U.S. patent application number 15/617368 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-21 for image control device, image control system, and digital camera.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKON CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is NIKON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Noboru AKAMI, Yusuke YAMASAKI.
Application Number | 20170270972 15/617368 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44367724 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170270972 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YAMASAKI; Yusuke ; et
al. |
September 21, 2017 |
IMAGE CONTROL DEVICE, IMAGE CONTROL SYSTEM, AND DIGITAL CAMERA
Abstract
The invention is provided with: an acquisition unit that
acquires, from an external machine, image data as well as time data
when an image based on the image data has been displayed on the
external machine; a data memory unit that stores, for each unit of
the image data, the image data and the time data acquired in the
acquisition unit; and a prioritization determination unit that
determines, on the basis of the time data, a prioritization of the
image data stored in the data memory unit.
Inventors: |
YAMASAKI; Yusuke;
(Kawasaki-shi, JP) ; AKAMI; Noboru;
(Chigasaki-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKON CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIKON CORPORATION
Tokyo,
JP
|
Family ID: |
44367724 |
Appl. No.: |
15/617368 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15190975 |
Jun 23, 2016 |
|
|
|
15617368 |
|
|
|
|
13515615 |
Jun 13, 2012 |
9402048 |
|
|
PCT/JP2011/052530 |
Feb 7, 2011 |
|
|
|
15190975 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 27/10 20130101;
H04N 9/8205 20130101; H04N 5/23293 20130101; H04N 5/77
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G11B 27/10 20060101
G11B027/10; H04N 9/82 20060101 H04N009/82; H04N 5/232 20060101
H04N005/232; H04N 5/77 20060101 H04N005/77 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 15, 2010 |
JP |
2010-030065 |
Claims
1. An electronic device, comprising: a generation unit that
generates first data based on using circumstances of image data,
and a control unit that changes the first data according to second
data based on the using circumstances of the image data by an
external device.
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control
unit changes the first data by adding the second data to the first
data.
3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control
unit set priority of the image data base on the first data which
was changed.
4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control
unit plays back the image data.
5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the image
data is captured by an imaging unit of the external device.
6. The electronic device according to claim 1, comprising: an
acquisition unit that acquires the second data from the external
device.
7. The electronic device according to claim 6, comprising: a memory
control unit that causes the second data acquired by the
acquisition unit and the image data to be stored in a memory unit,
and a display unit that displays image based on the image data
stored in the memory unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 15/190,975, filed Jun. 23, 2016, which is
a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/515,615,
filed Jun. 13, 2012, which is a National Stage of International
application Ser. No. PCT/JP2011/052530, filed Feb. 7, 2011, which
claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No.
2010-030065, filed Feb. 15, 2010; the entire contents of all of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an image control device, an
image control system, and a digital camera.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] An image display device having an imaging unit is known (for
example, see Patent Literature 1). According to this image display
device, captured images can be prioritized and displayed.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2008-165009
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0005] However, the aforementioned image display device is
problematic in that when the prioritization of the displayed images
is determined, no consideration at all is given to the times when
the images have been played back in another device.
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image
control device, an image control system, and a digital camera,
capable of determining the prioritization of image data on the
basis of the times when the images have been played back in another
device.
Solution to Problem
[0007] An image control device of the present invention is
characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires,
from an external machine, image data as well as time data on when
an image based on the image data has been displayed in the external
machine; a data memory unit that stores, for each unit of image
data, the image data and the time data acquired in the acquisition
unit; and a prioritization determination unit that determines, on
the basis of the time data, a prioritization of the image data
stored in the data memory unit.
[0008] An image control system of the present invention is an image
display system comprising a digital camera and an image display
device, wherein the digital camera is characterized by
comprising:
[0009] an image memory unit that stores image data; an image
playback unit that plays back an image based on the image data; a
time measurement unit that measures a time when the image based on
the image data has been played back in the image playback unit; and
a time control unit that stores, for each unit of image data, time
data relating to the time; and in that the image control device
comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires, from the digital
camera, the image data and the time data; a data memory unit that
stores, for each unit of image data, the image data and the time
data acquired in the acquisition unit; and a prioritization
determination unit that determines, on the basis of the time data,
a prioritization of the image data stored in the data memory
unit.
[0010] An image control system of the present invention is an image
control system comprising an image display device and a digital
camera, wherein the image display device is characterized by
comprising: an image memory unit that stores image data; an image
display unit that displays an image based on the image data; a
display time measurement unit that measures a display time when the
image based on the image data has been displayed in the image
display unit; and a time control unit that stores, for each unit of
image data, display time data relating to the display time; and in
that the digital camera comprises an acquisition unit that
acquires, from the image display device, the image data and the
display time data; a data memory unit that stores, for each unit of
image data, the image data and the display time data acquired in
the acquisition unit; and a prioritization determination unit that
determines, on the basis of the display time data, a prioritization
of the image data stored in the data memory unit.
[0011] A digital camera of the present invention is characterized
by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires, from an external
machine, image data as well as time data on when an image based on
the image data has been displayed in the external machine; a data
memory unit that stores, for each unit of image data, the image
data and the time data acquired in the acquisition unit; a
prioritization determination unit that determines, on the basis of
the time data, a prioritization of the image data stored in the
data memory unit; an image playback unit that plays back the image
based on the image data; and a playback control unit that controls
the image playback unit to play back the image based on the image
data on the basis of the prioritization determined by the
prioritization determination unit.
[0012] A digital camera of the present invention is characterized
by comprising: an image memory unit that stores image data; a
display unit that plays back an image based on the image data; a
projection unit that projects the image based on the image data; a
playback time measurement unit that measures a playback time when
the image based on the image data has been played back by the
display unit; a projection time measurement unit that measures a
projection time when the image based on the image data has been
projected by the projection unit; a playback time memory unit that
stores, for each unit of image data, playback time data relating to
the playback time; a projection time memory unit that stores, for
each unit of image data, projection time data relating to the
projection time; a first prioritization determination unit that
determines, on the basis of the playback time data stored in the
playback time memory unit, a prioritization of the image data
stored in the image memory unit; a second prioritization
determination unit that determines, on the basis of the projection
time data stored in the projection time memory unit, a
prioritization of the image data stored in the image memory unit; a
display control unit that controls the display unit to display the
image based on the image data stored in the image memory unit on
the basis of the prioritization determined by the second
prioritization determination unit; and a projection control unit
that controls the projection unit to project the image based on the
image data stored in the image memory unit on the basis of the
prioritization determined by the first prioritization determination
unit.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to
determine a prioritization of image data, on the basis of the time
when images have been played back in another device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] {FIG. 1}
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system
configuration of a digital camera in an image display system
according to a first embodiment.
[0016] {FIG. 2}
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system
configuration of a digital photo frame in the image display system
according to the first embodiment.
[0018] {FIG. 3}
[0019] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating image playback
processing of the digital camera in the image display system
according to the first embodiment.
[0020] {FIG. 4}
[0021] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a file of the digital
camera in the image display system according to the first
embodiment.
[0022] {FIG. 5}
[0023] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating image projection
processing of a projector in the image display system according to
the first embodiment.
[0024] {FIG. 6}
[0025] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating image display processing
of the digital photo frame in the image display system according to
the first embodiment.
[0026] {FIG. 7}
[0027] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the file of the digital
camera in the image display system according to the first
embodiment.
[0028] {FIG. 8}
[0029] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating prioritization
determination processing of the digital photo frame in the image
display system according to the first embodiment.
[0030] {FIG. 9}
[0031] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a file of the digital photo
frame in the image display system according to the first
embodiment;
[0032] {FIG. 10}
[0033] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating prioritization
determination processing of a digital camera in an image display
system according to a second embodiment.
[0034] {FIG. 11}
[0035] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a file of the digital
camera according to the second embodiment.
[0036] {FIG. 12}
[0037] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating prioritization
determination processing of a digital camera according to a third
embodiment.
[0038] {FIG. 13}
[0039] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a file of the digital
camera according to the third embodiment.
