JP2006146755A - Display control apparatus, image display method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and quickly confirm contents of a plurality of groups and images included in each group and find a desired image on a screen.
In a digital still camera 12 equipped with an image display system PS, a large number of image data are classified into groups based on one of time information JJ, location information BJ, and category information CJ given to the image data. For two or more groups, a display frame for displaying a representative image as a characteristic of each group is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G at a time, and then the movement of the pointer PT into the display frame is detected. Sometimes, a slide show is started, and images represented by a plurality of image data in the group are sequentially displayed in the display frame while switching one image to be displayed.
[Selection] Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for displaying a plurality of images on a screen.

  Conventionally, in devices that handle image data such as digital cameras, a technology that automatically classifies a large number of images into a large number of groups according to the acquisition date, etc., in order to enable easy arrangement of the large number of acquired images. Is adopted. Thereby, a large number of groups including a large number of images are formed, and a large number of such groups and a large number of images included in each group can be displayed on an attached monitor (for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document). 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-4533 JP2003-299028

  However, in the conventional display method described above, since many groups and many images included in each group are displayed on different screens, it is difficult to confirm the contents of the images and find a desired image for each group. There was a problem of becoming. For example, when a user wants to view a desired image acquired in the past, the user first selects a group that seems to include the desired image on a screen on which a large number of groups are displayed. On the screen displayed by this selection (a screen on which a large number of images included in the selected group are displayed), a two-step selection is performed in which a desired image is selected while scrolling the screen as necessary. There was a need. If the desired image does not exist on the screen on which many images included in the group are displayed (that is, if the group is selected incorrectly), the screen is displayed again on the screen on which many groups are displayed. Therefore, it is necessary to start again from the selection of the group, and there is a possibility that the troublesome work until finding a desired image becomes more remarkable.

  Based on the above-described problems, the present invention aims to easily and quickly perform confirmation of contents and discovery of desired images on a plurality of groups and images included in each group. The following configuration was adopted.

The display control device of the present invention
A display control device that performs control to display a plurality of images on a screen, and classifying means that classifies each input plurality of image data into a plurality of groups based on feature information given to the image data;
Area display control means for displaying a display area for displaying the characteristics of each of two or more groups of the plurality of groups on one screen at a time;
Image display control for sequentially displaying an image represented by a plurality of image data in a group at a predetermined timing in a display region for each of the two or more groups while switching one image to be displayed. It is summarized that it has a means.

In addition, the image display method of the present invention made using the same technology as the display control device,
A method for displaying a plurality of images on a screen, wherein each of a plurality of input image data is classified into a plurality of groups based on feature information given to the image data,
For two or more of the plurality of groups, a display area for displaying the characteristics of each group is displayed on one screen at a time,
An object of the present invention is to sequentially display an image represented by a plurality of image data in a group at a predetermined timing in a display area for each of the two or more groups while switching one image to be displayed. And

  Here, the image data may represent a still image or a moving image. As a form for sequentially displaying a plurality of moving images, a form in which a part of a moving image (for example, the first few seconds) is sequentially displayed for each image data representing the moving image can be considered.

  According to the display control apparatus or the image display method of the present invention, the characteristics of each group are displayed for two or more groups out of a plurality of groups into which the image data is classified based on the feature information given to the image data. A display area to be displayed is displayed on one screen at a time (area display control means). In the display area for each of the two or more groups, images represented by a plurality of image data in the group are sequentially displayed at a predetermined timing while switching one image to be displayed ( Image display control means). Accordingly, the user can sequentially view the images included in each group while confirming the types of two or more groups on one screen, and a plurality of groups and images included in each group can be viewed. It is possible to easily and quickly confirm the contents and find a desired image.

  Various developments can be considered for the above display control apparatus or image display method. Hereinafter, a display control apparatus will be described as an example, but almost the same development is possible as an image display method.

  Various timings can be considered as the timing at which the image display control means sequentially displays a plurality of images included in the group. For example, after the display area is displayed for two or more groups by the area display control means, when a predetermined instruction based on the user's operation is given, a plurality of groups included in each of the displayed groups is displayed. A configuration in which images are sequentially displayed (hereinafter referred to as a manual sequential display method) may be employed. In this way, sequential display of a plurality of images included in the group can be started when the user intends. As an example of such a manual sequential display method, a range recognition unit for recognizing the range of the display region for each group and a detection unit for detecting the position of the pointer are provided. A configuration can be considered in which sequential display of a plurality of images included in a group corresponding to the display area is started. In this way, the user can confirm the contents of the images included in each of the two or more groups individually (for each group).

  In addition, a structure in which a plurality of images included in each group in which the display area is displayed is automatically displayed in accordance with display of the display area for two or more groups by the area display control means (hereinafter referred to as automatic sequential). A display method) may be employed. By so doing, since the plurality of images included in each group are sequentially displayed immediately after the grouping of images is completed, the contents of the images included in each group can be easily confirmed. As an example of such an automatic sequential display method, when a recording medium such as a memory card is inserted, input of a plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium, classification of the input image data into groups, two or more groups It is possible to consider a configuration in which each process of displaying the display area and sequentially displaying the images in the group in the display area are continuously performed.

  The characteristics of the group that is the display target in the display area represent a property unique to the group. For example, in addition to the images included in the group, icons representing the name of the group and the characteristics of the group are considered. be able to. A configuration (characteristic display control means) may be provided that displays such group characteristics in the display area in accordance with display of the display area for the group by the area display control means. In this way, the user can sequentially display the images included in the group after grasping the characteristics of the group. Specifically, a configuration in which a representative image representing a group (one image among images included in the group) is displayed in the display area as a group characteristic can be considered.

  In the input image data, as feature information, time information regarding the time when the image represented by the image data was acquired, location information regarding the place where the image represented by the image data was acquired, category of the image represented by the image data It is also desirable that at least one of the category information regarding is assigned. In this way, the plurality of input image data are classified into a plurality of groups based on time information, place information, and category information. Therefore, a plurality of images having the same acquisition time, acquisition location, and category can be displayed sequentially. Note that information such as year, month, week, day, hour, minute, and second can be considered as the time information. Further, as location information regarding the above location, latitude, longitude, wireless base station, country name, administrative name such as prefecture name, municipality name, and other region name information can be considered. Furthermore, as the above category information, various information (ID, image name, etc.) arbitrarily given by the user for each image can be considered.

  When identification information for identifying each group is given to the plurality of groups into which the image data is classified, the defining means uses the relative position between the plurality of groups based on the identification information. It is also preferable that the relationship is defined and the area display control means displays the display areas for two or more groups based on the positional relationship defined by the defining means. By doing this, it is possible to provide regularity between groups with respect to the position where the display area is displayed. As the display form of images with regularity between groups, the display on the calendar, the display on the map, the display on the list by theme, etc. can be considered as shown below. .

  The input image data is provided with time information regarding the time when the image represented by the image data was acquired as feature information, and the plurality of groups into which the image data is classified correspond to the time information as identification information. When the date information indicating the date is given, the above-mentioned specifying means designates the date indicated by the date information given to the group on a predetermined calendar, and By forming a display area for the group in an area on the calendar where the specified date is represented, the means for defining the relative positional relationship between each of the plurality of groups is provided. The time information assigned to the input image data and the date information corresponding to the time information are specified, and the input image data is assigned to the group having the specified date information. And means for classifying, the region display control unit, based on the defined positional relationship by said specifying means, two or more display areas for each group, together with the calendar, may be a means for displaying on the screen. In this way, it is possible to sequentially display a plurality of images acquired on the same date on the calendar representing each date. Therefore, the user can easily search for a desired image by relying on his / her memory regarding the time when searching for a desired image from a large number of images.

  In addition, location information regarding the place where the image represented by the image data is acquired is added as feature information to the input image data, and the location information is used as identification information for a plurality of groups into which the image data is classified. If the area information representing the area corresponding to is given, the above specifying means designates the area represented by the area information given to the group on a predetermined map, and the designated area is represented. By forming a display area for the group in the area on the map that has been set, it is a means for prescribing the relative positional relationship between each group, and the above classification means is assigned to the input image data. Specified location information and area information corresponding to the location information, and the input image data is divided into groups having the specified area information. And means for, the region display control unit, based on the defined positional relationship by said specifying means, two or more display areas for each group, no problem even as a means for displaying together with the map on the screen. If it carries out like this, it will become possible to display the several image acquired in the same area sequentially on the map showing each area for every area. Therefore, when a user tries to search for a desired image from a large number of images, the user can easily search for the desired image by relying on his / her memory regarding the place.

