U.S. patent application number 13/215538 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-15 for image reproduction apparatus capable of simultaneously reproducing plurality of images.
This patent application is currently assigned to CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Akira Miyata, Atsushi SHIBUTANI.
Application Number | 20110304742 13/215538 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32775235 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110304742 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHIBUTANI; Atsushi ; et
al. |
December 15, 2011 |
IMAGE REPRODUCTION APPARATUS CAPABLE OF SIMULTANEOUSLY REPRODUCING
PLURALITY OF IMAGES
Abstract
An image reproduction apparatus includes a flash memory which
adds recording time information to an image and records the image,
and a control unit which classifies images in the memory on the
basis of the added time information, limits the number of
classified images for each date to one, and causes a display unit
to display a calendar image as a list of images.
Inventors: |
SHIBUTANI; Atsushi;
(Tokorozawa-shi, JP) ; Miyata; Akira; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
32775235 |
Appl. No.: |
13/215538 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10772742 |
Feb 4, 2004 |
8026970 |
|
|
13215538 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/222.1 ;
348/E5.024 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 9/8047 20130101;
H04N 9/8205 20130101; H04N 5/765 20130101; H04N 5/907 20130101;
H04N 5/772 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/222.1 ;
348/E05.024 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2003 |
JP |
2003-051276 |
Jun 5, 2003 |
JP |
2003-161104 |
Claims
1. An image reproduction apparatus comprising: a memory configured
to record photographed image data; a display; a classification unit
configured to classify the photographed image data recorded in the
memory into a plurality of groups in accordance with a
predetermined condition; a display control unit configured to
display, on the display for each group, the photographed image data
classified by the classification unit; a group designation unit
configured to designate an arbitrary group of the plurality of
groups displayed on the display by the display control unit; and an
image processing unit configured to execute predetermined image
processing at once for a plurality of photographed image data
included in the group designated by the group designation unit.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the group
designation unit designates a plurality of arbitrary groups of the
plurality of groups, and the image processing unit executes the
predetermined image processing at once for a plurality of
photographed image data included in each of the plurality of groups
designated by the group designation unit.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image
processing designation unit configured to designate a type of image
processing, wherein the image processing unit executes image
processing of the type designated by the image processing
designation unit at once for the plurality of photographed image
data.
4. An image reproduction apparatus comprising: a memory configured
to record photographed image data; a display; a classification unit
configured to classify the photographed image data recorded in the
memory into a plurality of groups in accordance with a
predetermined condition; a first display control unit configured to
display, on the display for each group, the photographed image data
classified by the classification unit; and a second display control
unit configured to limit a type of photographed image data to be
displayed for each group on the display by the first display
control unit.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an image
type designation unit configured to designate the type of
photographed image data, wherein the second display control unit
limits the type of photographed image data to be displayed on the
display on the basis of the type of photographed image data
designated by the image type designation unit.
6. An image reproduction apparatus comprising: a memory configured
to record photographed image data; a display; a classification unit
configured to classify the photographed image data recorded in the
memory into a plurality of groups in accordance with a
predetermined condition; a display control unit configured to
display, on the display for each group as a list, the photographed
image data classified by the classification unit; and an image file
generation unit configured to generate one image file data by using
the image data for the list display, which is displayed on the
display by the display control unit.
7. An image reproduction method comprising: recording photographed
image data; classifying the recorded photographed image data into a
plurality of groups in accordance with a predetermined condition;
displaying, on a display for each group, the classified
photographed image data; designating an arbitrary group of the
plurality of groups displayed on the display; and executing
predetermined image processing at once for a plurality of
photographed image data included in the designated group.
8. An image reproduction method comprising: recording photographed
image data; classifying the recorded photographed image data into a
plurality of groups in accordance with a predetermined condition;
displaying, on a display for each group, the classified
photographed image data; and limiting a type of photographed image
data to be displayed for each group on the display by the
displaying.
9. An image reproduction method comprising: recording photographed
image data; classifying the recorded photographed image data into a
plurality of groups in accordance with a predetermined condition;
displaying, on a display for each group as a list, the classified
photographed image data; and generating one image file data by
using the image data for the list display, which is displayed on
the display.
10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a
program stored thereon which controls an image reproduction
apparatus to perform functions comprising: recording photographed
image data; classifying the recorded photographed image data into a
plurality of groups in accordance with a predetermined condition;
displaying, on a display for each group, the classified
photographed image data; designating an arbitrary group of the
plurality of groups displayed on the display; and executing
predetermined image processing at once for a plurality of
photographed image data included in the designated group.
11. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a
program stored thereon which controls an image reproduction
apparatus to perform functions comprising: recording photographed
image data; classifying the recorded photographed image data into a
plurality of groups in accordance with a predetermined condition;
displaying, on a display for each group, the classified
photographed image data; and limiting a type of photographed image
data to be displayed for each group on the display by the
displaying.
12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a
program stored thereon which controls an image reproduction
apparatus to perform functions comprising: recording photographed
image data; classifying the recorded photographed image data into a
plurality of groups in accordance with a predetermined condition;
displaying, on a display for each group as a list, the classified
photographed image data; and generating one image file data by
using the image data for the list display, which is displayed on
the display.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a Divisional Application of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/772,742, filed Feb. 4, 2004, which is based upon and claims
the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Applications No.
2003-051276, filed Feb. 27, 2003; and No. 2003-161104, filed Jun.
5, 2003, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an image reproduction
apparatus and method which can be used for, e.g., a digital
camera.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Digital cameras capable of acquiring a photographed image as
digital data are widely spreading and replacing cameras that use
silver halide films.
[0006] For digital cameras of this type, a technique has been
proposed in which, in a reproduction mode, a plurality of
photographed image data recorded in a memory are displayed on the
basis of the photographing day data on some date fields selected
from date fields corresponding to a predetermined period (e.g., one
month or one week) set on a calendar window.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to an aspect, an image reproduction apparatus
comprises a memory which records photographed image data and
photographing information of the photographed image data in
association with each other, a display, a first display control
unit which sets a predetermined number of display areas on the
display, a display area selection unit which selects, on the basis
of the photographing information recorded in the memory, a display
area in which the photographed image data recorded in the memory in
association with the photographing information should be displayed
from the predetermined number of display areas set by the first
display control unit, a second display control unit which displays
the photographed image data in the display area selected by the
display area selection unit, and a third display control unit which
limits the number of photographed image data to be simultaneously
displayed in the display area to a predetermined number.
[0008] According to another aspect, an image reproduction apparatus
comprises a memory which records photographed image data, a
display, a classification unit which classifies the photographed
image data recorded in the memory into a plurality of groups in
accordance with a predetermined condition, a first display control
unit which displays, on the display for each group, the
photographed image data classified by the classification unit, a
second display control unit which limits the number of photographed
image data to be displayed in each group to one, and a third
display control unit which sequentially switches the photographed
image data displayed in each group to display, on the display, a
plurality of photographed image data included in the same
group.