[0040] {FIG. 14}
[0041] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a system
configuration of a television in an image display system according
to a fourth embodiment.
[0042] {FIG. 15}
[0043] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a configuration of an
image file used in the image display system according to the fourth
embodiment.
[0044] {FIG. 16}
[0045] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of the
image file used in the image display system according to the fourth
embodiment.
[0046] {FIG. 17}
[0047] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating image display
processing of a digital camera in the image display system
according to the fourth embodiment.
[0048] {FIG. 18}
[0049] FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating image display
processing of the television in the image display system according
to the fourth embodiment.
[0050] {FIG. 19}
[0051] FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating prioritization
determination processing of the image display system according to
the fourth embodiment.
[0052] {FIG. 20}
[0053] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a display time and a
predetermined coefficient value in the image display system
according to the fourth embodiment.
[0054] {FIG. 21}
[0055] FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating prioritization
determination processing of a television according to a fifth
embodiment.
[0056] {FIG. 22}
[0057] FIG. 22 is a drawing illustrating a file of a digital camera
in an image display system according to an embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0058] What follows is a description of an image display system
according to a first embodiment, with reference to the accompanying
drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system
configuration of a digital camera 4 in an image display system 2
according to the first embodiment. The image display system 2 is
provided with the digital camera 4 as well as with a digital photo
frame (hereinafter, "DPF") 6, and is connected via a USB cable 7.
The digital camera 4 is provided with a CPU 10, and the CPU 10 is
provided with: a power source switch 12 for switching between an on
and off state of a power source of the digital camera 4; an
operation key 14 used during a function setting of the digital
camera 4 and during a display setting of an image; a mode setting
unit 16 for setting an image playback mode for causing a display
unit of the digital camera 4 to play back and display an image, an
image projection mode for projecting an image, and a ranking mode
for determining a prioritization of image data and for playing back
and displaying, on the basis of the prioritization, an image based
on the image data; a data transfer button 18 for commanding a
transfer of data from the digital camera 4 to the DPF 6; a USE port
20 at which a USB machine is connected; and a network terminal 22
at which an Ethernet (trademark) standard or other network cable is
connected.
[0059] The CPU 10 is connected to: a display control unit 26 for
controlling the display of an LCD display unit 24; an imaging unit
28 having an imaging element constituted of a CCD or the like for
imaging a subject; a memory unit 30 for storing image data
generated by an A/D conversion, in an A/D conversion unit (not
shown), of an imaging signal outputted from the imaging unit 28,
and the like; a memory card slot 32 for inserting and removing a
memory card for storing image data relating to an image captured in
the imaging unit 28, and the like; a projection unit 34 for
projecting an image based on the image data; a time measurement
unit 36 for counting a playback time (Cc) relating to the image
played back and displayed in the LCD display unit 24 as well as a
projection time (Cp) relating to the image projected by the
projection unit 34; and a data memory unit 38 for storing, for each
file of the image data, the playback time (Cc) and the projection
time (Cp) counted in the time measurement unit 36. Herein, the
projection unit 34 is provided with: a power source control unit 42
for turning on and off an LED 40, which is a light source, and for
adjusting the light intensity of projection light emitted from the
LED 40; and a projection control unit 46 for controlling an LCOS 44
for displaying a projected image. The CPU 10 is connected to a
flash RAM 48, and the flash RAM 48 stores a program for controlling
the entirety of the camera according to the embodiment as well as a
program for executing processing illustrated in the flow charts
described below.
[0060] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for illustrating the system
configuration of the DPF 6 in the image display system 2 according
to the first embodiment. The DPF 6 is provided with a CPU 50, and
the CPU 50 is provided with: a power source switch 52 for switching
between an on and off state of a power source of the DPF 6; an
operation key 54 used during a function setting of the DPF 6 and
during a display setting of an image; a mode setting unit 56 for
setting an image display mode for displaying an image, and a
ranking mode for determining a prioritization of image data and for
displaying an image on the basis of the prioritization; a data
transfer button 58 for commanding a transfer of data from the DPF 6
to the digital camera 4; a USB port 60 at which a USB machine is
connected; and a network terminal 62 at which an Ethernet
(trademark) standard or other network cable is connected. The CPU
50 is connected to: a display control unit 66 for controlling the
display of an LCD display unit 64; a memory unit 68 for storing
image data relating to the image displayed on the LCD display unit
64; a memory card slot 70 for inserting and removing a memory card
for storing the image data; a time measurement unit 72 for counting
a display time (Cd) relating to the image displayed on the LCD
display unit 64; and a data memory unit 74 for storing, for each
file of the image data, the display time (Cd) counted in the time
measurement unit 72. The CPU 50 is connected to a flash RAM 76, and
the flash RAM 76 stores a program for controlling the entirety of
the DPF according to the embodiment as well as a program for
executing processing illustrated in the flow charts described
below.
[0061] Next, a description of image playback processing of the
digital camera 4 in the image display system 2 according to the
first embodiment shall now be provided, with reference to the flow
chart illustrated in FIG. 3. Firstly, when the mode setting unit 16
is operated and the image playback mode is thereby set, the CPU 10
reads image data selected by an operator from the memory card
inserted into the memory card slot 32, and causes, via the display
control unit 26, the LCD display unit 24 to play back and display
an image based on the image data (step S11). In a case where the
image has been played back and displayed, a determination is made
as to whether or not the time when the image has been played back
and displayed has passed a predetermined duration of time (step
S12). The predetermined duration of time serving as the criterion
in step S12 can be set by the operator as desired, such as, for
example, to 3 seconds. In a case where the time when the image has
been played back and displayed has passed the predetermined
duration of time (step S12: Y), counting of the playback time (Cc)
of the image is begun in the time measurement unit 36 (step S13).
For example, in a case where the time when an "image 1" has been
played back and displayed passes 3 seconds, then the CPU 10 begins
counting the playback time (Cc) of the "image 1". On the other
hand, no counting is performed in a case where the time when the
image has been played back and displayed does not pass 3 seconds
(step S12: N).
[0062] Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not another image has
been played back and displayed on the LCD display unit 24 (step
S14). In a case where, for example, the operation key 14 has been
used to perform an image frame advance or other operation, then the
CPU 10 determines that another image has been played back and
displayed. In a case where no other image has been played back and
displayed (step S14: N), then the CPU 10 determines whether or not
a switch has been made from the image playback mode to another mode
(step S15). In a case where, for example, the mode setting unit 16
has been operated and the projection mode has been set, then a
determination is made that a switch has been made to another mode.
In a case where another image has been played back and displayed
(step S14: Y), and in a case where a switch has been made to
another mode (step S15: Y), the CPU 10 causes the playback time
(Cc) to be stored in a predetermined file (hereinafter, "the first
file") stored in the data memory unit 38 for each file of the image
data (step S16). For example, the playback time (Cc) is stored as
10 seconds for the "image 1". In a case where the playback times
(Cc) have been counted from the "image 1" until an "image N", then
the playback times (Cc) are stored in the first file as illustrated
in FIG. 4. Specifically, the playback time (Cc) is stored as 10
seconds for the "image 1", which is the first image to be played
back and displayed, and the playback time (Cc) is stored as 10
seconds for an "image 2," which is the other image; then, an "image
3" and an "image 4" played back and displayed thereafter are played
back and displayed for a time less than 3 seconds, and the playback
time (Cc) thereof is therefore stored as 0 seconds. The playback
time (Cc) is stored as 40 seconds for an "image 5", as 20 seconds
for an "image 6", and so on until the "image N" for each file of
the image data relating to the images that have been played back
and displayed. On the other hand, in a case where no switch has
been made to another mode (step S15: N), the counting of the
playback time (Cc) of the image is continued (step S13). After the
termination of the image playback mode, the CPU 10 stores the first
file, which is stored in the data memory unit 38, in the memory
card inserted into the memory card slot 32.