  Furthermore, category information relating to the category of the image represented by the image data is added to the input image data as feature information, and the category information corresponds to the plurality of groups into which the image data is classified. If the theme information indicating the theme to be assigned is given, the above-mentioned defining means is used to specify the theme represented by the theme information given to the group on a list classified by theme, and to the specified theme By forming a display area for the group in the area on the corresponding list, it is a means for defining the relative positional relationship between each of the groups, and the above classification means is assigned to the input image data. Category information and theme information corresponding to the category information are identified, and the group having the identified theme information is identified. As a means for classifying the input image data, the above-mentioned area display control means causes the display area for each of the two or more groups to be displayed on the screen together with the list based on the positional relationship defined by the defining means. It may be a means. In this way, it is possible to sequentially display a plurality of images having the same theme on a list sorted by theme for each theme. Therefore, when the user wants to search for a desired image from a large number of images, the user can easily search for the desired image by relying on his / her memory regarding the theme of the image.

  It is also preferable to provide time-series display control means for displaying the images represented by the image data in the group in time-series so that the history of the images included in each group can be grasped. Such time-series display may be performed together with display of display areas for two or more groups, or may be performed separately from display of display areas for two or more groups.

  Various timings can be considered as the timing of time-series display. For example, when one display area of the display areas for two or more displayed groups is designated, a plurality of images included in the designated group are displayed in time series. May be. In this way, the user can grasp the history of the images included in each group as necessary.

  It is also desirable that the time-series display control means is a means for displaying an image represented by each image data in association with a character string representing the contents of feature information given to each image data. In this way, the user can quickly grasp the specific contents about the history of the image by looking at the character string representing the contents of the feature information.

  In the case where the group into which the image data is classified by the classification means has a hierarchical structure, when one of the display areas for the two or more displayed groups is designated, the designation is made. The display area may be provided with lower layer display control means for displaying the characteristics of the lower layer group. Of course, even within the display area where the characteristics of the lower layer group are displayed, the images included in the lower layer group can be sequentially displayed at a predetermined timing while switching one image to be displayed. Is also possible.

  It is also possible to grasp the invention as a digital camera provided with the above display control device. In this case, the screen on which the display areas for two or more groups are displayed may be a monitor attached to the digital camera, or may be an external monitor such as a display of a personal computer or a screen of a television device. In addition to such a digital camera, the display control device described above can be applied to various devices (for example, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, a printer, etc.) provided with a device that controls software for handling images. In this case, the display area for two or more groups may be displayed on the screen if the various devices have a display screen, and may be displayed externally if the various devices do not have a display screen. Display it on the monitor.

The computer program of the present invention is:
A computer program for displaying a plurality of images on a screen,
A function of classifying a plurality of inputted image data into a plurality of groups based on feature information given to the image data;
A function of displaying a display area for displaying the characteristics of each of two or more of the plurality of groups at a time on one screen;
A function of sequentially displaying an image represented by a plurality of image data in a group at a predetermined timing in a display area for each of the two or more groups while switching one image to be displayed; The gist is to make it realized by a computer.

  According to the computer program of the present invention, the above-described functions are realized by the computer, so that the user can view the images sequentially displayed for each group in the same manner as the display control device and the composite image display method of the present invention. However, there is an effect that confirmation of the contents of images included in the group and discovery of a desired image can be performed easily and quickly. It is also possible to grasp the invention as a computer-readable recording medium recording such a computer program.

  The invention can also be understood as a program supply apparatus that supplies the computer program of the present invention via a communication path. In the invention of the program supply apparatus, the above-described method and apparatus are realized by placing a computer program on a server or the like on a computer network, downloading a necessary program to a computer via a communication path, and executing the program. be able to.

In order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
A. Example A-1. Configuration of digital still camera 12 equipped with image display system PS A-2. Recording format of image data A-3. Contents of organized display processing A-4. Effect B. Modified example

A. Example:
A-1. Configuration of digital still camera 12 equipped with image display system PS:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital still camera 12 equipped with an image display system PS which is an embodiment of the present invention. The image display system PS is a system that displays an image represented by each image data after arranging a large number of image data. In a digital still camera 12 equipped with such a system, image data is classified by a control circuit 12D described later, and a large number of images represented by the classified image data are displayed on a liquid crystal display 12G using a predetermined background format. Is displayed.

  As shown in the figure, the digital still camera 12 is a camera that acquires a moving image or a still image by focusing light information on a digital device (a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or a photomultiplier tube). The digital still camera 12 includes an optical system including a lens 12E for forming an optical image and an aperture 12I for adjusting the amount of light. When a shooting instruction signal generated by pressing the shutter button 12V is input, the digital still camera 12 An optical circuit 12A having a CCD 12H that converts an optical image formed on 12E into an electrical signal, and the optical circuit 12A are controlled to acquire an image of a subject and generate image data representing the acquired image. The image acquisition circuit 12B and the image processing circuit 12C for processing the generated image data are connected to a control circuit 12D that controls each circuit. In addition, an input / output terminal (not shown) for connecting a cable CV, a flash 12J as an auxiliary light source, and a memory card slot 12F for mounting a memory card MC are connected to the control circuit 12D. There are various standards for the memory card MC, such as CompactFlash (registered trademark) and SmartMedia (trademark). The attached memory card MC can be removed from the memory card slot 12F.

  The control circuit 12D includes a CPU 12K that executes various arithmetic processes based on programs and data stored in the ROM 12L, a ROM 12L that stores programs and data necessary for executing various arithmetic processes in the CPU 12K, and a CPU 12K. A RAM 12M, which is a memory for temporarily storing various programs and data necessary for executing various arithmetic processes, and a memory in which data can be written and stored. Even when the control circuit 12D is in a non-energized state, the data And a flash memory 12N. In this embodiment, the ROM 12L stores a display control program in which the contents of organized display processing (described later), which is processing for classifying a large number of image data and displaying them on the liquid crystal display 12G, is stored.

  A calendar clock 12T is connected to the control circuit 12D. This calendar clock 12T is a clock that is always operated by a backup battery (not shown) regardless of whether the power of the camera body is on or off. By referring to such a calendar clock 12T, the control circuit 12D can specify the current date and time and hour, minute, second. The calendar clock 12T also has a timer function that measures the elapsed time from the point in time when the instruction is given from the control circuit 12D and feeds back the measurement result to the control circuit 12D.

  A GPS antenna 13 that receives radio waves from GPS satellites is connected to the control circuit 12D via a GPS processing circuit 12U. Thus, the control circuit 12D can specify the current position (latitude, longitude, altitude, etc.) of the digital still camera 12 using the radio wave received by the GPS antenna 13.

  A liquid crystal display 12G as a display device is connected to the output side of the control circuit 12D. On the input side of the control circuit 12D, operations for setting various shooting conditions (aperture value, shooting mode, etc.) and displaying an image represented by the image data on the liquid crystal display 12G are performed. The unit 12P is connected to an external output button 12S for outputting image data to an external device connected by the cable CV.

  The operation unit 12P includes a cross key 12Q having four sides (right side, left side, upper side, and lower side) that function as independent operation buttons, and an enter button 12R. When a guide screen for prompting various settings is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G, when each of the four side portions of the cross key 12Q is pressed, the pointer PT is displayed on the side of the pressed side portion on the guide screen. Move in the direction. By placing such a pointer PT on various options provided on the guidance screen, the option is selected. By pressing the decision button 12R while the option is selected, it is possible to instruct the control circuit 12D to execute the function associated with the option. For example, in the digital still camera 12 according to the present embodiment, a screen provided with options for each kana character constituting the Japanese syllabary is prepared as a guide screen. A desired kana character is selected by operating the cross key 12Q on the guidance screen, and the kana character is converted into kanji by operating the decision button 12R after selection. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to input a kanji-kana mixed character string based on the operation of the operation unit 12P.

  On the other hand, when the preview of the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G, the left side or the right side of the cross key 12Q is currently displayed in the frame advance operation of the image (that is, in the case of a still image). The operation of displaying images before and after the image, and in the case of a moving image, the operation of replaying or rewinding the moving image is performed), and the enter button 12R is used for pausing the reproduction of the moving image or for the preview mode. Associated with an action such as termination. In the present embodiment, when the upper part of the cross key 12Q is pressed for a long time, the control circuit 12D that detects this long-pressed state starts executing the organized display process described later.