[0009] According to still another aspect, an image reproduction
apparatus comprises a memory which records photographed image data,
a display, a classification unit which classifies the photographed
image data recorded in the memory into a plurality of groups in
accordance with a predetermined condition, a display control unit
which displays, on the display for each group, the photographed
image data classified by the classification unit, a group
designation unit which designates an arbitrary group of the
plurality of groups displayed on the display by the display control
unit, and an image processing unit which executes predetermined
image processing at once for a plurality of photographed image data
included in the group designated by the group designation unit.
[0010] According to still another aspect, an image reproduction
apparatus comprises a memory which records photographed image data,
a display, a classification unit which classifies the photographed
image data recorded in the memory into a plurality of groups in
accordance with a predetermined condition, a first display control
unit which displays, on the display for each group, the
photographed image data classified by the classification unit, and
a second display control unit which limits a type of photographed
image data to be displayed for each group on the display by the
first display control unit.
[0011] According to still another aspect, an image reproduction
apparatus comprises a memory which records photographed image data,
a display, a classification unit which classifies the photographed
image data recorded in the memory into a plurality of groups in
accordance with a predetermined condition, a display control unit
which displays, on the display for each group as a list, the
photographed image data classified by the classification unit, and
an image file generation unit which generates one image file data
by using the image data for the list display, which is displayed on
the display by the display control unit.
[0012] According to still another aspect, there is provided an
image reproduction method comprising steps of setting a
predetermined number of display areas on a display window of a
display, selecting, on the basis of photographing information
recorded in a memory, a display area in which photographed image
data recorded in the memory in association with the photographing
information should be displayed from the predetermined number of
display areas, displaying the photographed image data in the
selected display area, and limiting the number of photographed
image data to be simultaneously displayed in the display area to a
predetermined number.
[0013] According to still another aspect, there is provided a
program which causes a computer of an image reproduction apparatus
to execute processing for setting a predetermined number of display
areas on a display window of a display, processing for selecting,
on the basis of photographing information recorded in a memory, a
display area in which photographed image data recorded in the
memory in association with the photographing information should be
displayed from the predetermined number of display areas,
processing for displaying the photographed image data in the
selected display area, and processing for limiting the number of
photographed image data to be simultaneously displayed in the
display area to a predetermined number.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of
a digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present
invention, which is placed on a cradle also serving as a
charger;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit arrangement of
a digital still camera according to the first embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit arrangement in
the cradle according to the first embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing processing contents in a
calendar display image registration mode according to the first
embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a view showing a calendar display image according
to the first embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing processing contents in a
calendar display mode according to the first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing processing contents in a
calendar display mode according to the second embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing processing contents in a
calendar display mode according to the third embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0022] The first embodiment in which the present invention is
applied to a digital still camera will be described below with
reference to the accompanying drawing.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows the outer appearance of a digital still camera
10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
which is placed on a cradle 11 also serving as a charger. When the
digital still camera 10 is placed on the cradle 11 while making the
rear surface facing the front side, the internal battery can be
charged. In addition, when the cradle 11 is connected to, e.g., a
personal computer through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable (not
shown), image data can be transmitted/received.
[0024] The digital still camera 10 is formed from a housing having
a metal case with a size of, e.g., a cigarette package. A power key
12 and shutter key 13 are arranged on the upper surface.
[0025] The rear surface of the digital still camera 10 has a mode
key 14, optical viewfinder 15, focus indicator 16, electronic flash
indicator 17, display unit 18, zoom key 19, menu (MENU) key 20,
ring key 21, set (SET) key 22, and display (DISP) key 23.
[0026] The power key 12 powers on/off the digital still camera
10.
[0027] When the shutter key 13 is operated in a photographing mode,
image photographing is executed.
[0028] The mode key 14 is a key switch which switches between a
photographing mode (REC) and a reproduction mode (PLAY) as basic
modes by a sliding operation.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the mode key 14 is set on the
reproduction mode side.
[0030] The optical viewfinder 15 is used to optically visually
recognize the field of an object image.
[0031] The focus indicator 16 is arranged near the optical
viewfinder 15 to indicate by turning on, e.g., a red LED that a
focus lock state is set when the user is looking at an object
through the optical viewfinder 15.
[0032] The electronic flash indicator 17 is arranged near the
optical viewfinder 15 to indicate by turning on, e.g., a green LED
that the charging of the electronic flash is ended when the user is
looking at an object through the optical viewfinder 15.
[0033] The display unit 18 is constituted by a color TFT liquid
crystal panel with a backlight, which has a diagonal size of, e.g.,
about 2 inches. In the photographing mode, an image to be
photographed at that time is displayed on the monitor. In the
reproduction mode, an image is displayed, which is selectively read
out from a flash memory (to be described later) serving as a
recording medium of the digital still camera 10. Alternatively,
calendar display is done when the digital still camera is placed on
the cradle 11.
[0034] The zoom key 19 changes the focal length of the
photographing lens to the telephoto (T) side or wide-angle (W) side
without steps in the photographing mode.
[0035] The menu key 20 displays various mode settings as menu items
on the display unit 18.
[0036] The ring key 21 changes items displayed on the display unit
18 in the vertical and horizontal directions in accordance with the
operation position of the ring-shaped operation key. A selected
menu item is selectively set by the set (SET) key 22 located at the
center of the ring key 21.
[0037] The display (DISP) key 23 switches ON/OFF of display on the
display unit 18 and also switches the display form on the display
unit 18.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the cradle 11 has a "PHOTO" key 24, USB
key 25, charge (CHARGE) indicator 26, and USB indicator 27.
Although not illustrated, the cradle 11 also has a USB connector
terminal at the placing position of the digital still camera
10.
[0039] When the digital still camera 10 is placed on the cradle 11,
and the AC cable of the cradle 11 is connected to the wall outlet
in home, the rechargeable battery in the digital still camera 10
can be charged. During charging, the charge indicator 26 is turned
on.
[0040] When the "PHOTO" key 24 is operated, image data recorded in
the digital still camera 10 is displayed on the display unit 18 so
that the digital still camera 10 and cradle 11 can be used as an
electronic photo frame.
[0041] In addition, when the cradle 11 on which the digital still
camera 10 is placed is connected to an information device such as a
personal computer (not shown) through a USB cable, and the USB key
25 is operated, image data can easily be transferred between the
digital still camera 10 and the information device. During image
data transfer, the USB indicator 27 is kept on.
[0042] The circuit arrangement in the digital still camera 10 will
be described next with reference to FIG. 2.
[0043] The in-focus position or stop position of a lens optical
system 32 including a photographing lens is moved by driving a
motor (M) 31. In a monitoring state in the photographing mode, a
CCD 33 serving as an image sensing element arranged on the rear
side of the photographing optical axis of the lens optical system
32 is scanned and driven by a timing generator (TG) 34 and vertical
driver 35. The CCD 33 outputs one frame of a photoelectric
conversion output corresponding to an optical image formed at a
predetermined period.
