U.S. patent application number 11/649853 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for method, apparatus and program for image selection.
Invention is credited to Masamitsu Hashimoto, Takeshi Katayama, Hiroyuki Niwano.
Application Number | 20070121009 11/649853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31972450 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070121009 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Katayama; Takeshi ; et
al. |
May 31, 2007 |
Method, apparatus and program for image selection
Abstract
An operation for selecting a desired one of images can be
simplified. Still image data sets are sequentially read from a
recording medium according to order of file names and displayed on
a TV. Upon display, the still image data sets are in a
non-selection state. If an instruction is not input from a remote
controller within a predetermined time since the display of one of
the still image data sets, the still image data set being displayed
is set to a selection state and the following still image data set
having the file name that comes next is displayed. If an
instruction is input from the remote controller for display of the
following still image data set within the predetermined time, the
still image data set being displayed is left in the non-selection
state, and the following still image data set is displayed.
Inventors: |
Katayama; Takeshi;
(Kanagawa-ken, JP) ; Hashimoto; Masamitsu;
(Miyagi-ken, JP) ; Niwano; Hiroyuki; (Miyagi-ken,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
31972450 |
Appl. No.: |
11/649853 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10648353 |
Aug 27, 2003 |
7180551 |
|
|
11649853 |
Jan 5, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/553 ;
348/552; 386/E5.064 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/765 20130101;
H04N 1/00132 20130101; H04N 5/775 20130101; H04N 1/00297 20130101;
H04N 1/00161 20130101; H04N 5/85 20130101; H04N 1/00384 20130101;
H04N 1/00283 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/553 ;
348/552 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/44 20060101
H04N005/44; H04N 7/00 20060101 H04N007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 27, 2002 |
JP |
2002-246989 |
Claims
1. An image selection method for instructing selection or
non-selection regarding a plurality of images, the image selection
method comprising the steps of: attaching selection status
information to one of the images for representing a selection or
non-selection state thereof in the case where an instruction for
selecting or not selecting the image is input during display of the
image in the course of sequential display of the images in
predetermined order, and displaying an immediately following one of
the images.
2. An image selection method as defined in claim 1, further
comprising the step of outputting a sound corresponding to the
selection status information to be attached.
3. An image selection apparatus for instructing selection or
non-selection regarding a plurality of images, the image selection
apparatus comprising: input means for inputting an instruction
regarding selection of an image; and selection means for attaching
selection status information to one of the images for representing
a selection or non-selection state thereof in the case where an
instruction for selecting or not selecting the image is input
during display of the image in the course of sequential display of
the images in predetermined order, and for displaying an
immediately following one of the images.
4. An image selection apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the
selection means is also means for outputting a sound corresponding
to the selection status information to be attached.
5. A program for causing a computer to execute an image selection
method for instructing selection or non-selection regarding a
plurality of images, the program comprising the steps of: attaching
selection status information to one of the images for representing
a selection or non-selection state thereof in the case where an
instruction for selecting or not selecting the image is input
during display of the image in the course of sequential display of
the images in predetermined order, and displaying an immediately
following one of the images.
6. A program as defined in claim 5, further comprising the step of
outputting a sound corresponding to the selection status
information to be attached.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an image selection method
and an image selection apparatus for carrying out selection from
images displayed on a monitor such as a TV set. The present
invention also relates to a program for causing a computer to
execute the image selection method.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] With use of a DVD player, a movie recorded in a DVD can be
reproduced on a household TV set, and music recorded in a CD can be
reproduced. By using a DVD player, displaying still image data
representing still images recorded in a recording medium such as a
DVD or a CD is also becoming a reality. Therefore, if image data
obtained by a digital camera or by reading a photographic film are
recorded in a recording medium, a user can appreciate images he/she
photographed with his/her friends and family by displaying the
images on a household TV set.
[0005] A DVD player having a function of a Web browser used for
connection to the Internet has also been provided. In the case
where a DVD player has the function of a Web browser, a user can
surf the Internet by using a TV set. Furthermore, the user can
access a Web site of a DPE store that provides a printing service
using image data, and can receive a network printing service such
as printing, album generation, and storage regarding still image
data he/she obtained.
[0006] Meanwhile, since a recording medium can record a plurality
of still image data sets, a user needs to select a portion of the
still image data sets to be reproduced or used for a service in the
case where the user wishes to request the service such as printing.