[0063] Next, a description of image projection processing by the
projection unit 34 of the digital camera 4 in the image display
system 2 according to the first embodiment shall now be provided,
with reference to the flow chart illustrated in FIG. 5. Firstly,
when the mode setting unit 16 is operated and the image projection
mode for projecting images is set, then the CPU 10 commands the
projection unit 34 to begin projecting, and the power source
control unit 42 turns on the TRD 40. The projection control unit 46
reads out image data relating to the projected image from the
memory card inserted into the memory card slot 32, and displays the
image on the LCOS 44, thus performing image projection (step S21).
In a case where image projection has been performed, the CPU 10
determines whether or not the projection time of the image has
passed a predetermined duration of time (step S22). The
predetermined duration of time serving as the criterion in step S22
can be set by the operator as desired, such as, for example, to 3
seconds. In a case where the time when the image has been projected
has passed the predetermined duration of time (step S22: Y),
counting of the projection time (Cp) of the image is begun in the
time measurement unit 36 (step S23). For example, in a case where
the time when "the image 1" has been projected passes 3 seconds,
then the CPU 10 begins counting the projection time (Cp) of the
"image 1". On the other hand, no counting is performed in a case
where the time when the image has been projected does not pass 3
seconds (step S22: N).
[0064] Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not another image has
been projected (step S24). In a case where, for example, the
operation key 14 has been used to perform a frame advance or other
operation of the image being projected, then a determination is
made that another image has been projected. In a case where no
other image has been projected (step S24: N), then the CPU 10
determines whether or not a switch has been made from the image
projection mode to another mode (step S25). In a case where, for
example, the mode setting unit 16 has been operated and the image
playback mode has been set, then a determination is made that a
switch has been made to another mode. In a case where another image
has been projected (step S24: Y), and in a case where a switch has
been made to another mode (step S25: Y), the CPU 10 causes the
projection time (Cp) to be stored in the first file stored in the
data memory unit 38 for each file of the image data (step S26). For
example, the projection time (Cp) is stored as 8 seconds for the
"image 1". In a case where the projection times (Cp) have been
counted from the "image 1" until the "image N", then the projection
times (Cp) are stored in the first file as illustrated in FIG. 4.
That is, the projection time (Cp) is stored as 8 seconds for the
"image 1", which is the first image to be projected, and the
projection time (Cp) is stored as 20 seconds for the "image 2,"
which is the other image; then, the projection time (Cp) is stored
as 5 seconds and as 30 seconds for the "image 3" and the "image 4",
respectively, having been projected thereafter. The "image 5" is
projected for a time less than 3 seconds, and the projection time
(Cp) thereof is therefore stored as 0 seconds. The projection time
(Cp) is stored as 8 seconds for the "image 6", as 20 seconds for an
"image 6", and so on until the "image N" for each file of the image
data relating to the images that have been projected. On the other
hand, in a case where no switch has been made to another mode (step
S25: N), the counting of the projection time (Cp) of the image is
continued (step S23). After the termination of the image projection
mode, the CPU 10 stores the first file, which is stored in the data
memory unit 38, in the memory card inserted into the memory card
slot 32.
[0065] Next, a description of data transfer processing, from the
digital camera 4 to the DPF 6, in the image display system 2
according to the first embodiment shall now be provided. Firstly,
when the data transfer button 18 is operated by the operator, the
CPU 10 of the digital camera 4 reads out the first file and the
image data stored in the memory card inserted into the memory card
slot 32, and transmits the same to the DPF 6 from the USB port 20
via the USE cable 7. The DPF 6 receives the first file and the
image data via the USB port 60, and a command from the CPU 50
causes the first file and the image data to be stored in the memory
card inserted into the memory card slot 70.
[0066] Next, a description of image display processing of the DPF 6
in the image display system 2 according to the first embodiment
shall now be provided, with reference to the flow chart illustrated
in FIG. 6. Firstly, when the mode setting unit 56 is operated and
the image display mode is set, then the CPU 50 reads out, from the
memory card inserted into the memory card slot 70, image data
selected by the operator, and causes, via the display control unit
66, the LCD display unit 64 to display an image based on the image
data (step S31). In a case where the image has been displayed, the
CPU 50 determines whether or not the display time of the image has
passed a predetermined duration of time (step S32). The
predetermined duration of time serving as the criterion in step S32
can be set by the operator as desired, such as, for example, to 3
seconds. In a case where the display time of the image has passed
the predetermined duration of time (step S32: Y), the CPU 50 begins
counting the display time (Cd) of the image in the time measurement
unit 72 (step S33). In a case where, for example, the time where
the "image 1" has been displayed passes 3 seconds, then the
counting of the display time (Cd) of the "image 1" is begun. On the
other hand, no counting is performed in a case where the time when
the image has been displayed does not pass 3 seconds (step S32:
N).
[0067] Next, the CPU 50 determines whether or not another image has
been displayed on the LCD display unit 64 (step S34). In a case
where, for example, the operation key 54 has been used to perform
an image frame advance or other operation, then a determination is
made that another image has been displayed. In a case where no
other image has been displayed (step S34: N), then the CPU 50
determines whether or not a switch has been made from the image
display mode to another mode (step S35). In a case where, for
example, the mode setting unit 56 has been operated and the ranking
mode has been set, then a determination is made that a switch has
been made to another mode. In a case where another image has been
displayed (step S34: Y) and in a case where a switch has been made
to another mode (step S35: Y), then the CPU 50 causes the display
time (Cd) to be stored in a predetermined file (hereinafter, the
"second file") stored in the data memory unit 74 for each file of
the image data (step S36). For example, the time where the "image
1" has been displayed is less than 3 seconds, and therefore the
display time (Cd) is stored as 0 seconds. In a case where counting
of the display times (Cd) has been performed from the "image 1" to
the "image N", then the display times (Cd) are stored in the second
file as illustrated in FIG. 7. Specifically, the "image 1", which
is the first image to be displayed, is displayed for a time less
than 3 seconds, and therefore the display time (Cd) is stored as 0
seconds; the display time (Cd) is stored as 5 seconds for the
"image 2", which is the other image, then, the display time (Cd) is
stored as 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 7 seconds, and 6 seconds for the
"image 3", the "image 4", the "image 5", and the "image 6",
respectively, having been played back and displayed thereafter, and
so on until the "image N" for each file of the image data relating
to the images that have been displayed. On the other hand, in a
case where no switch has been made to another mode (step S35: N),
the counting of the display time (Cd) of the image is continued
(step S33). After the termination of the image display mode, a
command from the CPU 50 causes the second file stored in the data
memory unit 38 to be stored in the memory card inserted into the
memory card slot 70.
[0068] Next, a description of prioritization determination
processing in the image display system 2 according to the first
embodiment shall now be provided, with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8
is a flow chart illustrating the prioritization determination
processing of the DPF 6. Firstly, when the mode setting unit 56 is
operated and the ranking mode is thereby set, the CPU 50 reads out
the first file and the second file from the memory card inserted
into the memory card slot 70 (step S41), and combines the first
file and the second file to thereby generate a new file
(hereinafter, the "third file") for determining the prioritization
of the image data (see FIG. 9). Next, for each unit of image data
stored in the third file, the CPU 50 calculates a total time (Ca),
which is the sum of the playback time (Cc), the projection time
(Cp), and the display time (Cd), and causes the calculated time to
be stored as the total time (Ca) (step S42). For example, the
"image 1" has a total time (Ca) of 18 seconds, because 18 seconds
is the sum of the playback time (Cc) of 10 seconds, the projection
time (Cp) of 8 seconds, and the display time (Cd) of 0 seconds.
Next, the CPU 50 determines the prioritization of the image data in
order of magnitude of the total time (Ca), and causes the order to
be stored (step S43). For example, in FIG. 9, the prioritization of
the image data is, in order, the "image 5", the "image 4", the
"image 2", the "image 6", the "image 1", and the "image 3", because
the total time (Ca) of the "image 1" is 18 seconds, the total time
(Ca) of the "image 2" is 35 seconds, the total time (Ca) of the
"image 3" is 15 seconds, the total time (Ca) of the "image 4" is 45
seconds, the total time (Ca) of the "image 5" is 47 seconds, and
the total time (Ca) of the "image 6" is 34 seconds. Next, a command
from the CPU 50 causes the image data to be sequentially read out,
on the basis of the prioritization, from the memory card inserted
into the memory card slot 70, in order beginning with the earliest
number of prioritization, and the display control unit 66 causes
the LCD display unit 64 to sequentially display images based on the
read-out image data (step S44). The display images are switched
over, for example, at 10-second intervals, and the images are
displayed in order beginning with the earliest number of
prioritization.