  The digital still camera 12 generates image data in which a still image or a moving image is expressed by gradation values of R, G, and B colors for each pixel by photographing. The image data generated in this way is temporarily stored in a storage device such as the memory card MC or the flash memory 12N. As a storage format of image data representing still images (hereinafter referred to as still image data) in the digital still camera 12, the JPEG format is common, but besides this, the TIFF format, the GIF format, the BMP format, A storage format such as a RAW data format can be used. In addition, as a format for storing image data representing a moving image (hereinafter referred to as moving image data), a format (for example, multiple dances) in which still images represented in each frame constituting the moving image are continuously arranged in time series. (Motion-JPEG) recorded as a continuous sequence of JPEG images) and a format (for example, MPEG4) that realizes high compressibility by storing difference information from previous and subsequent frames. The digital still camera 12 can also read image data stored in the memory card MC or the flash memory 12N and output it to an external device via the cable CV.

A-2. Image data recording format:
A format in which image data generated by photographing with the digital still camera 12 is recorded in the memory card MC or the flash memory 12N will be described. In general, the digital still camera 12 forms an image file obtained by adding predetermined attached information to image data generated by photographing, and stores the image file in the memory card MC or the flash memory 12N. In order to ensure the compatibility of the image file with other devices, the image file usually has a file structure in accordance with the digital still camera image file format standard (Exif). This Exif standard is defined by the Japan Electronics Industry Promotion Association (JEIDA). The digital still camera 12 in this embodiment records an image file on the memory card MC or the flash memory 12N based on the above Exif standard.

  FIG. 2 shows the structure of an image file 800 recorded based on the Exif standard. As shown in FIG. 2, an image file 800 includes a JPEG image data storage area 801 for storing JPEG image data, and auxiliary information storage for storing information other than JPEG image data (hereinafter referred to as auxiliary information AI). A region 802 is provided.

  In the attached information storage area 802, information related to the image data stored in the JPEG image data storage area 801 is stored as attached information AI. This information includes model name information of a photographed digital still camera and feature information representing unique characteristics of image data generated by photographing. The feature information includes time information JJ indicating a time when image data is generated by photographing (hereinafter referred to as an image acquisition time), and location information BJ regarding a place where image data is generated by photographing (hereinafter referred to as an image acquisition location). , Category information CJ related to the category of the image represented by the image data is included. In the example shown in FIG. 2, model name information “001” is stored as model name information. In addition, the attached information AI includes information on a color space that is used as a reference at the time of shooting (for example, RGB), information on a color space that is used as a reference for forming image data (for example, YCbCr), and information on exposure at the time of shooting. (For example, shutter speed and aperture), thumbnail image data representing thumbnails of JPEG image data stored in the JPEG image data storage area 801, and the like. The attached information AI is automatically stored in the attached information storage area 802 when image data is written into the memory card MC or the flash memory 12N. The attached information storage area 802 includes a Makernote data storage area 803 that is an undefined area that is open to the manufacturer of the digital still camera. The manufacturer of the digital still camera can store arbitrary information in the Makernote data storage area 803.

  An example of the time information JJ, the location information BJ, and the category information CJ as the auxiliary information AI is shown in FIG. The time information JJ is information on the image acquisition time expressed using year, month, day, hour, minute, and second (in the example shown in FIG. 3, January 30, 2004, 9:30:20) And name information representing the name of the time information JJ (in the example shown in FIG. 3, January 3, 2004, 9:30:20). Information on the image acquisition time can be obtained, for example, by referring to the calendar clock 12T when the control circuit 12D inputs a shooting instruction signal generated by pressing the shutter button 12V. Further, the name information is determined by the control circuit 12D based on the information content of the image acquisition time. In this embodiment, the date information is determined as the name information in the image acquisition time information. The time information JJ may be expressed by using a part of year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. The time information JJ can also be expressed using weeks.

  The location information BJ is information on the image acquisition location expressed using latitude and longitude (in the example shown in FIG. 3, latitude: 36.39, longitude: 138.11) and a name indicating the name of the location information BJ. Information (in the example shown in FIG. 3, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture). For example, when the control circuit 12D inputs a shooting instruction signal generated by pressing the shutter button 12V, the information on the image acquisition location is obtained by requesting the GPS processing circuit 12U to send a signal indicating the current position. ,Obtainable. Further, the name information is determined by the control circuit 12D based on the content of the image acquisition location information. In this embodiment, a map defining the correspondence between latitude, longitude and place name is stored in the ROM 12L in advance, and when the control circuit 12D obtains information (latitude and longitude) of the image acquisition location, this latitude The place name corresponding to the longitude is specified with reference to the map, and the place name thus specified is determined as name information. Such name information is not limited to the name of the administrative area such as the name of the prefecture, the name of the municipality, etc., and may be expressed using the name of the country or the name of the wireless base station from which the GPS antenna 13 has received the radio wave. In this embodiment, the location information BJ is exemplified in Japan, but it is of course applicable to foreign countries.

  The category information CJ includes name information (the ski in the example shown in FIG. 3) indicating the theme of the category, and comment information (snowman in the example shown in FIG. 3) indicating the supplementary explanation regarding the image. This name information or comment information can be freely created by the user inputting a desired character string by operating the operation unit 12P. In this embodiment, the name of the event using the digital still camera 12 and the content of the image taken at each event are used as name information and comment information, respectively. Of course, the name information and the comment information may not be significant character strings, and may be identification numbers such as IDs, for example. Moreover, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the control circuit 12D automatically creates the category information CJ in accordance with the shooting instruction, similarly to the time information JJ and the location information BJ.

A-3. Contents of the organized display process:
Next, in the digital still camera 12 having the above-described configuration, the organized display process executed by the control circuit 12D for realizing the image display system PS will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents and procedure of the organized display process as an organized display process routine. This routine is started when the control circuit 12D detects a long press state of the upper part of the cross key 12Q. When this routine is started, the control circuit 12D first executes a classification process (step S100), and after this classification process, executes a display process (step S120) and ends this routine. The contents of the classification process and the display process will be described in detail below.

A-3-1. Classification process:
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents and procedure of the classification process as a classification process routine. When this routine is started, the control circuit 12D first performs a process of displaying on the liquid crystal display 12G an initial screen that prompts selection of a storage device (flash memory 12N or memory card MC) that performs the classification process (step S200). . On the displayed initial screen, when either the flash memory 12N or the memory card MC is selected by the operation of the operation unit 12P by the user, the control circuit 12D selects the storage device for which the selection instruction has been made. Then, a process of determining as a storage device to be classified is performed (step S205). In the present embodiment, the following description will be given on the assumption that the storage device to be classified is determined to be the flash memory 12N in the process of step S205. In the processes of steps S200 and S205, both the flash memory 12N and the memory card MC may be designated as target devices for the classification process.

  Next, the control circuit 12D describes a list of a large number of image files 800 stored in the flash memory 12N and a message for prompting selection of a plurality of image files 800 to be classified from the list. Processing for displaying the guidance screen on the liquid crystal display 12G is performed (step S210). When the user selects the image file 800 to be classified by operating the operation unit 12P on the displayed guidance screen, the control circuit 12D selects the selected image file 800 as the classification target. Is determined (step S215). In the process of step S215, the classification target can be all the image files 800 in the flash memory 12N, or can be limited to only a part of the image files 800 in the flash memory 12N. . In the present embodiment, it is assumed that 24 image files 800a-z (see FIG. 6) recorded based on the Exif standard in the flash memory 12N are determined as classification targets in the process of step S215. To do.

  Next, the control circuit 12D performs a process of displaying a mode selection screen for prompting selection of the display mode after classification on the liquid crystal display 12G (step S220). In the present embodiment, any one mode can be selected from three modes, a map mode, a calendar mode, and a category mode, which will be described later. When the display mode is selected by operating the operation unit 12P by the user on the mode selection screen, the control circuit 12D determines the content of the selected display mode as the classified display mode. Is performed (step S225). Hereinafter, in the process of step S225, the case where the display mode after classification is determined to be the map mode will be described with reference to an appropriate example.

  Next, the control circuit 12D designates one image file 800a from among the 24 image files 800a to z determined as the classification target (step S230), and performs a process of reading the attached information AI from the image file 800a. This is performed (step S240). In this process, the type of attached information AI to be read is determined according to the display mode determined in step S225. For example, as in the above example, when the display mode after classification is determined to be the map mode, the location information BJ in the attached information AI is read. Further, when the display mode after the classification is determined to be the calendar mode, the time information JJ in the attached information AI is read. When the display mode after classification is determined to be the category mode, the category information CJ in the attached information AI is read.

