view cursor image object 84 in the library view space 72 in accordance with an operation signal received from the user. You may make it copy in space. In addition, the entertainment system 10 may sequentially display the photographic image objects 74 arranged in the playlist space as a slide show on the monitor 26 in accordance with an operation signal received from the user.

  Further, for example, the present invention may be applied to an entertainment system 10 that operates as an image display device that displays a planar shape in a two-dimensional coordinate system on the monitor 26.

It is a hardware block diagram which shows an example of the hardware configuration of the entertainment system used as an image display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a detailed block diagram which shows an example of the detail of MPU. It is a perspective view which shows an example of a controller. It is an upper side view showing an example of a controller. It is a figure which shows an example of the library view screen which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the whole image of the library view space which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the tile view screen which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the tile view screen which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the whole image of the tile view space which concerns on this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the function of the image display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the function of the image display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the function of the image display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the function of the image display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the process performed with the image display apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a group image object arrangement | positioning reference line. It is a figure which shows an example of a group image arrangement | positioning area | region. It is a figure which shows another example of a group image arrangement | positioning area | region. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the process performed with the image display apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between an order | rank and a display element arrangement | positioning area | region size. It is a figure which shows an example of a display element arrangement | positioning area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the determination method of a fall start reference point. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the determination method of a fall start reference point. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the determination method of a representative image arrangement | positioning candidate area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the determination method of a representative image. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode that the library view cursor image object center is not arrange | positioned in the influence area | region. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode that the library view cursor image object center is arrange | positioned in the influence area | region. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the distance which separates a photography image object from an arrangement plane object, and the distance between a viewpoint and an arrangement plane object. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the process performed with the image display apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation signal movement amount vector, the attractive force movement amount vector, and the total movement amount vector.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Entertainment System, 11 MPU, 12 Main Processor, 14a-14h Sub-Processor, 16 Bus, 18 Memory Controller, 20 Main Memory, 22, 40, 44 Interface, 24 Image Processing Unit, 26 Monitor, 28 Input / Output Processing Unit, 30 Audio processing unit, 32 speaker, 34 optical disk reading unit, 36 optical disk, 38 hard disk, 42 controller, 42a surface, 46 camera unit, 48 network interface, 50L first left button, 50R first right button, 52L second Left button, 52R Second right button, 54 Left operation stick, 56 Right operation stick, 58 button group, 58L Left button, 58R Right button, 58U Up button, 58D Down button, 60 direction button Group, 60L left button, 60R right button, 60U up button, 60D down button, 62 controller cable, 70 library view screen, 72 library view space, 74 photo image object, 74a selected photo image object, 76 viewpoints, 78 group image object, 78a selected group image object, 80 arrangement plane object, 82 representative image object, 84 library view cursor image object, 86 group image object arrangement reference line, 88 representative image arrangement area, 90 tile view screen, 92 tile view Space, 94 tile view cursor image object, 100 image storage unit, 102 operation signal reception unit, 104 view switching unit, 106 library view space generation display , 108 Library view cursor image moving unit, 110 Library view image positional relationship changing unit, 112 Library view viewpoint moving unit, 114 Library view identification degree changing unit, 116 Tile view space generation display unit, 118 Tile view cursor image moving unit, 120 Tile view image positional relationship changing unit, 122 Tile view viewpoint moving unit, 124 Tile view identification degree changing unit, 126 Library view target image arranging unit, 128 Library view cursor image arranging unit, 130 Library view space displaying unit, 132 Library view image Acquisition unit, 134 library view image classification unit, 136 library view group image arrangement unit, 138 library view representative image arrangement region determination unit, 140 library view representative image arrangement unit, 1 2 group image arrangement area determination section, 144 display element acquisition section, 146 display element arrangement area determination section, 148 display element arrangement section, 150 tile view target image arrangement section, 152 tile view identification display section, 154 tile view image acquisition section, 156 tile view image classification unit, 158 tile view image arrangement unit, 160 tile view cursor image arrangement unit, 162 tile view space display unit, 164 start point, 166 group image arrangement region, 168 arrangement reference point, 170 display element arrangement region, 172 Drop start reference point, 174 Drop start point, 176 Grid area, 178 Representative image arrangement candidate area, 180 Representative image arrangement area representative point, 182 Representative image selection area, 184 Group image object representative point, 186 Influence area, 188 Library view cursor Image object center.