[0069] In the prioritization determination processing of the image
display system 2 according to the first embodiment, the display
time (Cd) is counted and the calculation of the total time (Ca),
including the display time (Cd), is performed in the DPF 6, but the
counting of the display time (Cd) in the DPF 6 need not be
performed. In such a case, after the data transfer processing, only
the playback time (Cc) and the projection time (Cp) in the digital
camera 4 are summed up to calculate, in the DPF 6, the total time
(Ca) (step S42). Next, the CPU 50 determines the prioritization of
the image data (step S43), and a command from the CPU 50 causes the
image data to be sequentially read out, on the basis of the
prioritization, from the memory card inserted into the memory card
slot 70, in order beginning with the earliest number of
prioritization, and the LCD display unit 64 sequentially displays
images based on the read-out image data (step S44). The display
images are switched over, for example, at 10-second intervals, and
the images are displayed in order beginning with the earliest
number of prioritization.
[0070] According to the image display system 2 based on the first
embodiment, the time when the images have been played back can be
counted in the digital camera 4, and the prioritization of the
image data can be determined in the DPF 6 on the basis of the time
counted in the digital camera 4.
[0071] What follows is a description of an image display system
according to a second embodiment, with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The image display system according to the
second embodiment is configured such that the determination of the
prioritization, then performed in the DPF 6 in the image display
system 2 according to the first embodiment is instead performed in
the digital camera 4. Consequently, a detailed description of
constituent elements identical to those of the first embodiment has
been omitted, and only points of difference are described in
detail. Further, the description is provided using the same
reference numerals for the same parts of the configuration as in
the first embodiment.
[0072] Firstly, in the DPF 6, the CPU 50 counts the display time
(Cd), stores the display time (Cd) in the second file of the data
memory unit 74 for each file of the image data, and causes the
second file to be stored in the memory card inserted into the
memory card slot 70 (see FIG. 7). Next, the CPU 50 of the DPF 6
reads out the second file and the image data stored in the memory
card inserted into the memory card slot 70, and transmits the same
from the USB port 60 to the digital camera 4 via the USB cable 7.
The digital camera 4 receives the image data and the second file
via the USB port 20, and the CPU 10 causes the image data and the
second file to be stored in the memory card inserted into the
memory card slot 32.
[0073] Next, the prioritization determination processing
illustrated by the flow chart of FIG. 10 is performed in the
digital camera 4. Specifically, when the ranking mode is set by the
operator, the CPU 10 reads out the second file from the memory card
inserted into the memory card slot 32 (step S51), and generates,
from the second file, a new file (hereinafter, the "fourth file")
for determining the prioritization of the image data (see FIG. 11).
Next, from the display time (Cd), the CPU 10 calculates, the total
time (Ca) for each unit of image data stored in the fourth file,
and stores the calculated times in a column for the total times
(Ca) (step S52). For example, the total time (Ca) for the "image 1"
is 0 seconds, because the display time (Cd) is 0 seconds, and the
total time (Ca) for the "image 2" is 5 seconds, because the display
time (Cd) is 5 seconds; the total time (Ca) is 10 seconds for the
"image 3", 15 seconds for the "image 4", 7 seconds for the "image
5", and 6 seconds for the "image 6". Next, the CPU 10 determines
the prioritization of the image data in order of magnitude of total
time (Ca), and stores the order in a column for ranking (step S53).
The prioritization of the image data is, for example, the "image
4", the "image 3", the "image 5", the "image 6", the "image 2", and
the "image 1", in this order.
[0074] Next, a command from the CPU 10 causes the image data to be
sequentially read out, on the basis of the prioritization, from the
memory card inserted into the memory card slot 32 in order
beginning from the earliest number of prioritization, and the
display control unit 26 causes the LCD display unit 24 to
sequentially play back and display images based on the read-out
image data (step S54). The display images are switched over, for
example, at 10-second intervals, and the images are displayed in
order beginning with the earliest number of prioritization.
[0075] According to the image display system based on the second
embodiment, the time when the images have been displayed can be
counted in the DPF 6, and the prioritization of the image data can
be determined in the digital camera 4 on the basis of the time
counted in the DPF 6.
[0076] The image data for which a prioritization has been
determined may also be projected by the projection unit 34. In such
a case, after the prioritization has been determined, the CPU 10
commands the projection unit 34 to begin projecting, and the power
source control unit 42 turns on the LED 40. The projection control
unit 46 reads out from the memory card inserted into the memory
card slot 32, and displays on the LCOS 44, image data relating to
the projected image, on the basis of the prioritization of the
image data, thus performing image projection (step S54).
[0077] The total time (Ca) may also be calculated inclusive of
either one or both of the playback time (Cc) and projection time
(Cp) in the digital camera 4. For example, in the DPF 6, a command
from the CPU 50 causes the display time (Cd) to be counted and
stored in the second file, the second file then being transmitted
to the digital camera 4 via the USB cable 7. The second file is
stored in the memory card inserted into the memory card slot 32.
Next, in the digital camera 4, the CPU 10 counts the playback time
(Cc) and the projection time (Cp), stores the same in the first
file, and stores the first file in the memory card inserted into
the memory card slot 32. Next, the prioritization determination
processing is performed. Specifically, the CPU 10 reads out the
first file and the second file from the memory card inserted into
the memory card slot 32, and combines the first file and the second
file, the CPU 10 thereby generating the third file (see FIG. 9).
Next, for each unit of image data stored in the third file, the
total time (Ca), being the sum of the playback time (Cc), the
projection time (Cp), and the display time (Cd)), is calculated,
and the prioritization of the image data is determined; the image
data is sequentially read out from the memory card inserted into
the memory card slot 32 on the basis of the prioritization in order
beginning with the earliest number of prioritization, and images
based on the read-out image data are displayed sequentially on the
LCD display unit 64. The display images are switched over, for
example, at 10-second intervals, and the images are displayed in
order beginning with the earliest number of prioritization. In such
a case, the image data for which the prioritization has been
determined may also be projected by the projection unit 34.
[0078] What follows is a description of the digital camera 4
according to a third embodiment, with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The image display system according to the third
embodiment is configured such that processing performed in series
in the image display system 2 according to the first embodiment is
instead performed within the digital camera 4. Consequently, a
detailed description of constituent elements identical to those of
the first embodiment has been omitted, and only points of
difference are described in detail. Further, the description is
provided using the same reference numerals for the same parts of
the configuration as in the first embodiment.
[0079] Firstly, the playback time (Cc) is counted, and the playback
time (Cc) is stored in the first file of the data memory unit 38
for each file of the image data. Next, the prioritization
determination processing illustrated by the flow chart in FIG. 12
is performed. Specifically, when the ranking mode is set by the
operator, the CPU 10 reads out the first file from the data memory
unit 38 (step S61), and generates a new file (hereinafter, the
"fifth file") for determining the prioritization of the image data
(see FIG. 13). Next, the CPU 10 calculates, from the playback time
(Cc), the total time (Ca) for each unit of image data stored in the
fifth file, and stores the calculated times in the column for total
times (Ca) (step S62). For example, the total time (Ca) for the
"image 1" is 10 seconds, because the playback time (Cc) is 10
seconds, and the total time (Ca) for the "image 2" is 10 seconds,
because the playback time (Cc) is 10 seconds; the total time (Ca)
is 0 seconds for the "image 3", 0 seconds for the "image 4", 40
seconds for the "image 5", and 20 seconds for the "image 6".
Herein, in a case where the total times (Ca) are identical, the
image data assigned the smaller number is given priority.