  Next, the control circuit 12D performs a process of determining whether or not a group corresponding to the read auxiliary information AI has already been created in the flash memory 12N (step S250). Specifically, first, the control circuit 12D determines whether or not a group group corresponding to the read auxiliary information AI exists in the flash memory 12N. In the present embodiment, in the flash memory 12N, a time group group EJ of the type “time” (see FIG. 17), a place group group EB of the type “location” (see FIG. 7), and a type of “category” It is possible to form three types of group groups called category group group EC (see FIG. 22). The time group group EJ, the place group group EB, and the category group group EC are associated with the calendar mode, the map mode, and the category mode, respectively, in relation to the display mode, and in relation to the attached information AI, respectively. Corresponding to time information JJ, location information BJ, and category information CJ. When it is determined that there is a group group corresponding to the read attached information AI, the control circuit 12D already has a group having the same name as the name information in the read attached information AI. Processing to determine whether or not it exists is performed.

  In the process of step S250, when it is determined that a group having the same name as the name information of the auxiliary information AI already exists in the group group corresponding to the auxiliary information AI, the control circuit 12D The image file 800a is moved and stored in the group (step S270). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S250 that there is no group group corresponding to the attached information AI, the control circuit 12D forms an area of the group group in the flash memory 12N, and the group group In this area, a process for creating a new group with the contents of the read name information as a group name is performed, and then a process for moving and saving the image file 800a in the created group is performed (steps S260 and S270). ). In the process of step S250, if it is determined that there is a group corresponding to the attached information AI, but no group having the same name as the read name information exists in the group, In the group group, a process for creating a new group using the contents of the read name information as a group name is performed, and then a process for moving and saving the image file 800a in the created group is performed (steps S260 and S270). ).

  For example, as in the above example, when the location information BJ of the attached information AI is read in the process of step S240, the location group group EB corresponding to the location information BJ is already stored in the flash memory in the process of step S250. 12N, it is determined whether or not the location group group EB exists. If the location group group EB exists, name information (in the case of the image file 800a in the location information BJ) It is determined whether or not a group having the same name as the name information “Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture” (see FIG. 6) already exists. If it is determined that a group having the same name as the read name information already exists in the place group group EB, the image file 800a is moved and stored in the group having the same name by the process of step S270. Processing is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S250 that the place group group EB itself does not exist, areas of the place group group EB are formed in the flash memory 12N by the processes in steps S260 and S270. In the area of the place group group EB, a new group is created with the contents of the read name information as the group name, and the image file 800a is moved and stored in the created group. If it is determined in the process of step S250 that the place group group EB exists but the group having the same name as the read name information does not exist in the place group group EB, step S260 is performed. , S270 creates a new group in the existing location group group EB with the name information read as the group name, and moves and saves the image file 800a in the created group. Done.

  The control circuit 12D sequentially performs the processing from the above steps S230 to S270 for all the image files determined as classification targets (in the above example, 24 image files 800a to z shown in FIG. 6) (steps). S280) When the processing for all the image files is completed, this routine is ended. As a result, a large number of image data are classified into a plurality of groups, and information representing a group name (hereinafter referred to as group name information) is given to each of the plurality of groups as identification information for identifying each group. The In the present embodiment, the above group name information corresponds to “identification information” in the claims. For example, in the case of the above example in which the map mode is selected, the 24 image files 800a to z shown in FIG. 6 are classified into four groups in the place group group EB as shown in FIG. Stored in the flash memory 12N in the state, each of the four groups is given group name information of “Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture”, “Sumida-ku, Tokyo”, “Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture”, “Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture”. The In this embodiment, the content of the group name information is the same as the content of the name information of the attached information AI (location information BJ in the above example) included in the image file 800. The content of the group name information may be different from the name information.

A-3-2. Display processing:
After completion of the above classification process, the control circuit 12D executes a display process (step S120) using the result of the classification process. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents and procedure of the display process as a display process routine. When this routine is activated, the control circuit 12D first creates a display frame for defining a display range for each group created by the classification process, and displays the display frame on the liquid crystal display 12G. Creation / display processing is executed (step S300). Next, the control circuit 12D executes representative image display processing for displaying an image represented by one image file in the group as a representative image in the display frame for each group displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G ( Step S310). Next, the control circuit 12D determines whether or not the pointer PT that moves in response to the operation of the cross key 12Q exists in the display frame (step S320), and the pointer PT exists in the display frame. If it is determined, a slide show display process is executed for a plurality of image files 800 in the group corresponding to the display frame (step S330). The slide show is a function for displaying a plurality of images and materials in order, and a program for realizing this function is stored in the ROM 12L. Next, the control circuit 12D determines whether or not the determination button 12R has been pressed in a state where the pointer PT is positioned within the display frame (step S340), and when determining that the determination button 12R has been pressed, A chronological table display process for displaying images in time series for a plurality of image files 800 in the group corresponding to the display frame is executed (step S350). After executing the representative image display process in step S310, the control circuit 12D monitors whether or not an end instruction for display using the result of the classification process has been issued (step S360), and determines that the end instruction has been issued. This routine is terminated.

  A display example on the liquid crystal display 12G is used for the contents of the frame creation / display process (step S300), the representative image display process (step S310), the slide show display process (step S330), and the chronological table display process (step S350). However, it demonstrates sequentially.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents and procedure of the frame creation / display process (step S300) as a frame creation / display process routine. When this routine is started, the control circuit 12D first specifies the contents of the display mode determined in the process of step S225 (step S400), and performs the process of reading the background format corresponding to the display mode (step S410). ). In the present embodiment, a calendar format FJ (see FIG. 18) representing the form of a calendar in a bitmap format, a map format FB (see FIG. 10) representing a form of a world map including Japan in a bitmap format, a category Three types of background formats called a list format FC (see FIG. 23) representing another list using a diagram are stored in advance in the ROM 12L as reference data, and include a calendar format FJ, a map format FB, and a list. The format FC is associated with each display mode such as a calendar mode, a map mode, and a category mode.

  Next, the control circuit 12D performs a process of designating a group group corresponding to the display mode specified in the process of step S400 (step S415). As described above, the time group group EJ, the place group group EB, and the category group group EC are associated with the calendar mode, the map mode, and the category mode, respectively. In the present embodiment, since the map mode is selected as the display mode in the process of step S225, the map format FB corresponding to the map mode is read in the process of step S410, and the process of step S415 is performed. A place group group EB corresponding to the map mode is designated.

  Next, the control circuit 12D specifies group name information for one group among a plurality of groups belonging to the designated group group (step S420), and then specifies a position on the background format corresponding to the group name information. The process is performed (step S430). Each position on the background format is associated with group name information as follows. First, in the case of the map format FB, the area name information indicating the name of the prefecture or the municipality is embedded in advance in the area corresponding to each prefecture or municipality on the map format FB. Therefore, the position on the map format FB corresponding to the group name information can be specified by collating the group name information of each group belonging to the place group group EB with the area name information on the map format FB. Next, in the case of the calendar format FJ, date name information representing the year / month / day name is embedded in an area corresponding to each year / month / day on the calendar format FJ. Therefore, by comparing the group name information of each group belonging to the time group group EJ with the date name information on the calendar format FJ, the position on the calendar format FJ corresponding to the group name information can be specified. Further, the list format FC includes a display column for group names and an image display column corresponding to each group name. In the display column for each image, corresponding name information representing the associated group name is displayed. Is embedded. Therefore, by collating the group name information of each group belonging to the category group group EC with the corresponding name information on the list format FC, the position on the list format FC corresponding to the group name information can be specified.

  Subsequently, the control circuit 12D performs a process of creating a display frame at the position on the background format specified in the process of step S430 (step S440). In the present embodiment, the display frame corresponds to “a display area for displaying the characteristics of each group” in the claims.

  The control circuit 12D performs the above-described processing from step S420 to S440 for all groups belonging to the group group specified in step S415 (in the above example, “Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture” shown in FIG. 7, “Sumida-ku, Tokyo”). , “Nagano City, Nagano City” and “Fukui City, Fukui City”) are performed in sequence (step S450). Thereby, based on the group name information given to each group belonging to the group group, the relative positional relationship between the plurality of groups when displayed on the background format is defined. For example, as shown in the above example, when displaying using the map format FB corresponding to the map mode, group name information (“Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture”) assigned to each of the four groups in the place group group EB. , “Sumida-ku, Tokyo”, “Nagano City, Nagano”, “Fukui City, Fukui”), and display frames FL1 to FL4 are created at positions on the map format FB corresponding to each group name information. (See FIG. 10).