[0044] The photoelectric conversion output in a state of a signal
having an analog value is appropriately gain-adjusted for each
primary color component of RGB. The signal is sampled and held by a
sample-and-hold (S/H) circuit 36 and converted into digital data by
an A/D converter 37. Color processes including pixel interpolation
processing and .gamma. correction processing are executed by a
color process circuit 38. Accordingly, a luminance signal Y and
color difference signals Cb and Cr, which have digital values, are
generated and output to a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller
39.
[0045] The DMA controller 39 temporarily writes the luminance
signal Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the
color process circuit 38 in the internal buffer of the DMA
controller 39 by using a composite sync signal, memory write enable
signal, and clock signal which are also output from the color
process circuit 38. Then, the DMA controller 39 DMA-transfers,
through a DRAM (I/F) interface 40, the signals Y, Cb, and Cr to a
DRAM 41 used as a buffer memory.
[0046] A control unit 42 is constituted by a CPU, a ROM which
permanently stores an operation program to be executed by the CPU,
including calendar display processing (to be described later), and
a RAM which is used as a work memory. The control unit 42 controls
the entire digital still camera 10. When DMA transfer of the
luminance and color difference signals to the DRAM 41 is ended, the
luminance and color difference signals are read out from the DRAM
41 through the DRAM interface 40 and written in a VRAM 44 through a
VRAM controller 43.
[0047] A digital video encoder 45 periodically reads out the
luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 44 through the
VRAM controller 43. On the basis of these data, the digital video
encoder 45 generates a video signal and outputs it to the display
unit 18.
[0048] The display unit 18 functions as a monitor display section
(electronic viewfinder) in the photographing mode, as described
above. The display unit 18 executes display on the basis of the
video signal from the digital video encoder 45, thereby displaying
in real time an image based on image information received from the
VRAM controller 43 at that time.
[0049] An image at that time is displayed on the display unit 18 in
real time. In this state, when the shutter key 13 that constitutes
a key input unit 46 is operated at a timing for still image
photographing, a trigger signal is generated.
[0050] In response to the trigger signal, the control unit 42
immediately stops the path from the CCD 33 to the DRAM 41 after the
end of DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals
of one frame that is received from the CCD 33 at that time so that
a transition to a recording/storage state occurs.
[0051] In the recording/storage state, the control unit 42 reads
out the luminance and color difference signals of one frame, which
are written in the DRAM 41, through the DRAM interface 40 in a unit
called a basic block of 8.times.8 pixels for each component Y, Cb,
and Cr and writes the signals in a JPEG (Joint Photograph coding
Experts Group) circuit 47. The JPEG circuit 47 compresses the data
by ADCT (Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform) and Huffman coding as
an entropy encoding method.
[0052] The resultant code data is read out from the JPEG circuit 47
as one image data file and written in a flash memory 48 as a
nonvolatile memory, which is embedded in a memory card detachably
attached as a recording medium of the digital still camera 10.
[0053] For the image data file written in the flash memory 48, for
example, a file name such as "03033112340001.jpg", which has a
predetermined number of digits including a date and time obtained
from a timepiece section (not shown) and a serial number, is
automatically added and recorded at the time of operating the
shutter key 13.
[0054] The file name "03033112340001.jpg" indicates that the image
data is the "0001"st still image data obtained at "(20)03" (year),
"03" (month), "31" (day), "12" (hour), "34" (minute) and compressed
by JPEG.
[0055] The flash memory 48 may be incorporated in the digital still
camera 10 independently of a detachable memory card. Alternatively,
both a memory card and an internal memory may be used.
[0056] When the compression processing of the luminance and color
difference signals of one frame and the write of the entire
compressed data in the flash memory 48 are ended, the control unit
42 activates again the path from the CCD 33 to the DRAM 41.
[0057] A USB interface (I/F) 49 is also connected to the control
unit 42. The USB interface 49 executes communication control in
transmitting/receiving image data and the like to/from an external
information device such as a personal computer that is connected by
cable through a USB connector 50.
[0058] When the digital still camera 10 is placed on the cradle 11,
as shown in FIG. 1, the USB interface 49 executes communication
control in transmitting/receiving image data and the like to/from
an external information device such as a personal computer that is
connected by a USB cable (not shown) through the cradle 11.
[0059] The key input unit 46 has, in addition to the
above-described shutter key 13, the power key 12, mode key 14, zoom
key 19, menu key 20, ring key 21, set key 22, and display key 23. A
signal by the operation on each key is directly sent to the control
unit 42.
[0060] In photographing not a still image but a moving image, the
above-described still image data recording in the DRAM 41 is
executed continuously along the time axis while the shutter key 13
of the key input unit 46 is being operated. When the operation of
the shutter key 13 is ended, or a predetermined limit time, e.g.,
30 sec has elapsed, the series of still image data are
data-compressed by the JPEG circuit 47. Then, a moving image data
file of motion JPEG, which contains the series of data-compressed
still image data, is generated and recorded in the flash memory
48.
[0061] In the reproduction mode, the control unit 42 selectively
reads out image data recorded in the flash memory 48 and causes the
JPEG circuit 47 to expand the compressed image data in accordance
with procedures reverse to those of data compressed in the
photographing mode. The expanded image data is held in the DRAM 41
through the DRAM interface 40. The contents held in the DRAM 41 are
stored in the VRAM 44 through the VRAM controller 43. The image
data is periodically read out from the VRAM 44 to generate a video
signal which is reproduced and output on the display unit 18.
[0062] When the selected image data is not a still image but a
moving image, reproduction of individual still image data that
constitute the file of the selected moving image data is executed
continuously along the time axis. When reproduction of all still
image data is ended, reproduction and display are executed by using
only still image data that is located at the start of the moving
image data until the next reproduction instruction is issued.
[0063] FIG. 3 shows the circuit arrangement in the cradle 11. The
cradle 11 is constituted by connecting a USB interface (I/F) 52,
charge control unit 53, key input unit 54, and indicator unit 55 to
a control unit 51 that controls the entire cradle 11.
[0064] The USB interface 52 controls transfer of image data and the
like, which is transmitted/received between an information device
such as a personal computer (not shown) externally connected
through a USB cable 56 and the digital still camera 10 connected to
a USB connector 57.
[0065] The charge control unit 53 rectifies an AC power supply
obtained when an AC plug 59 is connected to a home wall outlet (not
shown) through an AC code 58, transforms the power supply to a DC
power supply having a necessary voltage, and supplies the DC power
to the circuits in the cradle 11. The charge control unit 53 also
supplies the DC power for charging to the digital still camera 10
placed on the cradle 11 through the power line of the USB connector
57.
[0066] The key input unit 54 is formed from the "PHOTO" key 24 and
USB key 25. These key inputs are directly input to the control unit
51.
[0067] The indicator unit 55 is formed from the charge indicator 26
and USB indicator 27, which are turned on to emit light on the
basis of a control signal from the control unit 51.
[0068] The operation of the above embodiment will be described
next.
[0069] FIG. 4 shows processing contents mainly of the control unit
42, which are executed when the digital still camera 10 is placed
on the cradle 11, as shown in FIG. 1, and a calendar display image
registration mode in the reproduction mode as the basic mode is
set.