[0080] Next, the CPU 10 determines the prioritization of the image
data in order of magnitude of the total time (Ca), and causes the
order to be stored (step S63). For example, the prioritization of
the image data is the "image 5", the "image 4", the "image 2", the
"image 6", the "image 1", and the "image 3", in this order, Next, a
command from the CPU 10 causes the projection control unit 46 to
sequentially read out from the data memory unit 38, and display on
the LCOS 44, image data relating to the image projected by the
projection unit 34, on the basis of the prioritization of the image
data and in order beginning with the earliest number of
prioritization, thus sequentially performing image projection (step
S64). The projected images are switched over, for example, at
10-second intervals, and the images are displayed in order
beginning with the earliest number of prioritization.
[0081] According to the digital camera based on the third
embodiment, the time when the image is played back and displayed in
the LCD display unit 24 can be counted, and the prioritization of
image data relating to the image projected by the projection unit
34 can be determined on the basis of the time counted.
[0082] The CPU 10 may also count the projection time (Cp),
calculate the total time (Ca) from the projection time (Cp) (step
S62), and determine the prioritization of the image data in order
of magnitude of the total time (Ca) (step S63). In such a case, the
display control unit 26 causes the LCD display unit 24 to
sequentially play back and display the images based on the image
data on the basis of the prioritization determined on the basis of
the projection time (Cp) (step S64).
[0083] The total time (Ca) may also be calculated from both the
playback time (Cc) and the projection time (Cp). For example, the
CPU 10 may count each of the playback time (Cc) and the projection
time (Cp) respectively, calculate the total time (Ca), being the
sum of the playback time (Cc) and the projection time (Cp),
determine the prioritization of the image data in order of
magnitude of the total time (Ca), and cause images based on the
image data to be sequentially displayed on the LCD display unit 64
or projected by the projection unit 34 sequentially on the basis of
the prioritization.
[0084] In the embodiments above, the calculation of the total time
(Ca) involves the summing up of the playback time (Cc), the
projection time (Cp), and the display time (Cd) without alteration,
but the calculation may also be performed once a weighting has been
assigned. For example, either the CPU 10 or the CPU 50 may
calculate a total value by multiplying .alpha., .beta., .gamma., or
other predetermined coefficients, such that the playback time
(Cc).times..alpha., the projection time (Cp).times..beta., and the
display time (Cd).times..gamma., and the display order or
projection order may be determined on the basis of the calculated
total value. This makes it possible to determine the prioritization
of the image data once consideration has been given to the
importance of each of the times. For example, in a case where it is
determined that an image displayed on the LCD display unit 24 of
the digital camera 4 is an image meant to be recognized by the
person who captured the image and is therefore of low importance;
where an image projected by the projection unit 34 is an image
meant to be seen by a plurality of people and is therefore of high
importance; and where an image displayed on the LCD display unit 64
of the DPF 6 is an image meant to be viewed and is therefore deemed
not to be as importance as the image projected by the projection
unit 34, then the coefficients can be set such that
.alpha.<.gamma.<.beta., whereby the image projected by the
projection unit 34 can be set to have a high priority and the image
displayed on the LCD display unit 24 of the digital camera 4 can be
set to have a low priority.
[0085] A file created in the DPF may be used during display on the
camera, and a file created in the camera may be used in the DPF.
Specifically, the CPU 50 may refer to the prioritization determined
by the CPU 10, and the CPU 10 may refer to the prioritization
determined by the CPU 50.
[0086] In the embodiments above, communication between the digital
camera 4 and the DPF 6 is performed via the USB cable 7, but data
may also be acquired directly from the memory cards by the
insertion and removal of the memory cards into/from the memory card
slots 32 and 70. For example, in the image display system according
to the first embodiment, the playback time (Cc) of the image data
is counted in the image playback mode and stored in the first file,
and the first file is stored in the memory card inserted into the
memory card slot 32 after the termination of the image playback
mode. The operator takes out the memory card from the memory card
slot 32 and inserts the same into the memory card slot 70 of the
DPF 6. The CPU 50 of the DPF 6 may read out the first file from the
memory card inserted into the memory card slot 70 and generate the
third file, calculate the total time (Ca) from the playback time
(Cc), and determine the prioritization of the image data in order
of magnitude of the total time (Ca), the display control unit 66
then causing the LCD display unit 64 to sequentially display images
based on the image data, on the basis of the prioritization.
[0087] Moreover, wireless USB communication may be used, or another
communicating means other than USB communication may be used. Such
means make it possible to transmit and receive image data and the
like between the digital camera 4 and the DPF 6.
[0088] What follows is a description of an image display system
according to a fourth embodiment, with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The image display system according to the
fourth embodiment is configured such that the DPF 6 is replaced
with a television 8 in the image display system 2 according to the
first embodiment, and the determination of the prioritization is
instead performed in the television 8. Instead of storing a time
when an image has been displayed (hereinafter, a display time (Cx)
is used as a phrase that comprehensively includes the playback time
(Cc), the projection time (Cp), the display time (Cd), the time
when the image has been displayed on the television 8, and the
like) in a predetermined file, the time is stored in a header part
of the image data as tag information, and the most recently counted
display time (Cx) is stored having been added to the display
time(s) (Cx) already stored in the header part of the image data. A
weighting is assigned to the display time (Cx) when the total time
(Ca) is calculated in the ranking mode, whereby the prioritization
is determined so as to reflect the importance of each of the
display times (Cx). Consequently, a detailed description of
constituent elements identical to those of the first embodiment has
been omitted, and only points of difference are described in
detail. Further, the description is provided using the same
reference numerals for the same parts of the configuration as in
the first embodiment.
[0089] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the system
configuration of the television 8 in an image display system 3
according to the fourth embodiment. The image display system 3 is
provided with the digital camera 4 and with the television 8, and
is connected via the USB cable 7. The television 8 is provided with
a CPU 80, and the CPU 80 is provided with: a power source switch 82
for switching between an on and off state of a power source of the
television 8; an operation key 84 used during a function setting of
the television 8 and during a display setting of an image; a mode
setting unit 86 for setting an image display mode for displaying an
image and a ranking mode for determining a prioritization of image
data and for displaying, on the basis of the prioritization, an
image; a data transfer button 88 for commanding a transfer of data
from the television 8 to the digital camera 4; a USB port 90 at
which a USB machine is connected; and a network terminal 92 at
which an Ethernet (trademark) standard or other network cable is
connected.
[0090] The CPU 80 is connected to: a demodulator 96 for
demodulating a broadcast signal received by a tuner 94 via an
antenna (not shown); a display control unit 100 for controlling the
display of an LCD panel 98; a VRAM 102 for storing image data
relating to an image displayed on the LCD panel 98; an audio output
control unit 106 for controlling audio outputted from a speaker
104; a memory card slot 110 for inserting and removing a memory
card for storing the image data; a time measurement unit 112 for
counting the display time (Cx) of an image having been displayed on
the LCD panel 98; a data memory unit 114 for storing, for each file
of the image data, the display time (Cx) counted in the time
measurement unit 112; and a ROM 115 for storing a predetermined
coefficient for assigning a weighting to the display time (ac) when
the total time (Ca) is calculated in the ranking mode. The CPU 80
is also connected to a flash RAM 116 and stores a program for
controlling the entire television according to the embodiment as
well as a program for executing the processing illustrated by the
flow charts described below.
[0091] Next, a description of a configuration of an image file used
in the image display system 3 according to the fourth embodiment
shall now be provided, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Image data is stored in the memory card as an Exif or in another
predetermined file format; for example, as illustrated in FIG. 15,
thumbnail image data 204 and a header part 206 are appended to
image data 202 relating to a file "001.jpg", which is an image file
for 2D display. The header part 206 stores, as tag information, the
display times (Cx), i.e.: the playback time (Cc) when the image
based on the image data 202 has been played back on the LCD display
unit 24 of the digital camera 4; the projection time (Cp) when the
image has been projected by the projection unit 34 of the digital
camera 4; the display time (Cd) when the image has been displayed
on the LCD display unit 64 of the DPF 6; a display time (Ct) when
the image has been displayed on the LCD panel 98 of the television
8; a display time (Cpc) when the image has been displayed on a
display unit of a personal computer, which is an external machine
(not shown); a display time (Cm) when the image has been displayed
on a display unit of a mobile telephone, which is an external
machine (not shown); and an editing history (Ce) of the image
data.