  When the processing of steps S420 to S440 is completed for all groups, the control circuit 12D detects the position of each created display frame, and sets a range including two or more display frames on the background format as an effective range. Is cut out (step S460), the effective range is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G (step S470), this routine is terminated, and the process proceeds to the next process (step S310: representative image display process). In the present embodiment, in the process of step S460, four display frames FL1 corresponding to the respective groups “Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture”, “Sumida Ward, Tokyo”, “Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture”, and “Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture”. A range including ~ FL4 is cut out as an effective range. Therefore, as a result of the processing in step S470, a part of the map format FB (a part including the four display frames FL1 to FL4) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents and procedure of the representative image display process (step S310) as a representative image display process routine. When this routine is started, the control circuit 12D first designates one group belonging to the effective range cut out in the process of step S460 (step S500), and acquires the image file 800 in the designated group. A process of specifying the image file with the oldest date and time is performed (step S510). The acquisition date and time can be specified by referring to the time information JJ for each image file 800 and comparing them. The image file 800 specified in this process is not limited to the one with the oldest acquisition date and time, and may be the one with the newest acquisition date and time, and additional information AI other than the time information JJ (for example, It may be determined based on information such as names in the category information CJ.

  Next, the control circuit 12D extracts the thumbnail image data in the specified image file 800, and displays the thumbnail image represented by the thumbnail image data as a representative image in the display frame corresponding to the designated group. Processing is performed (step S520). When the image file 800 stores moving image data, thumbnail images of one still image constituting the moving image are displayed. In the present embodiment, the thumbnail image as the representative image corresponds to “characteristics of each group” in the claims. When the image file 800 stores moving image data, a part of the moving image may be reproduced and displayed while reducing the display size instead of the thumbnail image.

  The control circuit 12D sequentially performs the processing from the above steps S500 to S520 for all the groups belonging to the effective range cut out by the processing at step S460 (step S530). Thereby, the representative image of each group is displayed in all the display frames on the liquid crystal display 12G. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the map format FB on the liquid crystal display 12G includes “Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture”, “Sumida-ku, Tokyo”, “Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture”, and “Fukui City, Fukui”. Are displayed, the image files 800a, 800e, 800k, and 800q (see FIG. 6) with the oldest acquisition date / time are identified in each group, and then, As shown in FIG. 12, thumbnail images based on the thumbnail image data in the image files 800a, 800e, 800k, and 800q are displayed in the four display frames FL1, FL2, FL3, and FL4, respectively.

  Thereafter, the control circuit 12D performs a process of determining whether or not a screen scroll instruction has been issued (step S540). Specifically, when the display position moving icons KB1 and KB2 (see FIGS. 12 and 19) displayed on the background format are designated by the pointer PT, it is determined that a scroll instruction has been made. If it is determined that a screen scroll instruction has been issued, the control circuit 12D detects the movement direction and amount of the background format based on the types and designated times of the designated display position movement icons KB1 and KB2, and this A process of cutting out the range on the background format when the background format is moved based on the detection result as an effective range is performed (step S550). Thereafter, the process returns to the process of step S470 in FIG. 9, the newly cut out effective range is displayed, and the processes of steps S500 to S520 are repeated for all the groups belonging to the effective range. Thereby, even after scrolling, the representative image in the group is displayed in the display frame corresponding to each group.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S540 that the screen scroll instruction has not been issued, the control circuit 12D detects the range of the display frame and the position of the pointer PT on the background format as described above. Then, whether or not the pointer PT has been moved into any of the display frames by the operation of the cross key 12Q (step S320 in FIG. 8), and the determination button 12R is pressed while the pointer PT is positioned within the display frame. It is alternatively determined whether or not it has been done (step S340 in FIG. 8). When it is determined that the pointer PT has been moved into the display frame, a slide show display process (step S330 in FIG. 8) is executed, and it is determined that the OK button 12R has been pressed while the pointer PT is positioned within the display frame. In such a case, a chronological table display process (step S350 in FIG. 8) is executed. Hereinafter, each of these two processes will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents and procedure of the slide show display process as a slide show display process routine. When this routine is started, the control circuit 12D first performs processing for specifying a display frame in which the pointer PT exists and a group corresponding to the display frame (steps S600 and S605). The identification of the group can be realized by reading the group name information given to each group.

  Next, the control circuit 12D obtains the total number N of the image files 800 in the specified group and performs a process of assigning the file number R to each image file 800 in the group (step S620). In the present embodiment, based on the time information JJ for each image file 800, the file number R (for example, 1, 2,..., N) is assigned in ascending order of acquisition date and time of the image file 800. Of course, other file number R assigning methods (for example, giving the names in ascending order or descending order by paying attention to the name information in the category information CJ) may be used.

  Next, the control circuit 12D performs a process of setting the file number R that is the object of image display to a value 1 (step S630). Subsequently, the control circuit 12D performs a process of displaying the thumbnail image in the display frame specified in the process of step S600 based on the thumbnail image data in the image file with the file number R (step S640). Thereafter, the control circuit 12D monitors whether or not an instruction to end the slide show display has been made (step S650), and uses the timer function of the calendar clock 12T to start x from the point of execution of the image display process in step S640. It is monitored whether the second has elapsed (step S660).

  If it is determined that x seconds have elapsed since the execution of the image display process in step S640, the control circuit 12D adds “1” to the value of the file number R (step S670), and the value of the file number R after the addition. Is determined whether or not is larger than the value of the total number N of image files 800 (step S680). When the value of the file number R after the addition is equal to or less than the value of the total number N of the image files 800 (step S680: NO), the control circuit 12D returns to the process of step S640 and returns to the image file of the next file number R. The thumbnail image data is displayed based on the thumbnail image data. As a result, the thumbnail images corresponding to the image files 800 in the group are switched every x seconds in the display frame specified in the process of step S600 and are sequentially displayed. For example, when the pointer PT is moved to a position in each of the display frames FL1 to FL4 by operating the cross key 12Q on the map format FB shown in FIG. The thumbnail images are displayed in the order shown in FIG. When the image file 800 stores moving image data, a thumbnail image of one still image constituting the moving image is displayed. Instead of such a thumbnail image, a part of the moving image is displayed with a display size. Playback and display may be performed while reducing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of step S680 that the value of the added file number R is greater than the value of the total number N of image files 800 (step S680: YES), the control circuit 12D determines each image in the group. It is considered that the thumbnail images corresponding to the file 800 have been sequentially displayed once, and the process returns to the process of step S630 to display the second thumbnail image.

  If it is determined that an instruction to end slideshow display has been issued during the sequential display of thumbnail images (step S650: YES), the control circuit 12D displays the image within the display frame when the instruction to end is given. A process for maintaining the display of the thumbnail image in the display frame is performed (step S690), the present routine is terminated, and the process proceeds to the next process (step S340 in FIG. 8). As a result, after the slide show display process is completed, the thumbnail images displayed at the end of the slide show display process are displayed as they are in the display frame where the slide show was performed.

  According to the representative image display process or the slide show display process described above, the images in each group are displayed in two dimensions of vertical / horizontal or three dimensions of vertical / horizontal / height on the background format displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G. Represented.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents and procedure of the chronological table display process (step S350) as a chronological table display process routine. When this routine is started, the control circuit 12D first performs processing for reading the chronological format YU (step S700). The chronology format YU is a format in which a diagram, a character string, and an image representing the chronology axis can be pasted, as illustrated in FIGS. This chronological format YU is stored in advance in the ROM 12L as reference data corresponding to the three types of background formats in common.

  Next, the control circuit 12D performs a process of specifying a display frame designated by the pointer PT and a group corresponding to the display frame (steps S710 and S715). The identification of the group can be realized by reading the group name information given to each group.

  Next, the control circuit 12D includes an image file 800 (hereinafter referred to as a reference image file) corresponding to the thumbnail image displayed in the display frame when an instruction is given by the pointer PT, and an acquisition date / time in the reference image file. The image file 800 close to (hereinafter referred to as an adjacent image file) is specified as a display file (step S720). The specification of the adjacent image file can be realized by reading the time information JJ in each image file. In this embodiment, four image files whose acquisition date and time are later than the reference image file are determined as adjacent image files, and five display files are specified together with the reference image file. The number of display files and the identification method can be appropriately changed according to the size of the display area of the liquid crystal display 12G.