Therefore, thumbnail images represented by the still image data
sets are generated and displayed as a catalog on a TV set, and the
user selects and determines the images by using Left, Right, Up,
and Down keys of a remote control of a DVD player.
[0007] However, image display using a DVD player is often carried
out in a comparatively relaxed state, unlike the case of using a
personal computer. Therefore, image selection by repetitively
pressing small keys on a remote control is troublesome.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention has been conceived based on
consideration of the above circumstances. An object of the present
invention is therefore to enable easy image selection.
[0009] A first image selection method of the present invention is a
method of instructing selection or non-selection regarding a
plurality of images, and the first image selection method comprises
the steps of:
[0010] displaying selection status information representing a
selection or non-selection state of each of the images being
attached thereto when the images are sequentially displayed in
predetermined order;
[0011] displaying one of the images without changing the selection
status information of an immediately preceding one of the images in
the case where a display instruction thereof has been input within
a predetermined time after display of the immediately preceding
image, and
[0012] displaying the image while changing the selection status
information of the immediately preceding image in the case where
the display instruction has not been input within the predetermined
time.
[0013] A second image selection method of the present invention is
a method of instructing selection or non-selection regarding a
plurality of images, and the second image selection method
comprises the steps of:
[0014] displaying selection status information representing
selection or non-selection of each of the images being attached
thereto when the images are sequentially displayed in predetermined
order;
[0015] displaying one of the images while changing the selection
status information of an immediately preceding one of the images in
the case where a display instruction thereof has been input within
a predetermined time after display of the immediately preceding
image, and
[0016] displaying the image without changing the selection status
information of the immediately preceding image in the case where
the display instruction thereof has not been input within the
predetermined time.
[0017] The predetermined order refers to ascending or descending
order of file names, or ascending or descending order of
photography date, for example.
[0018] The selection status information refers to information
indicating whether or not an image has been selected. In the first
and second image selection methods, the selection status
information is attached to the images at the time of display
thereof. For example, an icon comprising a circle or an X is
attached to the image and displayed together, for respectively
indicating that the image has been selected or has not been
selected. It is preferable for the selection status information to
be described in tag information of image data corresponding to the
image.
[0019] Changing the selection status information refers to changing
the selection status information that represent non-selection to
represent selection, and to changing the selection status
information that represent selection to represent
non-selection.
[0020] In the first and second image selection methods of the
present invention, how the selection status information is
displayed may be changed before the selection status information is
actually changed.
[0021] Changing how the selection status information is displayed
refers to a change for causing a user who carries out image
selection instruction to understand the fact that the selection
status information is going to be changed. For example, the
selection status information may blink or a color thereof may be
changed.
[0022] In the first and second image selection methods of the
present invention, a sound may be output for notifying the user of
the fact that the selection status information has been
changed.
[0023] A third image selection method of the present invention is a
method of instructing selection or non-selection regarding a
plurality of images, and the third image selection method comprises
the steps of:
[0024] attaching selection status information to one of the images
for representing a selection or non-selection state thereof in the
case where an instruction for selecting or not selecting the image
is input during display of the image in the course of sequential
display of the images in predetermined order, and displaying an
immediately following one of the images.
[0025] In the third image selection method, a sound corresponding
to the selection status information to be attached may be
output.
[0026] A first image selection apparatus of the present invention
is an apparatus for instructing selection or non-selection
regarding a plurality of images, and the first image selection
apparatus comprises:
[0027] an input means for inputting a display instruction regarding
an image; and
[0028] selection means for displaying selection status information
representing a selection or non-selection state of each of the
images being attached thereto when the images are sequentially
displayed in predetermined order,
[0029] displaying one of the images without changing the selection
status information of an immediately preceding one of the images in
the case where the display instruction thereof has been input
within a predetermined time after display of the immediately
preceding image, and
[0030] displaying the image while changing the selection status
information of the immediately preceding image in the case where
the display instruction thereof has not been input within the
predetermined time.