[0092] Herein, the display time (Ct) is stored having been further
classified into the display format and the display size of the
image. Specifically, in a case where the image based on the image
data 202 has been 3D-displayed on the LCD panel 98, then a display
time (Ct (3D, L)) is stored in a case where the screen size of the
television 8 is at least 60 inches. In a case where the screen size
of the television 8 is 26 inches or greater and less than 60
inches, then a display time (Ct (3D, M)) is stored, and in a case
where the screen size of the television 8 is less than 26 inches,
than a display time (Ct (3D, S)) is stored. Similarly, in a case
where the image based on the image data 202 is 2D-displayed on the
LCD panel 98, then in a case where the screen size of the
television 8 is at least 60 inches, a display time (Ct (2D, L)) is
stored; in a case where the screen size of the television 8 is 26
inches or greater and less than 60 inches, a display time (Ct (2D,
M)) is stored; and in a case where the screen size of the
television 8 is less than 26 inches, a display time (Ct, (2D, S))
is stored.
[0093] The editing history (Ce) is information indicative of
whether or not skin correction processing, cropping, or other forms
of editing have been performed on the image data. For example, in a
case where no editing has been performed on the image data, a value
of 1.0 is stored, and in a case where cropping has been performed
on the image data, a value of 1.5, which is a larger value than the
1.0 of the case where no editing has been performed, is stored. The
editing history (Ce) is used as a coefficient for when the total
time (Ca) is calculated in the ranking mode.
[0094] Right-eye image data and left-eye image data are stored in
an image file of an image for 3D display. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 16, image data (right) 210 and image data
(left) 212 are stored in an image file "001.mpo" of an image for 3D
display, and thumbnail image data 214 and a header part 216 are
appended to the image data (right) 210 and the image data (left)
212. The configuration of the header part 216 is similar to the
case of the file "001.jpg" described using FIG. 15. In a case where
an image using the image file "001.mpo" is 3D-displayed on the LCD
panel 98 of the television 8, an image based on the image data
(right) 210 and an image based on the image data (left) 212 are
displayed alternatingly in time division. In a case of 2D display
on the LCD panel 98, either an image based on the image data
(right) 210 or an image based on the image data (left) 212 is
displayed.
[0095] Next, a description of the image playback processing of the
digital camera 4 in the image display system 3 according to the
fourth embodiment shall now be provided, with reference to the flow
chart illustrated in FIG. 17. Firstly, when the mode setting unit
16 is operated and the image playback mode is thereby set, the CPU
10 reads out image data selected by the operator from the memory
card inserted into the memory card slot 32, and displays and plays
back, on the LCD display unit 24, an image based on the image data,
via the display control unit 26 (step S71). In a case where the
image has been played back and displayed, a determination is made
as to whether or not the time when the image has been played back
and displayed has passed a predetermined duration of time (for
example, 3 seconds) (step S72); in a case where the time when the
image has been played back and displayed has passed the
predetermined duration of time (step S72: Y), then a counting of
the playback time (Cc) of the image is begun in the time
measurement unit 36 (step S73). On the other hand, no counting is
performed in a case where the time when the image has been played
back and displayed has not passed the predetermined duration of
time (step S72: N).
[0096] Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not another image has
been played back and displayed on the LCD display unit 24 (step
S74). In a case where no other image has been played back and
displayed (step S74: N), the CPU 10 determines whether or not a
switch has been made from the image playback mode to another mode
(step S75). In a case where another image has been played back and
displayed (step S74: Y) and in a case where a switch has been made
to another mode (step S75: Y), the CPU 10 adds the most recently
counted playback time (Cc) to the playback time (Cc) already stored
in the header part of the image data (step S76). For example, in
the image file "001.jpg" (see FIG. 15), the header part 206 of the
image data 202 is taken to already have stored a playback time (Cc)
for 10 seconds. Herein, in a case where the image based on the
image data 202 has been played back for 5 seconds on the LCD
display unit 24, the CPU 10 adds these 5 counted seconds to the 10
seconds already stored in the header part 206, and updates the
playback time (Cc) to 15 seconds. On the other hand, in a case
where no switch has been made to another mode (step S75: N), the
counting of the playback time (Cc) of the image is continued (step
S73). After the termination of the image playback mode, the CPU 10
stores, in the memory card inserted into the memory card slot 32,
the image file of the image data to which the playback time (Cc)
has been added.
[0097] Next, when the data transfer button 18 is operated by the
operator, the CPU 10 of the digital camera 4 reads out the image
file stored in the memory card inserted into the memory card slot
32, and transmits the same from the USB port 20 to the television 8
via the USB cable 7. The television 8 receives the image file via
the USB port 90, and a command from the CPU 80 causes the image
file to be stored in the memory card inserted into the memory card
slot 110.
[0098] Next, with reference to the flow chart illustrated in FIG.
18, a description of the image display processing of the television
8 in the image display system 3 according to the fourth embodiment
shall now be provided, using the example of a case where the
television 8 is a television having a 60-inch screen size for 2D
display of images on the LCD panel 98. Firstly, when the mode
setting unit 86 is operated and the image display mode is thereby
set, the CPU 80 reads out image data selected by the operator from
the memory card inserted into the memory card slot 110, and
displays an image based on the image data on the LCD panel 98, via
the display control unit 100 (step S81). In a case where the image
has been displayed, the CPU 80 determines whether or not the time
when the image has been displayed has passed a predetermined
duration of time (for example, 3 seconds) (step S82); in a case
where the time when the image has been displayed has passed the
predetermined duration of time (step S82: Y), the CPU 80 begins a
counting of the display time (Ct (2D, L)) of the image in the time
measurement unit 112 (step S83). On the other hand, no counting is
performed in a case where the time when the image has been
displayed has not passed the predetermined duration of time (step
S82: N).
[0099] Next, the CPU 80 determines whether or not another image has
been displayed on the LCD panel 98 (step S84). In a case where no
other image has been displayed (step S84: N), the CPU 80 determines
whether or not a switch has been made from the image display mode
to another mode (step S85). In a case where another image has been
displayed (step S84: Y) and in a case where a switch has been made
to another mode (step S85: Y), the CPU 80 adds the most recently
counted display time (Ct (2D, L)) to the display time (Ct (2D, L))
already stored in the header part of the image data (step S86). For
example, in the image file "001.jpg" (see FIG. 15), the header part
206 of the image data 202 is taken to already have stored a
playback time (Ct (2D, L)) for 10 seconds. Herein, in a case where
the image based on the image data 202 has been displayed for 5
seconds on the LCD panel 98, the CPU 80 adds these 5 counted
seconds to the 10 seconds already stored in the header part 206,
and updates the display time (Ct (2D, L)) to 15 seconds. On the
other hand, in a case where no switch has been made to another mode
(step S85: N), the counting of the display time (Ct (2D, L)) of the
image is continued (step S83). After the termination of the image
playback mode, the CPU 80 causes the image file of the image data
to which the display time (Ct (2D, L)) has been added to be stored
in the memory card inserted into the memory card slot 110.
[0100] Next, a description of the prioritization determination
processing in the image display system 3 according to the fourth
embodiment shall now be provided, with reference to the
accompanying drawings. FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating the
prioritization determination processing of the television 8.
Firstly, when the mode setting unit 86 is operated and the ranking
mode is thereby set, the CPU 80 reads out the editing history (Ce)
and the display times (Cx) from the header part having been
appended to the image data of the image file stored in the memory
card inserted into the memory card slot 110, and reads out a
predetermined coefficient from the ROM 115 (step S91). Next, for
each image file stored in the memory card, the total time (Ca) is
calculated on the basis of a mathematical equation 1 (step
S92).