[0070] At the start of processing, it is determined whether there
is at least one image that is user-registered in advance in
correspondence with each date of the current month obtained from
the timepiece section (not shown) (step A01). This determination is
done by, e.g., determining whether at least one image data file
name corresponding to each date of the current month is
user-registered in management data stored in the control unit 42 in
advance.
[0071] If NO in step A01, a calendar image is reproduced and
displayed on the display unit 18, in which image data having a file
name corresponding to each date is inserted in the corresponding
date field on the calendar of the current month (step A02).
[0072] In this case, if there is no image data having a file name
corresponding to the date, only the numerical value of the date is
displayed in the date field. Conversely, if there is one or a
plurality of image data having file names corresponding to the
date, an image having the earliest time information, i.e., an image
that is located at the first position on the time axis is selected
as the representative image of the date and read out from the flash
memory 48. A simple image having a size corresponding to the size
of the date field is created, inserted in the calendar image, and
displayed.
[0073] FIG. 5 shows a calendar image displayed on the display unit
18 in the above-described way. In the month, image data
corresponding to days "5", "10", "23", and "27" are recorded in the
flash memory 48. These image data are read out to create and
display the calendar image.
[0074] When it is determined in step A01 that at least one image
data file name is user-registered in correspondence with each date
of the current month, a calendar image is reproduced and displayed
on the display unit 18, in which the user-registered image data or,
if there is no user-registered image data, image data having a file
name corresponding to that date is inserted in each date field on
the calendar of the current month (step A03).
[0075] In this case, if there is no image data having a file name
corresponding to the date, only the numerical value of the date is
displayed in the date field.
[0076] Conversely, if there is one or a plurality of image data
having file names corresponding to the date, image data that is
user-registered is preferentially selected as the representative
image. If there is no user-registered image data, an image having
the earliest time information, i.e., an image that is located at
the first position on the time axis is selected as the
representative image of the date and read out from the flash memory
48. A simple image having a size corresponding to the size of the
date field is created, inserted in the calendar image, and
displayed.
[0077] In the state wherein the calendar image corresponding to the
presence/absence of user-registered image data is displayed in step
A02 or A03, it is determined whether any one of the dates in the
calendar image is designated (step A04). If NO in step A04, the
flow returns to step A01. By repeating this processing, a standby
state is set until any one of the dates in the calendar image is
designated.
[0078] As for the designation of a date in the calendar image, for
example, the current date position in the calendar image on the
display unit 18 is displayed with a frame having a specific color
and, for example, a red frame to discriminate it from the remaining
dates. The frame display position is appropriately moved as the
ring key 21 is operated vertically and horizontally. When the set
key 22 is operated, the date displayed with the frame at that time
is designated.
[0079] When any one of the dates in the calendar image is
designated, this is determined in step A04. All image data having
file names corresponding to that date are read out from the flash
memory 48. Simple images are created by reducing the sizes of the
respective images and displayed in multi-windows in place of the
calendar image so that the images can be displayed on the display
unit 18 as a list (step A05).
[0080] In the state wherein the image data corresponding to the
same date are displayed in multi-windows, a standby state is set
until one of the image data is designated (step A06).
[0081] Even in this case, as for the designation of image data in
the multi-window display mode, for example, the image located at
the first position of the multi-window display on the display unit
18 is displayed with a frame having a specific color and, for
example, a red frame to discriminate it from the remaining images.
The frame display position is appropriately moved as the ring key
21 is operated vertically and horizontally. When the set key 22 is
operated, the image displayed with the frame at that time is
designated.
[0082] When an image in the multi-windows is designated, this is
determined in step A06. The designated image is defined as an image
that represents the designated date. The file name of the
designated image is stored in the management data in the control
unit 42 in correspondence with the designated date (step A07). User
registration for one date is thus ended. To execute user
registration for another date, the flow returns to step A01.
[0083] As described above, the information of the date and time in
recording is automatically set as the file name of image data. On
the basis of the file name, a calendar image is displayed as a list
of image data for which the number of image data for each date is
limited to, e.g., only one.
[0084] Accordingly, the photographing date of an image can easily
visually be recognized from the contents and position of the image
data in the calendar display.
[0085] As compared to a case wherein the number of images displayed
for each date is not limited, more date fields can simultaneously
be displayed as a list. Alternatively, the display size of an image
displayed in each date field can be increased. Hence, the
visibility of calendar display can greatly be increased. This
effect is especially large when the calendar is displayed on a
display section with a small screen size.
[0086] In steps A02 and A03, image data recorded in the flash
memory 48 is read out. A simple image is created by reducing the
image data in accordance with the size of each date field of the
calendar. The simple image is inserted into the calendar image and
displayed. When the data of a thumbnail image recorded in
association with original image data, which is defined by JPEG, is
used for calendar image display, the amount of data necessary for
image processing for calendar image display can be smaller. Hence,
the time required for calendar image display can be shortened.
[0087] In correspondence with this, in this embodiment, the file
name of image data recorded in the flash memory 48 for each date of
the month is stored as management data stored in the control unit
42 as user registration is executed. Instead of the original image
data, the file name of the above-described thumbnail image, which
is recorded in association with the image data, may be stored.
[0088] The data amount of the thumbnail image is much smaller than
that of the original image. Hence, not the file name but the
thumbnail image data itself may be stored in correspondence with
the management data and date.
[0089] Instead of storing the management data for user registration
in the control unit 42, specific flag information may simply be
additionally set for only user-registered image data recorded in
the flash memory 48. In displaying the calendar image, the
presence/absence of additional setting of the specific flag
information may be determined.
[0090] Alternatively, management data may be created in advance,
which registers, for all dates, the file name or thumbnail image of
image data that is located at the first position on the time axis
in a plurality of image data corresponding to each date. When user
registration is executed, the management data of a corresponding
date may be updated.
[0091] The file name of image data contains the information of the
photographing date and time. However, the information of the
photographing date and time may be embedded in a specific area of
an image file or recorded in association with an image file.
[0092] Another operation of the above embodiment will be described
next.
[0093] FIG. 6 shows processing contents mainly of the control unit
42, which are executed when the digital still camera 10 is placed
on the cradle 11, as shown in FIG. 1, and the calendar display mode
in the reproduction mode as the basic mode is set.
[0094] At the start of processing, it is determined whether there
is at least one image that is user-registered in advance in
correspondence with each date of the current month (step B01). This
determination is done by, e.g., determining whether at least one
image data file name corresponding to each date of the current
month is user-registered in management data stored in the control
unit 42 in advance.
[0095] If NO in step B01, a calendar image is reproduced and
displayed on the display unit 18, in which image data having a file
name corresponding to each date is inserted in the corresponding
date field on the calendar of the current month (step B02).
[0096] In this case, if there is no image data having a file name
corresponding to the date, only the numerical value of the date is
displayed in the date field. Conversely, if there is one or a
plurality of image data having file names corresponding to the
date, an image having the earliest time information, i.e., an image
that is located at the first position on the time axis is selected
as the representative image of the date and read out from the flash
memory 48. A simple image having a size corresponding to the size
of the date field is created, inserted in the calendar image, and
displayed.