Claims (11)

Image acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of images;
Image classification means for classifying the plurality of images into one or a plurality of groups associated with ranks;
A group in which group images corresponding to each group are arranged in accordance with the order of the groups along a group image arrangement reference line that is a curve including a portion directed to the lower right and a portion directed to the lower left provided in the display area Image placement means;
Based on at least one of the position of the group image arrangement reference line or the position where the group image is arranged, a representative image arrangement area which is an area within the display area and where the group image is not arranged Representative image arrangement region position determining means for determining the position;
The representative image layout area determined, representative image arrangement unit that arranges the image belonging to one of said group corresponding to the range of the group image layout reference line corresponding to the representative image layout area as a representative image When,
Display means for displaying at least a part of the display area on a screen;
An image display device comprising: The representative image placement unit represents the image belonging to one of the groups corresponding to a range on the group image placement reference line determined based on a distance from a representative point in the representative image placement area. Place as
The image display apparatus according to claim 1 . The representative image arrangement means arranges the images belonging to any one of the plurality of groups having consecutive ranks as a representative image;
The image display apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The representative image arrangement means arranges the image selected based on a random number as a representative image;
The image display apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that. The representative image is switched every predetermined time.
The image display apparatus according to claim 1, any one of 4, characterized in that. The image classification means classifies the image into one or more groups based on attributes associated with the images;
The image display apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that. A plurality of the representative image arrangement areas exist in the display area;
The image display apparatus according to any one of the six claim 1, characterized in that. The representative image arrangement unit is different from the image arranged in each of the representative image arrangement areas in which the distance from the representative point in the representative image arrangement area is within a predetermined range. An image is arranged as a representative image in the representative image arrangement area.
The image display device according to claim 7 . An image acquisition unit included in the image display device acquires an image, and an image acquisition step;
An image classification step in which the image classification means included in the image display device classifies the plurality of images into one or a plurality of groups associated with ranks;
Group image arrangement means included in the image display device corresponds to each group along a group image arrangement reference line, which is a curve including a portion toward the lower right and a portion toward the lower left, provided in the display area. A group image placement step for placing group images to be arranged according to the order of the groups;
The representative image arrangement area position determining means included in the image display device is an area in the display area based on at least one of the position of the group image arrangement reference line or the position where the group image is arranged. A representative image arrangement region position determining step for determining a position of a representative image arrangement region which is an area where the group image is not arranged;
The representative image arrangement means included in the image display device includes any one of the groups corresponding to the range on the group image arrangement reference line corresponding to the representative image arrangement area in the determined representative image arrangement area. A representative image arrangement step of arranging the image to which the image belongs as a representative image;
A display step in which the display means included in the image display device displays at least a part of the display area on a screen;
An image display method comprising: Image acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of images;
Image classification means for classifying the plurality of images into one or a plurality of groups associated with ranks;
A group in which group images corresponding to each group are arranged in accordance with the order of the groups along a group image arrangement reference line that is a curve including a portion directed to the lower right and a portion directed to the lower left provided in the display area Image placement means,
Based on at least one of the position of the group image arrangement reference line or the position where the group image is arranged, a representative image arrangement area which is an area within the display area and where the group image is not arranged Representative image arrangement region position determining means for determining the position;
The representative image layout area determined, representative image arrangement unit that arranges the image belonging to one of said group corresponding to the range of the group image layout reference line corresponding to the representative image layout area as a representative image ,
Display means for displaying at least a part of the display area on a screen;
A program characterized by causing a computer to function. A computer-readable information storage medium storing the program according to claim 10 .

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