Total time (Ca)=editing history (Ce).times.{.alpha..times.playback
time (Cc)+.beta..times.projection time (Cp)+.gamma..times.display
time (Cd)+.delta.1.times.display time (Ct (3D,
L))+.delta.2.times.display time (Ct (3D, M))+.delta.3.times.display
time (Ct (3D, S))+.delta.4.times.display time (Ct (2D,
L))+.delta.5.times.display time (Ct (2D, M))+.delta.6.times.display
time (Ct (2D, S))+.epsilon..times.display time (Cpc).times.display
time (Cm)} {Math. 1}
[0101] Herein, in the mathematical equation 1, the display time
(Cx) of an image displayed on a large screen and viewed by a
multitude of people is multiplied by a coefficient having a high
value, and the display time (Cx) of an image for confirmation
displayed on a small screen is multiplied by a coefficient having a
small value. Also, with respect to the LCD panel 98 of the
television 8, the coefficient by which the display time (Cx) of an
image which is displayed in 3D thereon is multiplied is a larger
value than that of the coefficient by which the display time (Cx)
of an image which is displayed in 2D thereon is multiplied.
Consequently, the values of the predetermined coefficients are set
such that
.zeta.=.alpha.=.epsilon.<.gamma.<.delta.6<.delta.5<.delta.4&l-
t;.delta.3<.delta.2<.delta.1 <.beta., in this order.
[0102] The total time (Ca) is calculated such that, in a case where
the value of the editing history (Ce) stored in the header part of
the image data of the image file "001.jpg" is 1.0 and where the
value of the display time (Cx) and the value of the predetermined
coefficient corresponding to the value of the display time (Cx) are
the numbers as illustrated in FIG. 20, then, on the basis of the
mathematical equation 1, total time (Ca)=1.0.times.{1.0.times.15
seconds+4.0.times.8 seconds+1.5.times.0 seconds+2.8.times.0
seconds+2.6.times.0 seconds+2.4.times.0 seconds+2.2.times.15
seconds+2.0.times.0 seconds+1.8.times.0 seconds+1.0.times.4
seconds+1.0.times.3 seconds}=87 seconds.
[0103] Next, the CPU 80 determines the prioritization of the image
data in order of magnitude of total time (Ca), and causes the order
to be stored (step S93). For example, in addition to the image file
"001.jpg", an image file "002.jpg" and an image file "003.jpg" are
also stored in the memory card, and the total times (Ca) for each
of the image files are taken to have been calculated.
[0104] The total time (Ca) of the image based on the image data of
the image file "001.jpg" is taken to be 87 seconds; the total time
(Ca) of the image based on the image data of the image file
"002.jpg" is taken to be 95 seconds; and the total time (Ca) of the
image based on the image data of the image file "003.jpg" is taken
to be 52 seconds. In such a case, the prioritization of the image
data will be the image data of the image file "001.jpg", the image
data of the image file "003.jpg", and the image data of the image
file "002.jpg", in this order. Next, a command from the CPU 80
causes the image data to be read out sequentially from the memory
card inserted into the memory card slot 110 on the basis of the
prioritization order, and the display control unit 100 sequentially
displays the images based on the read-out image data on the LCD
panel 98 (step S104). The display images are switched over, for
example, at 10-second intervals, and the images are displayed in
order beginning with the earliest number of prioritization.
[0105] According to the image display system 3 based on the fourth
embodiment, the time when the image has been played back is counted
in the digital camera 4, and the prioritization of the image data
can be determined in the television 8 on the basis of the time
counted in the digital camera 4. Also, multiplying the display time
(Cx) by the predetermined coefficient makes it possible to
determine the prioritization so as to reflect the importance of
each of the display times (Cx). Multiplying the display time (Cx)
by the value of the editing history (Ce) makes it possible to give
greater priority to image data that has been edited. Also, because
the most recently counted display time (Cx) is added in the digital
camera 4 and the television 8 to the display time (Cx) already
stored in the header part of the image data, the prioritization can
be determined in consideration also of the total time when the
image has been displayed in the past.
[0106] What follows is a description of a television 8 according to
a fifth embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
using the example of a case where the television 8 is a television
having a 60-inch screen size for the 3D display of images on the
LCD panel 98. The television 8 according to the fifth embodiment is
configured such that the processing performed in series in the
image display system 2 according to the fourth embodiment is
instead performed in the television 8. Also, the calculation of the
total time (Ca) in the ranking mode has been made to reflect only
the display time (Cx) of the image displayed on the own device. In
a case where an image based on image data for 3D display has been
displayed on the LCD panel 98, then the display time (Ct (3D, L))
is stored also in the header part of the image data for 2D display
subordinate to the image data for 3D display (for example, image
data for 2D display, in the case where there exists the image data
for 3D display as well as the image data for 2D display for the
same image). Consequently, a detailed description of constituent
elements identical to those of the fourth embodiment has been
omitted, and only points of difference are described in detail.
Further, the description is provided using the same reference
numerals for the same parts of the configuration as in the fourth
embodiment.
[0107] Next, a description of the image display processing of the
television 8 according to the fifth embodiment shall now be
provided. Firstly, the CPU 80 counts the display time (Ct, (3D, L))
when the image based on the image data for 3D display has been
3D-displayed on the LCD panel 98, and stores the display time (Ct
(3D, L)) in the header part of the image data for 3D display. For
example, an image based on the image data (right) 210 and an image
based on the image data (left) 212 of the image file "001.mpo" (see
FIG. 16) are 3D-displayed on the LCD panel 98 for a total of 18
seconds. In such a case, the CPU 80 stores the display time (Ct
(3D, L)) for 18 seconds in the header parts of the image data
(right) 210 and the image data (left) 212.
[0108] Herein, in a case where the memory card has stored image
data for 2D display that is subordinate to the image data of the
image having been 3D-displayed on the LCD panel 98, then the CPU 80
stores the same display time (Ct (3D, L)) also for the header part
of the subordinate image data for 2D display. For example, in a
case where the image file "001.jpg" of the image for 2D display
(see FIG. 15) is stored in the memory card and where the image data
202 of the image file "001.jpg" is subordinate to the image data
(right) 210 and the image data (left) 212 of the image file
"001.mpo" (see FIG. 16), then the CPU 80 causes the display time
(Ct (3D, L)) to be stored for 18 seconds also in the header part
206 of the image data 202 for 2D display.
[0109] Next, a description of the prioritization determination
processing by the television 8 according to the fifth embodiment
shall now be provided, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating the prioritization
determination processing of the television 8. Firstly, when the
mode setting unit 86 is operated and the ranking mode is thereby
set, then the CPU 80 detects, from among the image files stored in
the memory card inserted into the memory card slot 110, an image
file in which the display time (Ct (3D, L)) has been stored in the
header part of the image data (step S101).
[0110] For example, the image file "001.mpo", the image file
"002.mpo", the image file "003.mpo", the image file "004.mpo", and
the image file "005.mpo" of the image data for 3D display are taken
to have been stored in the memory card. In such a case, in a case
where the display time (Ct (3D, L)) has been stored in the header
part of the image data of the image file "001.mpo" and the image
files "002.mpo" and "003.mpo" and the display time (Ct (3D, L)) has
not been stored in the header part of the image data of the image
file "004.mpo" and the image file "005.mpo", then the CPU 80
detects the image file "001.mpo", the image file "002.mpo", and the
image file "003.mpo", and does not detect the image files "004.mpo"
and "005.mpo".
[0111] Next, the CPU 80 reads out the editing history (Ce) and the
display time (Ct (3D, L)) stored in the header parts of the image
data of the detected image files, and calculates the total time
(Ca) for each unit of image data on the basis of the editing
history (Ce) and the display time (Ct (3D, L)) (step S102).
[0112] For example, a value of 1.0 for the editing history (Ce) and
18 seconds for the display time (Ct (3D, L)) are stored in the
header part of the image data of the image file "001.mpo"; a value
of 1.0 for the editing history (Ce) and 10 seconds for the display
time (Ct (3D, L)) are stored in the header part of the image data
of the image file "002.mpo"; and a value of 1.5 for the editing
history (Ce) and 8 seconds for the display time (Ct (3D, L)) are
stored in the header part of the image data of the image file
"003.mpo".