[0097] When it is determined in step B01 that at least one image
data file name is user-registered in correspondence with each date
of the month, a calendar image is reproduced and displayed on the
display unit 18, in which the user-registered image data or, if
there is no user-registered image data, image data having a file
name corresponding to that date is inserted in each date field on
the calendar of the current month (step B03).
[0098] In this case, if there is no image data having a file name
corresponding to the date, only the numerical value of the date is
displayed in the date field.
[0099] Conversely, if there is one or a plurality of image data
having file names corresponding to the date, image data that is
user-registered is preferentially selected as the representative
image. If there is no user-registered image data, an image having
the earliest time information, i.e., an image that is located at
the first position on the time axis is selected as the
representative image of the date and read out from the flash memory
48. A simple image having a size corresponding to the size of the
date field is created, inserted in the calendar image, and
displayed.
[0100] In the state wherein the calendar image corresponding to the
presence/absence of user-registered image data is displayed in step
B02 or B03, it is determined whether display of "slide show" (to be
described later) is selected and instructed by operating the menu
key 20, ring key 21, and set key 22 (step B04).
[0101] The "slide show" function sequentially circularly switches
the image to be displayed every predetermined time, e.g., every 5
[sec] when a plurality of images correspond to each date field of
the calendar image.
[0102] Only when it is determined in step B04 that display of
"slide show" is selected and instructed, the above-described "slide
show" function of switching the display image on each date field of
the calendar image every predetermined time is executed (step
B05).
[0103] In such a calendar image display state, it is determined
whether any one of the dates in the calendar image is designated
(step B06). If NO in step B06, the flow returns to step B04. By
repeating this processing, a standby state is set until any one of
the dates in the calendar image is designated while keeping the
calendar image displayed.
[0104] As for the designation of a date in the calendar image, for
example, the current date position in the calendar image on the
display unit 18 is displayed with a frame having a specific color
and, for example, a red frame to discriminate it from the remaining
dates. The frame display position is appropriately moved as the
ring key 21 is operated vertically and horizontally. When the set
key 22 is operated, the date displayed with the frame at that time
is designated.
[0105] When any one of the dates in the calendar image is
designated, this is determined in step B06. The image in the
designated date field is highlighted by, e.g., making its size
slightly larger than the images in the remaining date fields (step
B07). It is repeatedly determined whether an operation for
instructing display of the image in the date field is performed
(step B08), whether an operation for instructing deletion of the
image is executed (step B09), or whether an operation for
instructing protection of the image is executed (step B10). A
standby state is set until any one of the instructions is
issued.
[0106] More specifically, the determination in step B08 is done on
the basis of, e.g., the presence/absence of the further operation
of the set key 22. When it is determined that the set key 22 is
further operated, and the operation for instructing display of the
image in the date field is executed, all image data having file
names corresponding to that date are read out from the flash memory
48. Simple images are created by reducing the sizes of the
respective images and displayed in multi-windows in place of the
calendar image so that the images can be displayed on the display
unit 18 as a list (step B11).
[0107] In the state wherein the image data corresponding to the
same date are displayed in multi-windows, a standby state is set
until one of the image data is selected (step B12).
[0108] In this case, as for the selection of image data in the
multi-window display mode, for example, the image located at the
first position of the multi-window display on the display unit 18
is displayed with a frame having a specific color and, for example,
a red frame to discriminate it from the remaining images. The frame
display position is appropriately moved as the ring key 21 is
operated vertically and horizontally. When the set key 22 is
operated, the image displayed with the frame at that time is
selected.
[0109] When an image in the multi-windows is selected, this is
determined in step B12. The selected image is displayed in the full
window of the display unit 18 in place of the multi-window display
mode (step B13). The processing shown in FIG. 6 is temporarily
ended. The full window display of the selected image data on the
display unit 18 is continued.
[0110] In step B09, more specifically, in a state wherein a
specific date is designated, the menu key 20 is operated to display
a menu item "delete". When this menu item is selected by operating
the ring key 21, and the set key 22 is operated subsequently, it is
determined that the operation for instructing deletion is executed.
If it is determined that this operation is executed, and it is
confirmed that the image data having the file names corresponding
to the designated date have no protection designation (to be
described later), all the image data are erased from the flash
memory 48 at once (step B14).
[0111] In this case, in fully erasing the image data, instead of
immediately executing the erase operation after the deletion
operation, a guide message such as
[0112] "Will you erase all images of selected date?
[0113] YES/NO"
is displayed on the display unit 18. The cursor is displayed on
"NO". When the cursor is moved to "YES" by operating the left key
of the ring key 21, and the set key 22 is executed after that, it
is newly determined that erase of the image data should be
executed. With this operation, one excess operation step is added
to the erase of image data to prevent any erase error.
[0114] After the full erase of the image data corresponding to the
designated date is executed, the flow returns to the processing in
step B01.
[0115] In step B10, more specifically, in a state wherein a
specific date is designated, the menu key 20 is operated to display
a menu item "protect". When this menu item is selected by operating
the ring key 21, and the set key 22 is operated subsequently, it is
determined that the operation for designating protection is
executed. If it is determined that this operation is executed,
batch processing is executed to additionally set, for all image
data having file names corresponding to the designated date,
protection designation information on the flash memory 48 (step
B15).
[0116] After the full erase of the image data corresponding to the
designated date is executed, the flow returns to the processing in
step B01.
[0117] As described above, when the "slide show" function is
selected, image data sequentially automatically switched and
displayed one by one in each date field of the calendar image as if
it were automatic slide display. Hence, the user of the digital
still camera 10 can visually recognize all the contents of image
data corresponding to each date without executing any operation in
the calendar image display state. In addition, the digital still
camera 10 and cradle 11 can be used as an interior that executes
dynamic display using original images.
[0118] That is, as compared to a case wherein the number of images
displayed for each date is not limited, more date fields can
simultaneously be displayed as a list. Alternatively, the display
size of an image displayed in each date field can be increased. In
addition to the above-described effects, all the contents of a
plurality of image data corresponding to each date can be confirmed
in the list display state.
[0119] Furthermore, a date for which batch processing should be
executed can be designated (selected) on the calendar. Editing
processing such as deletion or protection designation can be
executed at once for a plurality of image data corresponding to the
designated date. For this reason, the editing operation for
recorded images can be simplified.
[0120] A display key, deletion key, and protection key may be
arranged such that the above-described display operation, deletion
operation, and protection operation in steps B08 through B10 can be
executed by one key operation.
[0121] With the above arrangement, batch processing for image data
corresponding to a date designated on the calendar can be executed
more easily.
Second Embodiment
[0122] The second embodiment in which the present invention is
applied to a digital still camera will be described below with
reference to the accompanying drawing.
[0123] The outer appearance of a digital still camera according to
the second embodiment of the present invention, which is placed on
a cradle serving as a charger, the circuit arrangement of the
digital still camera, and the circuit arrangement in the cradle are
basically the same as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3,
respectively. The same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3
denote the same parts in the second embodiment, and an illustration
and description thereof will be omitted.