  Next, the control circuit 12D creates a chronological axis with an explanatory character string added based on the attached information AI in each display file (step S730), and displays information representing the created chronological axis. Then, a process of embedding in the chronological format YU is performed together with the thumbnail image data in each display file (step S740). The ROM 12L stores in advance a program describing a procedure for creating or embedding a chronological axis and a character string, and the control circuit 12D creates a chronological axis and a character string in the following manner according to this program. First, the control circuit 12D refers to the image acquisition time information (FIG. 3) of the time information JJ in each display file, and determines the positions of the five display files on the chronological axis represented by the straight line. The interval is determined according to the image acquisition time. Therefore, the interval between the two display files on the chronological axis becomes narrower as the image acquisition time is closer. Next, the control circuit 12D embeds the thumbnail image data in each display file and the name information (FIG. 3) in the time information JJ at the position of each display file on the determined chronological axis. Next, the control circuit 12D embeds the location information BJ and category information CJ in each display file in parallel with the name information. Finally, the control circuit 12D embeds the group name information of the group to which the display file belongs in the title part of the chronological format YU.

  Next, the control circuit 12D performs a process of displaying the embedded chronology format YU on the liquid crystal display 12G using a browser (step S750). An example of this display is shown in FIG. FIG. 16A shows the above case when the area in the display frame FL3 is designated using the pointer PT by the operation of the cross key 12Q and the decision button 12R on the map format FB shown in FIG. The chronological format YU displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G through the processes of steps S700 to S750 is shown. In this example, among the eight image files 800k to 800p and 800y to z belonging to the group "Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture", the thumbnail image (reference image file) displayed in the display frame FL3 when designated by the pointer PT. Is displayed at a position representing the oldest time on the chronological axis, and four thumbnail images (image files 800l, m) are displayed along the direction of movement of the chronological axis from this position. , N, and o) are displayed at intervals according to the proximity of the image acquisition timing.

  Thereafter, the control circuit 12D performs a process of determining whether or not an instruction to scroll the screen has been given (step S760). Specifically, when the scroll bar YS (see FIGS. 16, 21, and 26) displayed on the chronological format YU is designated by the pointer PT, it is determined that the scroll instruction has been made. If it is determined that an instruction to scroll the screen has been issued, the control circuit 12D detects the moving direction and moving amount of the chronology format YU based on the direction and number of times specified by the scroll bar YS, and based on the detection result. Then, the process of re-specifying the five display files is performed (step S770). Thereafter, the control circuit 12D repeats the processes of steps S730 to S750 for the newly specified display file. Thereby, even after scrolling, five thumbnail images are displayed on the chronological axis in the order of the acquisition date and time.

  FIG. 16B shows the liquid crystal display through the processes of steps S730 to S750 described above when an instruction is given to scroll the screen to the right by one step on the chronological format YU shown in FIG. The chronological format YU displayed on the display 12G is shown. In this example, the thumbnail image (corresponding to the image file 800o) that has been displayed at the position representing the latest time on the chronological axis so far moves to the position representing the oldest time on the chronological axis. The four thumbnail images (corresponding to each of the image files 800p, q, r, and s) from this position along the progress direction of the chronological axis are intervals according to the degree of proximity of the image acquisition time. Is displayed. When the group switching icon YM is designated by the pointer PT on the chronological format YU shown in FIGS. 16, 21, and 26, the group before or after the currently displayed group is Display on the chronology format YU.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S760 that the screen scroll instruction has not been issued, the control circuit 12D determines whether or not an end instruction for display using the chronological format YU has been given (step S780). When it is determined that the end instruction has been issued, the display on the liquid crystal display 12G is returned to the display using the background format (step S790), and this routine is ended.

  According to the chronological table display process described above, the images in each group can be represented on the chronological table format YU displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G by adding the dimension of time to the vertical / horizontal / height. . In the process of step S750 described above, the chronology format YU is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G in place of the background format displayed so far, but the chronology format YU is displayed together with the background format. It is good also as a structure displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G.

  The arrangement display process, which is a characteristic process performed by the digital still camera 12, has been described above. In the above description, the case where the display mode after classification is determined to be the map mode in the process of step S225 in FIG. 5 is illustrated, but the case where the display mode after classification is determined to be the calendar mode or the category mode, An example will be described below.

  First, the case where the display mode after classification is determined to be the calendar mode in the process of step S225 of FIG. 5 will be described. In this case, the control circuit 12D executes the above-described classification process, so that the 24 image files 800a to z shown in FIG. 6 are converted into the five groups in the time group EJ as shown in FIG. It is stored in the flash memory 12N in a state of being classified into groups, and each of the five groups includes “January 1, 2004”, “January 2, 2004”, “January 3, 2004”, “2004”. “January 4th” and “August 1st 2004” are given group name information.

  Subsequently, when the control circuit 12D executes the above frame creation / display processing, group name information given to each of the five groups in the time group group EJ is specified. As shown in FIG. Display frames FL1 to FL5 are created at positions on the calendar format FJ corresponding to the name information. The display frame FL5 is not displayed in FIG. 18 because it is created in the area of August 2004 in the calendar format FJ.

  Subsequently, the control circuit 12D executes the representative image display process described above, whereby the image files 800a, 800e, 800k, 800q, and 800y (see FIG. 6) with the oldest acquisition date and time are specified in each group. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 19, thumbnail images in the image files 800a, 800e, 800k, and 800q are respectively displayed in the four display frames FL1, FL2, FL3, and FL4 on the calendar format FJ representing January 2004. A thumbnail image based on the data is displayed. From this display state, when the calendar format FJ is scrolled to the area of August 2004 according to the designation of the display position moving icons KB1 and KB2, it is within the display frame FL5 on the calendar format FJ representing August 2004. The thumbnail image based on the thumbnail image data in the image file 800y is displayed.

  When the pointer PT is moved to a position within each of the display frames FL1 to FL5 by operating the cross key 12Q on the calendar format FJ displayed in this way, the result of the above-described slide show display process being executed. In each of the display frames FL1 to FL5, thumbnail images are displayed in the order shown in FIG.

  When the area in the display frame FL3 is designated using the pointer PT by the operation of the cross key 12Q and the enter button 12R on the calendar format FJ shown in FIG. 19, the above chronological table display process is performed. As shown in FIG. 21A, among the six image files 800k to 800p belonging to the group “January 3, 2004”, the display frame FL3 is displayed when designated by the pointer PT, as shown in FIG. The displayed thumbnail image (corresponding to the image file 800k as the reference image file) is displayed at the position representing the oldest time on the chronological axis, and from this position along the traveling direction of the chronological axis, Four thumbnail images (corresponding to each of the image files 800l, m, n, and o) are displayed at intervals according to the degree of proximity of the image acquisition time. . FIG. 21B shows the liquid crystal display through the processes of steps S730 to S750 described above when an instruction to scroll the screen to the right by one step on the chronological format YU shown in FIG. The chronological format YU displayed on the display 12G is shown.

  Next, the case where the display mode after classification is determined to be the category mode in the process of step S225 of FIG. 5 will be described. In this case, the control circuit 12D executes the above-described classification process, so that the 24 image files 800a to z shown in FIG. 6 are converted into the four groups in the category group group EC as shown in FIG. The groups are stored in the flash memory 12N in a grouped state, and group name information “park”, “drive”, “tourist”, and “ski” is given to each of the four groups.

  Subsequently, the control circuit 12D executes the above frame creation / display processing to identify group name information given to each of the four groups in the category group group EC. As shown in FIG. Display frames FL1 to FL4 are created at positions on the list format FC corresponding to the name information.

  Subsequently, the control circuit 12D executes the representative image display process described above, whereby the image files 800a, 800c, 800e, and 800k (see FIG. 6) with the oldest acquisition date and time are specified in each group. As shown in FIG. 24, thumbnail images based on the thumbnail image data in the image files 800a, 800c, 800e, and 800k are displayed in the four display frames FL1, FL2, FL3, and FL4 on the list format FC. Is done.

  When the pointer PT is moved to a position within each of the display frames FL1 to FL4 by operating the cross key 12Q on the list format FC shown in FIG. 24, the result of the above-described slide show display process being executed. In the display frames FL1 to FL5, thumbnail images are displayed in the order shown in FIG.