[0031] A second image selection apparatus of the present invention
is an apparatus for instructing selection or non-selection
regarding a plurality of images, and the second image selection
apparatus comprises:
[0032] an input means for inputting a display instruction regarding
an image; and
[0033] selection means for displaying selection status information
representing a selection or non-selection state of each of the
images being attached thereto when the images are sequentially
displayed in predetermined order,
[0034] displaying one of the images while changing the selection
status information of an immediately preceding one of the images in
the case where the display instruction thereof has been input
within a predetermined time after display of the immediately
preceding image, and
[0035] displaying the image without changing the selection status
information of the immediately preceding image in the case where
the display instruction thereof has not been input within the
predetermined time.
[0036] In the first image selection apparatus and the and second
image selection apparatus of the present invention, the selection
means may also be means for changing how the selection status
information is displayed before changing the selection status
information.
[0037] In the first image selection apparatus and the second image
selection apparatus of the present invention, the selection means
may also be means for outputting a sound notifying the fact that
the selection status information has been changed.
[0038] A third image selection apparatus of the present invention
is an apparatus for instructing selection or non-selection
regarding a plurality of images, and the third image selection
apparatus comprises:
[0039] an input means for inputting an instruction regarding
selection of an image; and
[0040] selection means for attaching selection status information
to one of the images for representing a selection or non-selection
state thereof in the case where an instruction for selecting or not
selecting the image is input during display of the image in the
course of sequential display of the images in predetermined order,
and for displaying an immediately following one of the images.
[0041] In the third image selection apparatus, the selection means
may also be means for outputting a sound corresponding to the
selection status information to be attached.
[0042] The first to third image selection methods of the present
invention may be provided as programs for causing a computer to
execute the methods.
[0043] According to the first image selection method and the first
image selection apparatus of the present invention, the images are
sequentially displayed in the predetermined order, and the
selection status information representing selection or
non-selection of the respective images is attached to the
corresponding images. In the case where the instruction to display
one of the images is input within the predetermined time after the
immediately preceding image is displayed, the image is displayed
without a change of the selection status information of the
immediately preceding image. In the case where the display
instruction is not input within the predetermined time, the image
is displayed and the selection status information of the
immediately preceding image is changed.
[0044] According to the second image selection method and the
second image selection apparatus of the present invention, the
images are sequentially displayed in the predetermined order, and
the selection status information representing selection or
non-selection of the respective images is attached to the
corresponding images. In the case where the instruction to display
one of the images is input within the predetermined time after the
immediately preceding image is displayed, the image is displayed
and the selection status information of the immediately preceding
image is changed. In the case where the display instruction is not
input within the predetermined time, the image is displayed without
a change of the selection status information of the immediately
preceding image.
[0045] In this manner, the selection status information is changed
if a user who carries out image selection inputs the display
instruction or waits for the predetermined time. Therefore, the
user can instruct selection or non-selection of the images with
only a few operations, and the user is less burdened at the time of
image selection.
[0046] By changing how the selection status information is
displayed before changing the selection status information, the
user can easily understand that the selection status information is
going to be changed regarding the image being displayed.
[0047] By outputting the sound at the time of selection status
information change, the user can easily understand that the
selection status information has been changed regarding the image
being displayed.
[0048] According to the third image selection method and the third
image selection apparatus of the present invention, the images are
sequentially displayed in the predetermined order. At the time of
display, if the instruction for selecting or not selecting one of
the images is input during the display of the image, the selection
status information representing selection or non-selection of the
image is attached to the image and the immediately following image
is displayed.
[0049] Therefore, if a user who carries out image selection only
instructs selection or non-selection of the image being displayed,
the selection status information is attached thereto and the
immediately following image is displayed. In this manner, the user
can instruct selection or non-selection with only a few operations
and the user is less burdened at the time of image selection.
[0050] By outputting the sound corresponding to the selection
status information, the user can easily understand that the image
being displayed has been selected or has not been selected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a DVD
player adopting an image selection apparatus of a first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing procedures carried out at the
time of still image data selection in the first embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 3 shows still image data displayed on a TV set (part
1);
[0054] FIG. 4 shows the still image data displayed on the TV set
(part 2);
[0055] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing procedures carried out at the
time of still image data selection in a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0056] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing procedures carried out at the
time of still image data selection in a third embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0057] FIG. 7 shows the still image data displayed on the TV set
(part 3).