[0124] The operation of this embodiment will be described next.
[0125] FIG. 7 shows processing contents mainly of a control unit
42, which are executed when a digital still camera 10 is placed on
the cradle 11, as shown in FIG. 1, and a calendar display mode in
the reproduction mode as the basic mode is set.
[0126] At the start of processing, a calendar image is reproduced
and displayed on a display unit 18 on the basis of image data
recorded in a flash memory 48, in which image data having a file
name corresponding to each date is inserted in the corresponding
date field on the calendar of the current month (step C01).
[0127] In this case, if there is no image data having a file name
corresponding to the date, only the numerical value of the date is
displayed in the date field. Conversely, if there is one or a
plurality of image data having file names corresponding to the
date, an image having the earliest time information, i.e., an image
that is located at the first position on the time axis is selected
as the representative image of the date and read out from the flash
memory 48. A simple image having a size corresponding to the size
of the date field is created, inserted in the calendar image, and
displayed.
[0128] In the calendar image display state, it is repeatedly
determined whether an operation for limiting image data to be
displayed is executed (step C02) or whether any one of the dates in
the calendar image is designated (step C03), thereby setting a
standby state until one of these operations is executed.
[0129] In step C02, more specifically, for example, a menu key 20
is operated to display a menu item "limit display image". When this
menu item is selected by operating a ring key 21, and a set key 22
is operated subsequently, it is determined that the instruction
operation is executed. If it is determined that this operation is
executed, and the type of images that are permitted to display on
the calendar image is selected (step C04).
[0130] For example, image data having protection setting, image
data which are already designated for printing and have DPOF
(Digital Print Order Format) information, image data of still
images having a data file extension ".jpg", image data of moving
images having a data file extension ".avi" or ".mpg", and image
data having different resolutions including high-resolution images
are displayed as a menu in advance. The user can arbitrarily select
and set the type of images.
[0131] When the type of images that are permitted to display is set
in step C04, image data recorded in the flash memory 48 are
searched again on the basis of the selected and set contents. A
calendar image is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 18,
in which image data having a file name corresponding to each date
and the image type permitted to display is inserted in the
corresponding date field on the calendar of the current month (step
C05).
[0132] Even in this case, if there is at least one image data
having file names corresponding to the date and selected and set
type, an image having the earliest time information, i.e., an image
that is located at the first position on the time axis is selected
as the representative image of the date and read out from the flash
memory 48. A simple image having a size corresponding to the size
of the date field is created, inserted in the calendar image, and
displayed.
[0133] In the state wherein the calendar image in which the type of
images permitted to display is limited by user selection and
setting is displayed, it is determined whether any one of the dates
in the calendar image is designated (step C06). If NO in step C06,
the flow returns to calendar image display processing in step C05.
By repeating this processing, a standby state is set until any one
of the dates in the calendar image is designated while keeping the
calendar image displayed.
[0134] As for the designation of a date in the calendar image, for
example, the current date position in the calendar image on the
display unit 18 is displayed with a frame having a specific color
and, for example, a red frame to discriminate it from the remaining
dates. The frame display position is appropriately moved as the
ring key 21 is operated vertically and horizontally. When the set
key 22 is operated, the date displayed with the frame at that time
is designated.
[0135] When any one of the dates in the calendar image is
designated, this is determined in step C06. All image data
corresponding to the designated date and belonging to the type
permitted to display are read out from the flash memory 48. Simple
images are created by reducing the sizes of the respective images
and displayed in multi-windows in place of the calendar image so
that the images can be displayed on the display unit 18 as a list
(step C07).
[0136] In the state wherein the image data corresponding to the
same date and the type permitted to display are displayed in
multi-windows, a standby state is set until one of the image data
is selected (step C08).
[0137] In this case, as for the selection of image data in the
multi-window display mode, for example, the image located at the
first position of the multi-window display on the display unit 18
is displayed with a frame having a specific color and, for example,
a red frame to discriminate it from the remaining images. The frame
display position is appropriately moved as the ring key 21 is
operated vertically and horizontally. When the set key 22 is
operated, the image displayed with the frame at that time is
selected.
[0138] When an image in the multi-windows is selected, this is
determined in step C08. The selected image is displayed in the full
window of the display unit 18 in place of the multi-window display
(step C09). The processing shown in FIG. 7 is temporarily ended.
The full window display of the selected image data on the display
unit 18 is continued.
[0139] In step C03, more specifically, when the set key 22 is
operated in a state wherein a specific date is designated, it is
determined that the date designation operation is executed. If it
is determined that this operation is executed, all image data
having file names corresponding to the designated date are read out
from the flash memory 48. Simple images are created by reducing the
sizes of the respective images and displayed in multi-windows in
place of the calendar image so that the images can be displayed on
the display unit 18 as a list (step C10).
[0140] In the state wherein the image data corresponding to the
same date are displayed in multi-windows, a standby state is set
until one of the image data is selected (step C11).
[0141] In this case, as for the selection of image data in the
multi-window display mode, for example, the image located at the
first position of the multi-window display on the display unit 18
is displayed with a frame having a specific color and, for example,
a red frame to discriminate it from the remaining images. The frame
display position is appropriately moved as the ring key 21 is
operated vertically and horizontally. When the set key 22 is
operated, the image displayed with the frame at that time is
selected.
[0142] When an image in the multi-windows is selected, this is
determined in step C11. The selected image is displayed in the full
window of the display unit 18 in place of the multi-window display
mode (step C09). The processing shown in FIG. 7 is temporarily
ended. The full window display of the selected image data on the
display unit 18 is continued.
[0143] As described above, the type of images recorded in the flash
memory 48 is selected and set. The user arbitrarily selects and
sets the type of image data recorded in the flash memory 48 to
permit their display as individual image data of the calendar
image.
[0144] With this arrangement, the type such as moving images or
still images, or the resolution of images is limited. Calendar
(list) display of images unnecessary for the user is inhibited to
decrease the number of images displayed on the calendar. Hence, the
visibility can be increased. In addition, the entire contents
displayed on the calendar on the display unit 18 can have a unity
corresponding to the user's taste.
[0145] In the first and second embodiments, assume that a desired
date is designated in the calendar, and display of image data
corresponding to the date is designated. If only one image data
corresponding to the date is present, full window display is
immediately executed without executing multi-window display. If
there is no image data corresponding to the date, an error message
is displayed to notify the user that image data display is
impossible.
[0146] In the first embodiment, only one arbitrary date on the
calendar image is designated. Desired batch processing such as data
deletion or protection designation is executed for image data
corresponding to the designated date. However, a plurality of dates
on the calendar may simultaneously be designated. The contents of
batch processing may be designated after that designated such that
the batch processing with the designated processing contents can be
executed for image data corresponding to the plurality of
designated dates.
[0147] As described above, when a plurality of image data to be
subjected to certain batch processing can be designated, processing
of the image data to be recorded in the flash memory 48 can be
further simplified.