  When the area in the display frame FL3 is designated using the pointer PT by the operation of the cross key 12Q and the decision button 12R on the list format FC shown in FIG. 24, the above chronological table display is performed. As a result of the processing, as shown in FIG. 26A, among the seven image files 800e-h, 800p, 800x-y belonging to the group “sightseeing”, the display frame FL3 is designated when designated by the pointer PT. A thumbnail image (corresponding to the image file 800e as the reference image file) displayed in the image is displayed at a position representing the oldest time on the chronological axis, and from this position along the traveling direction of the chronological axis The four thumbnail images (corresponding to the image files 800f, g, h, and p) are displayed at intervals according to the degree of proximity of the image acquisition timing. It is. FIG. 21B shows the chronological format YU displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G when the group switching icon YM is designated by the pointer PT on the chronological format YU shown in FIG. Yes. As a result, for the group “ski” adjacent to the group “sightseeing”, the five thumbnail images corresponding to the image files 800k to m and 800s to t belonging to the group are displayed on the chronological axis in order of image acquisition time. Is displayed.

A-4. Effect:
In the digital still camera 12 equipped with the image display system PS of the present embodiment described above, the feature information (specifically, any one of the time information JJ, the location information BJ, and the category information CJ) added to the image data. After classifying a large number of image data based on the group, a display frame for displaying a representative image as a characteristic of each group is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G at a time for two or more groups. When the movement of the pointer PT into the frame is detected, a slide show is started, and the image represented by the plurality of image data in the group is switched within the display frame while switching one image to be displayed. Display sequentially. Accordingly, the user can sequentially view the images included in each group while confirming the types of two or more groups on one screen, and a plurality of groups and images included in each group can be viewed. It is possible to easily and quickly confirm the contents and find a desired image.

  In the present embodiment, the pointer PT is manually moved into the display frame for starting the slide show by the user's operation. Therefore, the sequential display of a plurality of images included in the group can be started when the user intends. Further, in the present embodiment, the slide show is performed only for the display frame where the pointer PT exists, and is not performed for the display frame where the pointer PT does not exist. Therefore, the user can confirm the contents of the images included in each of the two or more groups individually for each group.

  In this embodiment, the representative image display process is performed prior to the slide show display process, thereby displaying the representative image among the images included in each group in two or more display frames on the background format. Therefore, the user can sequentially display the images included in the group after grasping the characteristics of the group.

  In the present embodiment, a large number of image data is classified into a plurality of groups based on any one of the time information JJ, the location information BJ, and the category information CJ, and a slide show is performed for each of the plurality of groups. Therefore, a plurality of images having the same acquisition time, acquisition location, and category can be displayed sequentially.

  In this embodiment, based on group name information assigned to each of a plurality of groups into which image data is classified, a relative positional relationship between the plurality of groups on the background format is defined, and the specified positional relationship is set. Based on this, display frames for two or more groups are displayed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the display frames FL1, FL2, FL3, and FL4 on the map format FB have positions corresponding to the group name information of the four groups belonging to the place group group EB (respectively “Aichi”). On the map representing “Nagoya City,” “Sumida-ku, Tokyo”, “Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture”, and “Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture”). Therefore, it is possible to provide regularity between groups with respect to the position where the display frame is displayed.

  In this embodiment, when the calendar mode is selected as the display mode, a large number of image data is classified into a plurality of groups based on the time information JJ, and the year corresponding to the time information JJ is assigned to each of the plurality of groups. Month / day information is assigned as group name information, an area corresponding to the year / month / day indicated by the group name information is designated on the calendar format FJ, and a display frame for the group is formed in the designated area. The images included in each group are sequentially displayed within the display frame on the calendar format FJ. Therefore, a plurality of images acquired on the same date can be sequentially displayed on the calendar representing each date for each date on which the images are acquired. Therefore, when the user wants to search for a desired image from a large number of images, the user can easily search for the desired image by relying on his / her memory regarding the time when the image was acquired.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the map mode is selected as the display mode, a large number of image data is classified into a plurality of groups based on the location information BJ, and each of the plurality of groups corresponds to the location information BJ. Information indicating the area to be assigned is given as group name information, an area corresponding to the area represented by the group name information is designated on the map format FB, and a display frame for the group is formed in the designated area. Images included in each group are sequentially displayed within a display frame on the map format FB. Therefore, it is possible to sequentially display a plurality of images acquired in the same area on a map representing each area for each area where the images are acquired. Therefore, when a user tries to search for a desired image from among a large number of images, the user can easily search for the desired image by relying on his / her memory regarding the place where the image was acquired.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the category mode is selected as the display mode, a large number of image data are classified into a plurality of groups based on the category information CJ, and each of the plurality of groups corresponds to the category information CJ. Information representing the theme to be assigned is given as group name information, and a display frame for the group is formed in an area on the list format FC corresponding to the theme represented by the group name information. Images included in each group are sequentially displayed in the display frame. Therefore, a plurality of images having the same theme can be sequentially displayed on a list sorted by theme for each theme. Therefore, when a user wants to search for a desired image from a large number of images, the user can easily search for the desired image by relying on his / her memory about the image theme such as the event name from which the image was acquired. can do.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the representative image display process and the slide show display process, a chronological table display process (step S350) is executed, so that a plurality of image files 800 in the group corresponding to the display frame are targeted. The images included in the group are displayed in time series on a chronological format YU having a chronological axis. Accordingly, the history of images included in each group can be grasped. Further, since the above chronological table display process is executed when the determination button 12R is operated in a state where the pointer PT is positioned within the display frame, the user can record the history of the images included in each group, It can be grasped as needed. On the chronological format YU, images represented by image data in each image file are associated with character strings representing the contents of the time information JJ, location information BJ, and category information CJ in each image file. Displayed with status. Therefore, the user can quickly grasp the specific contents of the history of the image by looking at the character strings representing the contents of the time information JJ, the location information BJ, and the category information CJ.

B. Variations:
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described based on the examples, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course.

  For example, in the display process in the above-described embodiment, by using the representative image display process, an image included in the group (a representative image in the embodiment) is displayed as a characteristic of each group in the display frame. However, what is displayed in the display frame is not limited to the images included in the group, but other signs indicating properties specific to the group (for example, icons indicating the group name or group characteristics). There may be.

  In the slide show display processing in the above embodiment, the slide show is executed only for the display frame where the pointer PT exists. However, when it is detected that the pointer PT exists in any of the display frames, the pointer PT exists. Not only the display frame but also other display frames displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G may be changed to execute the slide show.

  In the display processing in the above embodiment, when it is determined that the pointer PT that moves in response to the operation of the cross key 12Q exists in the display frame, a plurality of image files 800 in the group corresponding to the display frame are targeted. As the slide show display process is executed (steps S320 and S330), the slide show display process may be started at other timings. For example, in the case of starting manually by a user operation, the slide show display process may be started when it is determined that the pointer is close to the display frame. In addition, a start button for starting a slide show may be provided on the screen or the main body of the digital still camera 12, and the slide show display process may be started when the start button is pressed.

  Further, it may be configured such that the execution of the slide show is automatically started regardless of the user's operation. By so doing, since the plurality of images included in each group are sequentially displayed immediately after the grouping of images is completed, the contents of the images included in each group can be easily confirmed. As such a configuration, for example, a configuration in which a slide show is automatically performed for a group corresponding to each display frame displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G after the above-described representative image display processing (step S310) is completed. it can. Further, when the control circuit 12D detects the insertion of the memory card MC into the memory card slot 12F, the control circuit 12D starts executing the organizing display process with the image file in the memory card MC as the classification target, and the classification process (step S100). The frame creation / display process (step S300), the representative image display process (step S310), and the slide show display process (step S330) may be sequentially performed.

  In the above embodiment, one type of feature information (any of time information JJ, location information BJ, and category information CJ) in the image file 800 is used to classify the image file 800 into groups. The feature information may be combined to classify the image file 800 into groups.

  In the above embodiment, when the group into which the image data is classified has a hierarchical structure, and the display frame displayed on the background format is designated using the pointer PT, the designated display frame includes: It is also possible to display a characteristic of a lower layer group (for example, a representative image in the lower layer group) and perform a slide show using a plurality of image files included in the lower layer group.

  In the above embodiment, an image display system PS for displaying an image represented by each image data after arranging a large number of image data is mounted on the digital still camera 12, and the processing contents realized by the image display system PS are stored in a computer program. As described above, the processing result is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12G. However, the image display system PS may be shared and realized in a device that performs two or more digital processes. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, a digital still camera 12 and a personal computer 90 are connected to each other by a cable CV, and data representing the result of processing performed by the control circuit 12D of the digital still camera 12 is, for example, an external output button When 12S is pressed, the data may be output to the personal computer 90 and the processing result may be displayed on the display 91 of the personal computer 90. The screen for displaying such processing results may be the screen of the television device. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the digital still camera 12 and the personal computer 90 are connected by cable CV, but the digital still camera 12 and the personal computer 90 are connected wirelessly (for example, radio waves, infrared rays, light). There is no problem.