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a
block diagram showing a configuration of a DVD player as an image
selection apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a DVD player 1 in the first embodiment
comprises a media drive 11, a decoder 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, a
reception unit 16, a TV terminal 17, an input/output terminal 18,
image selection means 21, and a CPU 19. The media drive 11 receives
insertion of a recording medium M, and reads still image data sets,
moving image data sets, audio data sets, and the like recorded in
the recording medium M. The decoder 12 decodes the still image data
sets, the moving image data sets, and the audio data sets. The ROM
13 stores a program and various information for reproducing the
still image data sets, the moving image data sets, and the audio
data sets. The RAM 14 temporarily stores the data and is used as a
work area. The reception unit 16 receives an instruction from a
remote control 15. The TV terminal 17 is used for connection to a
TV set 3 (hereinafter referred to as the TV 3). The input/output
terminal 18 is used for connecting an external apparatus 31 such as
a memory card reader, a hard disc, a printer, or a communication
interface, and adopts a standard such as USB or IEEE therefor. The
image selection means 21 selects still image data sets S0 as will
be explained later. The CPU 19 controls the media drive 11, the
decoder 12, the ROM 13, the RAM 14, the reception unit 16, the TV
terminal 17, the input/output terminal 18, and the image selection
means 21.
[0059] A personal computer 4 records the still image data sets S0
obtained by a digital camera 5 in the recording medium M.
[0060] The still image data sets S0, the moving image data sets,
and the audio data sets to be recorded in the recording medium M
are compressed according to a format such as JPEG or MPEG. The
decoder 12 decompresses the still image data sets S0, the moving
image data sets, and the audio data sets recorded in a compressed
state in the recording medium M, and inputs the data to the TV
terminal 17 for reproduction thereof. The decoder 12 may be
installed for each type of the data such as the still image data
sets S0, the moving image data sets, and the audio data sets.
However, for miniaturization and cost reduction of the apparatus,
the decoder 12 is preferably used in common, for the still image
data sets S0, the moving image data sets, and the audio data sets.
During reproduction of the moving image data sets, images and
sounds need to be decoded separately. Therefore, it is preferable
for the decoders 12 for the images and the decoder 12 for the
sounds to be used separately.
[0061] The ROM 13 stores an operation program for the DVD player 1.
The operation program causes the CPU 19 to carry out data
reproduction, and a user can control the operation of the DVD
player by using the remote control 15.
[0062] Upon data reproduction instruction, a screen for prompting
the user to select the data to be reproduced is displayed on the TV
3, and the media drive 11, the decoder 12, and the CPU 19 are
driven by the program so as to reproduce the data selected by the
user with use of the remote control 15.
[0063] For example, in the case where the user inserts the
recording medium M having the moving image data sets in the media
drive 11 and instructs reproduction of the moving image data sets,
the media drive 11 reads the moving image data sets from the
recording medium M, and the decoder 12 decodes the moving image
data sets. The decoded moving image data sets are output from the
TV terminal 17 to be reproduced on the TV 3.
[0064] In the case where the user inserts the recording medium M
having the still image data sets S0 in the media drive 11 and
instructs reproduction, the media drive 11 reads the still image
data sets recorded in the recording medium M, and the decoder 12
decodes the still image data sets S0. The decoded still image data
sets S0 are output from the TV terminal 17 and displayed on the TV
3 as still images. In the case where a plurality of the still image
data sets are recorded in the recording medium M, thumbnail images
of the still image data sets S0 are displayed and the still image
data set S0 corresponding to a selected one of the thumbnail image
is reproduced.
[0065] In the case where the user inserts the recording medium M
having the audio data sets in the media drive 11 and instructs
reproduction of the audio data sets, the media drive 11 reads the
audio data sets recorded in the recording medium M, and the decoder
12 decodes the audio data sets. The decoded audio data sets are
output from the TV terminal 17, and a sound is reproduced on the TV
3. The input/output terminal 18 may be connected to a stereo system
or a loudspeaker so that the stereo system or the loudspeaker can
reproduce the sound.
[0066] The ROM 13 stores a Web browser. The user can control the
Web browser by an instruction from the remote control 15 so as to
connect to the Internet 32 via the communication interface 31
connected to the input/output terminal 18. The user can access a
Web site 33 run by a DPE store, and can request a network printing
service with the Web site 33 for printing the still image data sets
S0, for generating a photograph album using the still image data
sets, and for storing the still image data sets.