[0113] In such a case, the total time (Ca) is calculated for the
image data of the image file "001.mpo" such that 1.0.times.18
seconds =18 seconds. Similarly, for the image data of the image
file "002.mpo", the total time (Ca) is calculated such that
1.0.times.10 seconds =10 seconds, and for the image data of the
image file "003.mpo", the total time (Ca) is calculated such that
1.5.times.8 seconds=12 seconds.
[0114] Next, the CPU 80 determines the prioritization of the image
data in order of magnitude of the calculated total time (Ca) (step
S103). For example, the prioritization of the image data will be
the image data of the image file "001.mpo", the image data of the
image file "003.mpo", and the image data of the image file
"002.mpo" in this order. Next, a command from the CPU 80 causes the
image data to be sequentially read out from the memory card
inserted into the memory card slot 110 on the basis of the
prioritization, and the display control unit 100 sequentially
displays the images based on the read-out image data on the LCD
panel 98 (step S104). The display images are switched over, for
example, at 10-second intervals, and the images are displayed in
order beginning with the earliest number of prioritization.
[0115] According to the television 8 based on the fifth embodiment,
it is possible to determine the prioritization of the image data on
the basis of the display time (Ct) of the image having been
displayed on the own device. Also, in a case where the image based
on the image data for 3D display has been displayed on the LCD
panel 98, because the display time (Ct (3D, L)) is stored also in
the header part of the image data for 2D display subordinate to the
image data for 3D display, it is possible to store the display time
(Cx) unified in the header parts of mutually associated image
data.
[0116] The embodiments above describe the example of a case where
the mode setting unit 86 is operated and the ranking mode is
thereby set, but the ranking mode may also be set in a case where
new image data has been received via the USB port or in a case
where the memory card has been inserted into the memory card slot
110.
[0117] The fourth embodiment describes the example of a case where
the counting of the playback time (Cc) involves the addition of the
most recently counted playback time (Cc), but the playback time
(Cc) having already been stored may also be written over with the
most recently counted playback time (Cc). The average value of the
playback time (Cc) having already been stored and the most recently
counted playback time (Cc) may also be stored. In a case where, for
example, the playback time (Cc) having already been stored is 8
seconds and the most recently counted playback time (Cc) is 10
seconds, then 9 seconds, which is the average value, may also be
stored.
[0118] Also, the fifth embodiment describes a case where the same
display time is stored also in the header part of the subordinate
image data for 2D display in a case where the image based on the
image data for 3D display has been displayed on the LCD panel 98,
but different display times may also be stored. For example, in a
case where the image based on the image data for 3D display has
been 3D-displayed for 18 seconds, then 9 seconds, which is 0.5
times the value thereof, may be stored as the display time (Ct (3D,
L)) in the header part of the subordinate image data for 2D
display. Also, in a case where the display time (Ct (3D, L)) of the
image based on the image data for 3D display and the display time
(Ct (2D, L)) of the image based on the subordinate image data for
2D display are different, then it is also possible for only the
display time (Ct (3D, L)) of the image data for 3D display to be
stored in the header parts of both sets of image data. In a case
where, for example, the image based on the image data for 3D
display has been displayed for 5 seconds and the image based on the
subordinate image data for 2D display has been displayed for 15
seconds, then 5 seconds may be stored as the display time (Ct (3D,
L)) in the header parts of both sets of image data. Also, in a case
where the image based on the image data for 3D display and the
image based on the subordinate image data for 2D display have each
been displayed on the LCD panel of the television for 2D display,
then it is possible to store only the display time of the image
data for 2D display in the header part of either image data.
[0119] The embodiments above describe the example of a case where
the all the images based on the image data for which the total time
(Ca) has been calculated in the ranking mode are displayed, but it
is also possible to display only images based on specific image
data. For example, it is possible to display, in order of magnitude
of the total time (Ca), only the images based on image data
captured on January 1st from among all the image data for which the
total time (Ca) has been calculated. Also, the total time (Ca) may
also be calculated for each shooting date, and the images based on
the image data having a first-place ranking in each of the shooting
dates may be displayed as slides. Also, the total time (Ca) may be
calculated for each specific time (for example, a week or a month)
and the images based on the image data having a first-place ranking
in each of the specific times may be displayed as slides. The
images based on the image data having a top-3 ranking on each of
the shooting dates may also be displayed as slides.
[0120] Also, in the fourth embodiment, the values of the
predetermined coefficients may be allowed to be changed. For
example, a printing unit that prints an image based on image data
may be provided to the television 8, and in a case where an image
has been printed three or more times by the printing unit, the
value of the predetermined coefficient may be doubled when the
total time (Ca) is calculated.
[0121] In the embodiments above, a reference value may be provided
for the total time (Ca), where the image data for which the total
time (Ca) is less than the reference value is not given a
determined prioritization and is excluded from being subject to
being displayed. Image data where the total time (Ca) is less than
the reference value may also be deleted from the memory card.
[0122] In the embodiments above, in the case where the image has
been edited, the editing history (Ce) is stored in the header part
of the image data, but the state of the image at the time of
editing may also be stored. For example, in a case where the face
of a person image has been displayed with zoom in the image display
mode, then the CPU stores information relating to the zoomed region
in the header part of the image data. In a case where the image is
displayed in the ranking mode, the CPU may display the face of the
person image on the basis of the information relating to the zoomed
region.
[0123] In the embodiments above, a higher prioritization may be
given to an image that has been deliberately viewed by the
operator. For example, in a case where the total time (Ca) of an
image having been selected using a CEC (Consumer Electronics
[0124] Control) is calculated, a value where the total value
calculated in the prioritization determination processing is
further multiplied by a coefficient Ccec may also be stored as the
total time (Ca).
[0125] The fifth embodiment describes the example of a case where
the header part of the image data is written over with the most
recently counted display time (Cx), but, similarly with respect to
the example described using the fourth embodiment, the most
recently counted display time (Cx) may also be added to the display
time (3) having already been stored in the header part of the image
data.
[0126] In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the editing history
(Ce) and the display time (Cx) are stored in the header part of the
image data as tag information, but, similarly with respect to the
first embodiment through third embodiment, for example, the editing
history (Ce) and the display time (Cx) may be stored in a sixth
file illustrated in FIG. 22 to calculate the total time (Ca).
[0127] The fourth and fifth embodiments describe the example of a
case where the prioritization determination processing is performed
in the television 8, but, instead of the television 8, the
prioritization determination processing may also be performed in a
personal computer, a mobile telephone, or another display device.
In such a case, the CPU may use, in the prioritization
determination processing, the display time (Cpc) when the image has
been displayed on the display unit of the personal computer (see
FIG. 15) or the display time (Cm) when the image has been displayed
on the display unit of the mobile telephone (see FIG. 15).
[0128] The fourth and fifth embodiments describe the example of a
case where the images based on the image data are displayed on a
display unit, but images may also be displayed on the basis of the
thumbnail image data.
[0129] In the fourth embodiment, similarly with respect to the
first embodiment, the digital camera 4 may also be where the images
are projected using the projection unit 34, the projection time
(Cp) is counted, and the stored projection time (Cp) is stored in
the header part of the image data.
[0130] In the fourth embodiment, the digital camera 4 and the
television 8 may be interchanged, and the digital camera 4 may be
where the prioritization is determined.
[0131] In the fourth embodiment, communication between the digital
camera 4 and the television 8 is performed via the USB cable 7, but
data may also be acquired directly from the memory cards by the
insertion and removal of the memory cards into/from the memory card
slots 32 and 110. Moreover, wireless USB communication may be used,
or another communicating means other than USB communication may be
used. Such means make it possible to transmit and receive image
data and the like between the digital camera 4 and the television
8.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0132] 2 . . . image display system; 4 . . . digital camera; 6 . .
. digital photo frame; 7 . . . USB cable; 50 . . . CPU; 52 . . .
power source switch; 54 . . . operation key; 56 . . . mode setting
unit; 58 . . . data transfer button; 60 . . . USB port; 64 . . .
LCD display unit; 66 . . . display control unit; 68 . . . memory
unit; 70 . . . memory card slot; 72 . . . time measurement unit; 74
. . . data memory unit
* * * * *