[0148] In the first embodiment, a calendar image is displayed in
which one representative image data is selected from all image data
corresponding to each date field. In this state, when the user
selects and designates the "slide show" function, the image data is
sequentially automatically switched and displayed every
predetermined time in all date fields to which a plurality of image
data correspond. However, the user selection/designation need not
particularly be executed. The "slide show" function may
automatically start when the calendar image is displayed.
[0149] In addition, the "slide show" function may be executed for
only images in one or a plurality of date fields selected and
designated by the user.
[0150] In the above-described "slide show" function, one image data
displayed in one date field may instantaneously be switched to
another image data at a certain time. Alternatively, the image data
may be switched by scrolling two image data in a date field over a
certain period of time.
[0151] In the first embodiment, in the calendar display mode, the
image displayed in each date field is automatically scrolled.
However, the image in a date field designated by the user may be
scrolled manually.
[0152] Even in this arrangement, all contents of a plurality of
image data corresponding to each date can be confirmed in the
calendar display state.
[0153] In the first embodiment, in the calendar display image
registration mode, when the user designates a desired date, image
data having file names corresponding to that date are displayed as
a list in a multi-window display mode. A representative image is
selected from the list and registered. When the user designates a
desired date in the calendar image display state, the image
displayed in the date field can manually be scrolled by, e.g.,
operating an up and down keys of the ring key 21. The user may
display a desired image by the manual scroll operation such that a
displayed image can be registered as the representative image of
the date field by, e.g., operating the set key 22.
[0154] In the first embodiment, the operation in the calendar
display image registration mode and that in the calendar display
mode have separately been described. A desired image may be
selected during the calendar display mode and registered as the
representative image of the date field.
[0155] This operation can be implemented by the following program.
During the operation in the calendar display mode shown in, e.g.,
FIG. 6, a date field designated by the user is highlighted to be
more noticeable than the remaining date fields in step B07. When
the image registration operation is executed in this state,
processing in steps A05 through A07 in the calendar display image
registration mode shown in FIG. 4 is executed.
[0156] In the first and second embodiments, unless the user
especially registers an image, of image data having file names
corresponding to that date, an image that is located at the first
position on the time axis is automatically selected as the
representative image of the date field. Instead of selecting the
image photographed for the first time on the day as the default
representative image, an image located at the intermediate
position, last position, or second or third position may be
displayed as the representative image.
[0157] In the first embodiment, when the deletion operation or
protection operation is executed, all image data corresponding to
the designated date are processed at once. Not only the two
processing operations but also processing operations such as image
data transfer, printing designation, and image conversion may be
executed at once.
[0158] In the second embodiment, during the calendar display mode,
in a state wherein the representative image of each date is
displayed in the corresponding date field in the calendar image, a
user operation for limiting the display image is executed to select
the type of images that are permitted to display in the calendar
image. Then, only the images of the selected type are used in the
calendar image. Instead, when the calendar display mode is
selected, only images of type based on image type information that
is predetermined or set by the user in advance may be inserted and
displayed in the calendar image.
[0159] In the first and second embodiments, only one image is
displayed in each date field of the calendar image. However, a
plurality of images may be displayed in one date field.
[0160] For example, all image data corresponding to the date may be
read out from the flash memory 48 and subjected to large-scale
pixel thinning such that multi-window display can be executed in
each date field. Alternatively, only a predetermined number of
image data, e.g., only two or three image data corresponding to the
date may be displayed in one date field at maximum.
[0161] In the first and second embodiments, a monthly calendar with
days is displayed in a calendar image. However, the present
invention is not limited to this and can be applied to any display
of a specific period that is segmented into predetermined term
units.
[0162] For example, the present invention can be applied to display
of an annual calendar with 12 months or a daily calendar with 24
hours.
[0163] In the first and second embodiments, a display area
corresponding to image data is selected from a plurality of display
areas on the basis of a photographing time that is recorded in the
flash memory 48 in association with the image data, and the image
data is displayed in that display area. However, the present
invention is not limited to the photographing time. For example, a
photographing site name based on a photographing location acquired
by a GPS (Global Positioning System) function or a facility name, a
photographing condition such as the presence/absence of use of the
electronic flash or the shutter speed, an image type such as a
moving or still image or image contents, or a classification code
that is arbitrarily input by the user may be recorded in
association with image data. On the basis of the associated
information, an area where image data should be displayed may be
selected, and the image data may be selected in that area.
[0164] In the first and second embodiments, a display area
corresponding to image data is selected from a plurality of display
areas on the basis of photographing information that is recorded in
the flash memory 48 in association with the image data, and the
image data is displayed in that display area. That is, even display
areas where no image data are displayed are also displayed together
with display areas where image data are displayed. However, the
display areas where no image data are displayed need not always be
displayed. The image data may be classified on the basis of
photographing information recorded in the flash memory 48 in
association with the image data, and the classified image data may
be displayed in a list.
[0165] In both the first and second embodiments, the present
invention is applied to a digital still camera. However, the
present invention can be applied to any other devices having a
photographing function and various kinds of display sections, such
as a video movie camera or a cellular phone terminal, PDA (Personal
Digital Assistant), personal computer, or TV receiver having a
camera function.
[0166] In both the first and second embodiments, the present
invention is applied to a device having a photographing function.
However, the present invention can be applied to any other devices
having various kinds of display sections, such as a cellular phone
terminal, PDA, personal computer, or TV receiver having no camera
function.
Third Embodiment
[0167] The third embodiment in which the present invention is
applied to a digital still camera will be described below with
reference to the accompanying drawing.
[0168] The circuit arrangement of a digital still camera according
to the third embodiment of the present invention is basically the
same as that shown in FIG. 2. The same reference numerals as in
FIG. 2 denote the same parts in the third embodiment, and an
illustration and description thereof will be omitted.
[0169] The operation of this embodiment will be described next.
[0170] FIG. 8 shows processing contents mainly of a control unit
42, which are executed when a calendar display mode in the
reproduction mode as the basic mode is set.
[0171] At the start of processing, a calendar image is bitmapped
and created on a DRAM 41, in which image data having a file name
corresponding to each date is inserted to the corresponding date
field on the calendar of the current month in correspondence with
current date information obtained from a timepiece section (not
shown) in the control unit 42 and calendar data stored in a ROM
(step S01), and displayed on a display unit 18 (step S02).
[0172] In this case, if there is no image data having a file name
corresponding to the date, only the numerical value of the date is
displayed in the date field. Conversely, if there is one or a
plurality of image data having file names corresponding to the
date, an image having the earliest time information, i.e., an image
photographed for the first time on the day is selected as the
representative image of the date and read out from a flash memory
48. A simple image is created by reducing the image in accordance
with the size of the date field, inserted in and synthesized with
the calendar image bitmapped on the DRAM 41, and displayed.
[0173] FIG. 5 shows an example of a calendar image displayed on the
display unit 18 in the above-described way. In this month, image
data corresponding to days "5", "10", "23", and "27" are recorded
in the flash memory 48. These image data are read out to create and
display the calendar image.