  The image display system PS of the above embodiment is installed in various devices (for example, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, a printer, etc.) other than the digital still camera 12 and equipped with a software control device that handles images. It is also possible to do. In this case, the processing result realized by the image display system PS may be displayed on the screen if the various devices have a display screen, and the processing result may be displayed on the screen if the various devices do not have a display screen. It may be displayed on an external monitor connected to the device.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the digital still camera 12 carrying the image display system PS which is an Example of this invention. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of an image file 800. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the time information JJ, location information BJ, and category information CJ as attached information AI. It is a flowchart which shows the organization display process routine. It is a flowchart which shows a classification | category process routine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image file 800a-z to which time information JJ, location information BJ, and category information CJ were provided. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a classification | category to each group in the place group group EB. It is a flowchart which shows a display process routine. It is a flowchart which shows a frame creation / display processing routine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an image in which the display frames FL1-FL4 are formed on the map format FB. It is a flowchart which shows a representative image display process routine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the representative image in the display frames FL1-FL4 on map format FB. It is a flowchart which shows a slide show display process routine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display order of the thumbnail image in each display frame FL1-FL4 of map format FB shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a chronological table display process routine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chronology format YU displayed after designation | designated of the display frame FL3 on the map format FB shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a classification | category to each group in time group EJ. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an image in which the display frames FL1-FL4 are formed on the calendar format FJ. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the representative image in the display frames FL1-FL4 on the calendar format FJ. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display order of the thumbnail image in each display frame FL1-FL5 of the calendar format FJ shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a chronology format YU displayed after designation of a display frame FL3 on the calendar format FJ shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a classification | category to each group in the category group group EC. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an image in which the display frames FL1-FL4 are formed on the list format FC. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the representative image in the display frames FL1-FL4 on the list format FC. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a display order of thumbnail images in each of the display frames FL1 to FL4 in the list table format FC shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a chronology format YU displayed after designation of a display frame FL3 on the list format FC shown in FIG. 24. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of image display system PS by the digital still camera 12 and the personal computer 90. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

12. Digital still camera 12A ... Optical circuit 12B ... Image acquisition circuit 12C ... Image processing circuit 12D ... Control circuit 12E ... Lens 12F ... Memory card slot 12G ... Liquid crystal Display 12H ... CCD
12I ... Aperture 12J ... Flash 12K ... CPU
12L ... ROM
12M ... RAM
12N ... Flash memory 12P ... Operation unit 12Q ... Cross key 12R ... Set button 12S ... External output button 12T ... Calendar clock 12U ... GPS processing circuit 12V ... Shutter button 13. GPS antenna 90 ... Personal computer 91 ... Display 800, 800a-z ... Image file 801 ... JPEG image data storage area 802 ... Attached information storage area 803 ... Makernote data Storage area AI ... Attached information BJ ... Location information CJ ... Category information CV ... Cable EB ... Location group group EC ... Category group group EJ ... Time group group FB ... Map format FC ... List format FL1-5 ... Frame for display FJ ... Calendar format JJ ... Time information KB1, KB2 ... Display position move icon MC ... Memory card S ... image display system PT ... pointer YM ... group switching icon YS ... scroll bar YU ... chronology format

Claims (18)

A display control device that performs control to display a plurality of images on a screen, and classifying means that classifies each input plurality of image data into a plurality of groups based on feature information given to the image data;
Area display control means for displaying a display area for displaying the characteristics of each of two or more groups of the plurality of groups on one screen at a time;
Image display control for sequentially displaying an image represented by a plurality of image data in a group at a predetermined timing in a display region for each of the two or more groups while switching one image to be displayed. A display control device comprising: means.   The image display control means displays the display area in the group in which the display area is displayed when a predetermined instruction based on a user operation is given after the display area is displayed for the two or more groups by the area display control means. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, which is means for sequentially displaying a plurality of contained images. The display control device according to claim 2,
Multiple input image data
Range recognition means for recognizing the range of the display area for each group;
Detecting means for detecting the position of the pointer,
The image display control means is means for starting sequential display of a plurality of images included in a group corresponding to the display area when the position of the pointer approaches the display area.   The image display control means automatically performs sequential display of a plurality of images included in each group in which the display area is displayed in accordance with display of display areas for two or more groups by the area display control means. The display control device according to claim 1.   4. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising characteristic display control means for displaying the characteristics of the group in the display area in accordance with display of the display area for the group by the area display control means. .   The input image data is represented by the time information regarding the time when the image represented by the image data is acquired, the location information regarding the place where the image represented by the image data is acquired, and the image data as the feature information. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of category information related to an image category is assigned. A display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Identification information for identifying each group is given to a plurality of groups into which the image data is classified,
Based on the identification information, comprising a defining means for defining a relative positional relationship between the plurality of groups,
The area display control means is means for displaying a display area for each of the two or more groups based on the positional relationship defined by the defining means. The display control device according to claim 7,
The input image data is given, as the feature information, time information related to the time when the image represented by the image data was acquired,
The plurality of groups into which the image data is classified is given date information indicating the date corresponding to the time information as the identification information,
The prescribing means designates a date indicated by date information given to the group on a predetermined calendar, and about the group in an area on the calendar where the specified date is indicated. By defining a relative positional relationship between each of the plurality of groups by forming a display area of
The classification means identifies time information given to the input image data and date information corresponding to the time information, and classifies the input image data into a group having the specified date information. Means to
The area display control means is means for displaying a display area for each of the two or more groups on the screen together with the calendar based on the positional relationship defined by the defining means. The display control device according to claim 7 or 8,
The input image data is provided with location information regarding the location where the image represented by the image data is acquired as the feature information,
Area information representing an area corresponding to the location information is given as the identification information to the plurality of groups into which the image data is classified,
The defining means designates an area represented by area information given to the group on a predetermined map, and forms a display area for the group in an area on the map where the designated area is represented. A means for defining a relative positional relationship between each of the plurality of groups,
The classification means is means for specifying location information given to the input image data and area information corresponding to the location information, and classifying the input image data into a group having the specified area information. ,
The area display control means is means for displaying a display area for each of the two or more groups on the screen together with the map based on the positional relationship defined by the defining means. A display control device according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
The input image data is provided with category information regarding the category of the image represented by the image data as the feature information,
The plurality of groups into which the image data is classified is given theme information representing a theme corresponding to the category information as the identification information,
The defining means designates a theme represented by theme information assigned to the group on a list divided by theme, and displays a display area for the group in an area on the list corresponding to the designated theme. A means for defining a relative positional relationship between each of the plurality of groups by forming;
The classification means is means for identifying category information given to the input image data and theme information corresponding to the category information, and classifying the input image data into a group having the specified theme information. ,
The area display control means is a means for displaying a display area for each of the two or more groups together with the list on the screen based on the positional relationship defined by the defining means.   The display control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a time-series display control unit that displays an image represented by each image data in the group in a time-series manner.   The time-series display control means, when one display area of the display areas for the two or more displayed groups is designated, displays a plurality of images included in the designated group in a time-series manner. The display control apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the display control apparatus is a means for displaying on the display.   The display according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the time-series display control means is a means for displaying an image represented by each image data in association with a character string representing the content of feature information given to each image data. Control device. A display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The group into which the image data is classified by the classification means has a hierarchical structure,
Display provided with lower layer display control means for displaying characteristics of lower layer groups in the designated display area when one display area of the displayed two or more groups is designated. Control device.   A digital camera comprising the display control device according to claim 1. A method for displaying a plurality of images on a screen, wherein each of a plurality of input image data is classified into a plurality of groups based on feature information given to the image data,
For two or more of the plurality of groups, a display area for displaying the characteristics of each group is displayed on one screen at a time,
An image display method for sequentially displaying images represented by a plurality of image data in a group at a predetermined timing in a display area for each of the two or more groups while switching one image to be displayed. . A computer program for displaying a plurality of images on a screen,
A function of classifying a plurality of inputted image data into a plurality of groups based on feature information given to the image data;
A function of displaying a display area for displaying the characteristics of each of two or more of the plurality of groups at a time on one screen;
A function of sequentially displaying an image represented by a plurality of image data in a group at a predetermined timing in a display area for each of the two or more groups while switching one image to be displayed; A computer program for realizing on a computer.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the computer program of Claim 17.

Images