[0067] Instead of the ROM 13, a dedicated IC chip may be used for
data reproduction and connection to the Internet 32.
[0068] The RAM 14 is used for temporary data storage and as a work
area.
[0069] The remote control 15 has Up, Down, Left, and Right, keys
15A to 15D and a Determine key 15E. When the user presses any one
of the keys, a signal representing an instruction corresponding to
the key is sent to the reception unit 16.
[0070] The reception unit 16 receives the signal representing the
instruction input by the user with use of the remote control 15,
and inputs to the CPU 19 the instruction for driving the DVD player
1 according to the instruction. The remote control 15 enables all
operations of the DVD player 1, such as reproduction of the still
image data sets S0, the moving image data sets, and the audio data
sets, and image selection as well as various settings, as will be
explained later.
[0071] The image selection means 21 selects a desired portion of
the still image data sets S0 recorded in the recording medium M.
Hereinafter, procedures carried out at the time of selection from
the still image data sets S0 will be explained. FIG. 2 is a flow
chart showing the procedures carried out by the first embodiment at
the time of selection from the still image data sets S0. The
recording medium M having the still image data sets S0 is inserted
in the media drive 11, and a screen for instructing selection and
reproduction of the still image data sets S0 is being displayed on
the TV 3.
[0072] In the instruction screen, whether or not a still image data
selection instruction has been input is judged first (Step S1). If
a result at Step S1 is negative, processing corresponding to an
instruction selected in the selection screen is carried out (Step
S2) to end the procedures. If the result at Step S1 is affirmative,
the still image data set S0 having the file name that comes first
in the recording medium M is read from the recording medium M (Step
S3), and decoded by the decoder 12 (Step S4) to be output from the
TV terminal 17 for display on the TV 3 (Step S5).
[0073] FIG. 3 shows how the still image data set S0 is displayed on
the TV 3. As shown in FIG. 3, an icon 7A including an X (X) is
displayed on the TV 3 in the lower right corner of the still image
represented by the still image data set S0. The icon 7A represents
the fact that the still image data set S0 being displayed is in a
non-selected state.
[0074] When the still image is displayed on the TV 3, a timer is
started (Step S6) to judge whether or not a first predetermined
time (such as 2.5 seconds) has elapsed since display of the still
image data set S0 (Step S7).
[0075] If a result at Step S7 is negative, whether or not an
instruction for ending the operation has been input is then judged
(Step S8). If a result at Step S8 is affirmative, the procedures
end. If the result at Step S8 is negative, whether or not the Right
key 15D has been pressed is judged (Step S9) for display of an
immediately following one of the images. If a result at Step S9 is
negative, the process returns to Step S7. If the result at Step S9
is affirmative, the still image data set S0 having the file name
that comes immediately after the still image data set S0 being
displayed is read from the recording medium M (Step S10). The
process then returns to Step S4 and the procedures from Step S4 are
carried out to display the following still image data set S0 on the
TV 3. In the case where the still image data set S0 whose file name
comes last is being displayed, the following image data set S0
refers to the still image data set S0 having the file name that
comes first.
[0076] If the result at Step S7 is affirmative, the icon 7A blinks
(Step S11). Whether or not a second predetermined time (such as 3
seconds) has elapsed after the first predetermined time is then
judged (Step S12). If a result at Step s12 is negative, the process
goes to Step S8 and the procedures from Step S8 are carried out. If
the result at Step S12 is affirmative, the icon 7A having the cross
is changed to an icon 7B having a circle (.largecircle.), as shown
by FIG. 4, to indicate that the current still image data set S0 has
been selected (Step S13). An audio message notifying the fact that
the still image data set S0 being displayed has been selected is
output (Step S14). The process then goes to Step S10, and the
procedures from Step S10 are carried out for display of the
following still image data set S0 on the TV 3.
[0077] As has been described above, according to the first
embodiment, when one of the still image data sets S0 is displayed
on the TV 3 for selection from the still image data sets S0, the
following still image data set S0 is displayed if the Right key 15D
is pressed for not selecting the still image data set S0 being
displayed. In the case where the still image data set being
displayed is selected, the still image data set is selected by
waiting for the second predetermined time, and the following still
image data set S0 is then displayed. Therefore, the user who
carries out selection from the still image data sets S0 can
instruct selection or non-selection regarding the still image data
sets S0 with only a few operations therefor. Consequently, a burden
on the user can be reduced at the time of selection.