[0174] In the state wherein the calendar image is displayed in step
S02, it is repeatedly determined whether any one of the dates in
the calendar image is designated (step S03), whether a key
operation for recording the calendar image is executed (step S04),
or whether a key operation for transmitting the calendar image to
an external device is executed (step S05). A standby state is set
until any one of the key operations is performed.
[0175] Determination of the date designation in step S03 is done by
determining whether the cursor key and set key in a key input unit
46 are operated to designate an arbitrary date in the calendar
image. If it is determined that the designation is done, the image
of that date is highlighted by enlarging the image until it
overlaps the neighboring date fields by a predetermined width (step
S06).
[0176] The arbitrary date field in the calendar image is
highlighted by slightly enlarging it in the above way. In this
state, it is repeatedly determined whether, e.g., the cursor key is
operated to scroll the image (step S07) or whether, e.g., the menu
key is operated to cancel the highlight display of the designated
date field (step S08), thereby setting a standby state until one of
these key operations is executed.
[0177] When the key operation for scrolling the image is executed,
this is determined in step S07. Update display processing is
executed to newly display another image corresponding to the same
date field (step S09). Then, the flow returns to processing in step
S06.
[0178] When it is determined in step S08 that the key operation for
canceling highlight display of the designated date field is
executed, cancel processing is executed in correspondence with the
key operation to return the highlighted date field to the same size
as that of the remaining date fields (step S10). Then, the flow
returns to processing in step S03.
[0179] The key operation for instructing recording of the calendar
image in step S04 is determined on the basis of, e.g., the
presence/absence of the operation of the shutter key. If it is
determined that recording is instructed, the calendar image
displayed on the display unit 18 at that time, i.e., the calendar
image data bitmapped and stored on the DRAM 41 is immediately
compressed by a JPEG circuit 47. New image file data is created by
using obtained code data (step S11). The created image file data is
stored in the flash memory 48 (step S12). Then, the flow returns to
processing in step S03.
[0180] As described above, when the created image file data is
recorded in the flash memory 48 in the same form as that of the
image file data obtained by photographing, the created image file
data can be used many times as needed.
[0181] The key operation for instructing transmission of the
calendar image in step S05 is determined on the basis of, e.g., the
presence/absence of the operation of the set key. If it is
determined that transmission is instructed, the calendar image
displayed on the display unit 18 at that time, i.e., the calendar
image data bitmapped and stored on the DRAM 41 is immediately
compressed by the JPEG circuit 47. New image file data is created
by using obtained code data (step S13). The created image file data
is transmitted from a USB interface 49 to an external device such
as a personal computer connected by cable through a USB connector
50 (step S14). Then, the flow returns to processing in step
S03.
[0182] To easily transmit the created image file data to an
external device through the USB interface 49, a personal computer,
cellular phone, or printer is arbitrarily connected in advance as
an external device. Accordingly, the image file data of the created
calendar image can easily be used in various ways.
[0183] In the third embodiment, a calendar image is created and
displayed, in which only one representative image is arranged in
one date field. However, a calendar image may be created and
displayed, in which a plurality of images are arranged in one date
field.
[0184] For example, a calendar image may be created and displayed,
in which all images photographed on a certain day are arranged in
the corresponding date field. Alternatively, a calendar image may
be created and displayed, in which only a predetermined number of
images (two or three images) of all images photographed in a
certain day are arranged in the corresponding date field as
representative images.
[0185] In the third embodiment, the user can select one
representative image for each date field. Instead, the user may be
able to select a plurality of representative images for each date
field such that a calendar image can be created and displayed, in
which the plurality of selected images are arranged in one date
field.
[0186] In the third embodiment, a calendar image is created and
displayed, in which the image photographed for the first time on
the day is arranged in the corresponding date field as the default
representative image. Instead, a calendar image may be created and
displayed, in which an image located at the intermediate position,
last position, or second or third position in a plurality of images
photographed on the day is displayed as the representative
image.
[0187] In the third embodiment, when the user selects the calendar
display mode, calendar data is read out from the ROM on the basis
of the current date obtained from the timepiece section in the
control unit 42 and bitmapped and stored on the DRAM 41 serving as
a buffer memory. In addition, the photographing date data of each
image file recorded in the flash memory 48 is referred to. Of the
image files obtained and recorded in the current month, image files
that are recorded for the first time for the respective dates are
reduced, inserted in, and synthesized with the corresponding date
fields on the calendar data bitmapped on the DRAM 41. With this
processing, the calendar image data is created and displayed.
[0188] However, the calendar image data may be displayed by another
method to be described below. That is, in photographing/recording
in the recording mode, a thumbnail image (reduced image) may be
embedded in the image file. Alternatively, a thumbnail image may be
recorded in association with an image file. When the user selects
the calendar display mode, thumbnail images corresponding to images
necessary for creating calendar image data are read out, inserted
in and synthesized with the corresponding date fields on the
calendar data bitmapped on the DRAM 41, thereby creating and
displaying the calendar image data.
[0189] In this case, the thumbnail image preferably has a size that
is appropriate for insert to the date field of the calendar data
and requires no resize in creating the calendar image data.
[0190] Alternatively, in photographing/recording, a thumbnail image
for calendar image data creation is created independently of
recording of an image file. This thumbnail image is recorded in a
predetermined area of the flash memory 48 in correspondence with
the photographing date data. When the user selects the calendar
display mode, the thumbnail images that are recorded for calendar
image data creation are read out, inserted in and synthesized with
the corresponding date fields on the calendar data bitmapped on the
DRAM 41, thereby creating and displaying the calendar image
data.
[0191] In the third embodiment, image file data is output by wire
connection from an external connection terminal such as the USB
connector 50 provided on the digital still camera. When a device
having a wireless communication function, like a cellular phone
terminal having a camera function, is used, an image file can be
transmitted to a transmission address desired by the user. In this
case, the created calendar image can easily be presented to the
transmission partner.
[0192] In the third embodiment, the present invention is applied to
a calendar display mode that displays a monthly calendar with days.
However, the present invention may be applied to a calendar display
mode that displays an annual calendar with 12 months or a calendar
display mode that displays a daily calendar with 24 hours.
[0193] In the third embodiment, the present invention is applied to
an arrangement which creates and displays a list image in which
photographed images classified on the basis of the photographing
time are displayed in a list (as a calendar image). However, the
present invention may be applied to an arrangement which creates
and displays a list image in which images classified on the basis
of, e.g., a photographing position (location) using position
information acquired by a GPS (Global Positioning System) function
or a facility name, a photographing condition such as the
presence/absence of use of the electronic flash, an image type such
as a moving or still image, or a classification code that is
arbitrarily assigned by the user are displayed in a list.
[0194] In the third embodiment, the present invention is applied to
a digital still camera having an image list display function.
However, the present invention can be applied to a video movie
camera or a cellular phone terminal, PDA (Personal Digital
Assistant), or personal computer having a camera function and an
image list display function. The present invention can also be
applied to a cellular phone terminal, PDA, personal computer, or TV
receiver having no camera function but an image list display
function.
[0195] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
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