[0078] Furthermore, since the icon 7A blinks before the still image
data set S0 is changed to a selection state, the user can easily
understand that the still image data set S0 being displayed is
going to be selected.
[0079] Moreover, since the audio message is output at the time of
selection of the still image data set S0 being displayed, the user
can easily understand the fact that the current still image data
set S0 has been selected.
[0080] In the first embodiment described above, the icon 7A having
the X is displayed together with the still image data set S0, for
indicating that the still image data set S0 being displayed is in
the state of non-selection. However, the still image data set S0
may be displayed together with the icon 7B having the circle for
indicating that the still image data set S0 being displayed is in
the selected state. In this case, the icon 7B having the circle is
changed to the icon 7A having the X at Step S13, and the still
image data set S0 is changed to be in the non-selected state.
[0081] A second embodiment of the present invention will be
explained next. In the second embodiment and a third embodiment
that will be explained later, the same elements as in the first
embodiment have the same reference numbers, and detailed
explanations thereof will be omitted. FIG. 5 is a flow chart
showing procedures carried out in the second embodiment. Whether or
not the still image data selection instruction has been input in
the instruction screen is judged first (Step S21). If a result at
Step S21 is negative, processing corresponding to the instruction
that was input in the instruction screen is carried out (Step S22)
to end the operation. If the result at Step S21 is affirmative, the
still image data set S0 having the file name that comes first is
read from the recording medium M by the media drive 11 (Step S23),
and decoded by the decoder 12 (Step S24). The still image data set
S0 is then output from the TV terminal 17 and displayed on the TV 3
(Step S25).
[0082] When the still image data set S0 is displayed on the TV 3,
the timer is activated (Step S26), and whether or not the first
predetermined time (such as 2.5 seconds) has elapsed since display
of the still image data set S0 is then judged (Step S27).
[0083] If a result at Step S17 is negative, whether or not the
instruction for ending the operation has been input is judged (Step
S28). If a result at Step S28 is affirmative, the operation ends.
If the result at Step S28 is negative, whether or not the Right key
15D for displaying the following still image data set S0 has been
pressed is judged (Step S29). If a result at Step S29 is negative,
the process returns to Step S27. If the result at Step S29 is
affirmative, the icon 7A having the X is changed to the icon 7B
having the circle for indicating that the still image data set S0
being displayed has been selected (Step S30). The audio message for
notifying that the still image data set S0 has been selected is
output (Step S31), and the following still image data set S0 whose
file name comes next to the file name of the current still image
data set S0 is read from the recording medium M (Step S32). The
process then returns to Step S24 and the procedures from Step S24
are carried out for display of the following still image data set
S0 on the TV 3. In the case where the still image data set S0 whose
file name comes last is being displayed, the following still image
data set S0 refers to the still image data set S0 having the file
name that comes first.
[0084] If the result at Step S27 is affirmative, the icon 7A blinks
(Step S33), and whether or not the second predetermined time (such
as 3 seconds) has elapsed after the first predetermined time is
judged (Step S34). If a result at Step S34 is negative, the process
returns to Step S28 and the procedures from Step S28 are carried
out. If the result at Step S34 is affirmative, the process returns
to Step S32 and the procedures from Step S32 are carried out for
display of the following still image data set S0 on the TV 3.
[0085] As has been described above, in the second embodiment, when
one of the still image data sets S0 is displayed on the TV 3 at the
time of selection from the still image data sets S0, the still
image data set S0 being displayed is selected if the Right key 15D
is pressed during the display thereof, and the following still
image data set S0 is then displayed. In the case where the current
still image data set S0 is not selected, the following still image
data set S0 is displayed after the second predetermined time has
elapsed with no operation. Therefore, a user who carries out
selection from the still image data sets S0 can instruct selection
or non-selection of the still image data sets with only a few
operations. Consequently, the user is less burdened at the time of
selection.
[0086] In the first and second embodiments described above, the
still image data set S0 having the file name that comes immediately
before the file name of the current still image data set S0 can be
displayed by pressing the Left key 15C. At this time, the still
image data set S0 has already been attached with the icon 7A or 7B
representing the selected or non-selected state thereof. In this
state, by pressing the Up or Down key 15A or 15B, selection or
non-selection of the still image data set S0 can be changed from
one to the other.
[0087] The third embodiment of the present invention will be
explained next. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing procedures carried
out in the third embodiment. Whether or not the still image data
selection instruction has been input in the instruction screen is
judged first (Step S41). If a result at Step S41 is negative, the
processing corresponding to the instruction that was input in the
instruction screen is carried out (Step S42) to end the operation.
If the result at Step S41 is affirmative, the still image data set
S0 having the file name that comes first is read from the recording
medium M by the media drive 11 (Step S43), and decoded by the
decoder 12 (Step S44). The still image data set S0 is then output
from the TV terminal 17 to be displayed on the TV 3 (Step S45).
[0088] FIG. 7 shows an image represented by the still image data
set S0 displayed on the TV 3. As shown in FIG. 7, an icon 7C having
a question mark (?) is displayed in the lower right corner of the
still image. The icon 7C represents the fact that selection or
non-selection of the current still image data set S0 has not been
instructed. Whether or not the Right key 15D has been pressed is
then judged (Step S46). If a result at Step S46 is affirmative,
information representing non-selection of the current still image
data set S0 is attached to the current still image data set S0
(Step S47), and an audio message indicating non-selection is also
output (Step S48). The information representing non-selection is
described in tag information of the still image data set S0.
[0089] The still image data set S0 having the file name that comes
immediately after the file name of the current still image data set
S0 is read from the recording medium M (Step S49), and the process
returns to Step S44. The procedures from Step S44 are then carried
out, and the following still image data set S0 is displayed on the
TV 3. In the case where the current still image data set S0 has the
file name that comes last, the still image data set S0 whose file
name comes first is displayed as the still image data set S0 having
the file name that comes immediately after the file name of the
current still image data set S0.
[0090] If the result at Step S46 is negative, whether or not the
Determine key 15E has been pressed is then judged (Step S50). If a
result at Step S50 is affirmative, information is attached to the
currently displayed still image data set S0 for representing
selection thereof (Step S51). An audio message indicating the
selection is also output (Step S52). The audio message output at
Step S52 is different from the audio message output at Step S48.
The process then returns to Step S49 for display of the following
still image data set S0, and the procedures from Step S49 are
carried out. The following still image data set S0 is therefore
displayed.
[0091] If the result at Step S50 is negative, whether or not the
instruction for ending the operation has been input is judged (Step
S54). If a result at Step S54 is affirmative, the operation ends.
If the result at Step S54 is negative, the process returns to Step
S46, and the procedures from Step S46 are carried out.
[0092] As has been described above, according to the third
embodiment, when one of the still image data sets S0 is displayed
on the TV 3 at the time of selection from the still image data sets
S0, the following still image data set S0 having the file name that
comes next to the file name of the currently displayed still image
data set S0 is displayed if the Right key 15D is pressed during the
display thereof, for not selecting the current still image data set
S0. In the case where the current still image data set S0 is to be
selected, the current still image data set S0 can be selected by
pressing the Determine key 15E, and the following still image data
set S0 is then displayed. Therefore, a user who carries out
selection from the still image data sets S0 can instruct selection
or non-selection of the still image data sets with only a few
operations. Consequently, the user is less burdened at the time of
selection.
[0093] Moreover, since the audio message is output at the time of
selection of the still image data set S0 being displayed, the user
can easily understand that the still image data set S0 being
displayed is in the selection state.
[0094] In the third embodiment, the still image data set S0 having
the file name that comes immediately before the file name of the
current still image data set S0 can be displayed by pressing the
Left key 15C. At this time, the icon 7A or 7B representing
selection or non-selection, or icon 7C representing that selection
or non-selection has not been instructed is shown together with the
still image data set S0. By pressing the Up or Down key 15A or 15B
in this state, selection or non-selection of the still image data
set S0 can be changed from one to the other.
[0095] In the first to third embodiments described above, the still
image data sets S0 that have been selected are sent from the
communication interface 31 connected to the input/output terminal
18 to the Web site 33 of the DPE store via the Internet 32, and are
used for various kinds of printing services therein.
* * * * *