JP4660934B2 - Image processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program that enable image data to be transferred to another apparatus with a simple operation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, digital still cameras have become popular. The user captures an image captured by a digital still camera, for example, into a personal computer, edits it, forwards it as an e-mail to a friend, prints it on a postcard, etc., and mails it as a New Year's card It is. Alternatively, an image captured by a digital still camera may be posted on a homepage on the Internet.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, an image captured by a digital still camera has a relatively large size. Therefore, when transferring an image by e-mail or using it attached to a homepage, it is necessary to convert the image size to a small size.
[0004]
Conventionally, such conversion processing is executed on the personal computer side. That is, when performing such conversion processing, the user causes the digital still camera to transfer (copy) image data of a necessary image to a personal computer. In the personal computer, the user captures the copied image data with an application capable of converting the image size, and in that application, designates the conversion size for each image and instructs the saving process. .
[0005]
As a result, there is a problem that the operability is poor and it is difficult to quickly perform the size conversion process.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to change the size of an image quickly and easily.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image processing apparatus according to the present invention designates a first fetching unit for fetching designation information for designating an image to be transferred to another device, and a size of the image designated by the designation information fetched by the first fetching unit. A second fetching unit for fetching size information, a selection unit for accepting selection of a predetermined folder for storing an image to be transferred in another device, and an image designated by the designation information fetched by the first fetching unit Receiving means for receiving a command for transferring image data to another apparatus corresponding to the size, and when the receiving means accepts a command for transferring image data to another apparatus, the size fetched by the second fetching means A change unit that changes a size of an image corresponding to the designation information captured by the first capture unit based on the information; Ri and a transfer means for transferring the image data to another device corresponding to the image size is changed, if the designation information for designating a plurality of images to be transferred to another device is specified by the first capture means The size information designating the common size of the plurality of images designated by the designation information is fetched by the second fetching means, and the changing means changes the designation information fetched by the first fetching means based on the size information. The size of a plurality of corresponding images is changed to a common size, and the transfer unit stores the image data corresponding to the image whose size has been changed to the common size by the changing unit in the folder selected by the selection unit. It is characterized by.
[0009]
An imaging unit for imaging a subject, a storage unit for storing an image captured by the imaging unit, a generation unit for generating a thumbnail image of an image stored in the storage unit, and a display of the thumbnail image generated by the generation unit Display control means for controlling, and the first capturing means can capture the designation information designated by the thumbnail image.
[0010]
The image processing apparatus can be a digital still camera.
[0011]
The image capturing apparatus may further include a third capturing unit that captures the attached information, and the transfer unit transfers the attached information captured by the third capturing unit in correspondence with each of the specified one or more images. it can.
[0012]
An image processing method , a recording medium program, or a program according to the present invention includes a first acquisition step for acquiring specification information for specifying an image to be transferred to another device, and specification information acquired by the processing of the first acquisition step. A second fetching step for fetching size information for designating the size of the image designated by the step, a selection step for accepting selection of a predetermined folder for storing an image to be transferred in another device, and a first fetching step An accepting step for accepting an instruction to transfer image data corresponding to an image designated by the designation information captured by the process to another device, and an instruction for transferring the image data to another device by the process of the accepting step If it is determined, the second information is obtained based on the size information acquired by the processing of the second acquisition step. A changing step of changing the size of the image corresponding to the designated information captured by the process of incorporation step, a transfer step of transferring the image data corresponding to an image that has been resized by the process of changing step to another device If the designation information for designating a plurality of images to be transferred to another device is designated by the processing of the first capture step, size information for designating the common size of the plurality of images designated in the designation information is In the second capture step, in the change step, in the change step, based on the size information, the size of the plurality of images corresponding to the designation information captured in the process of the first capture step is changed to a common size, and in the transfer step The image data corresponding to the image whose size has been changed to the common size by the processing of the change step And characterized in that stored in the folder selected by the process of the selection step.
[0015]
In the image processing apparatus and method and the program of the present invention, the size of an image can be changed at the time of transfer, and the image is transferred.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an electronic camera (digital still camera) to which the present invention is applied.
[0017]
A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 12 has a predetermined number of pixels, photoelectrically converts the light incident from the photographing lens 11 for each pixel, and generates an image signal (electric signal).
[0018]
The image processing unit 31 is controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 36 and samples an image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 12 at a predetermined timing. An analog / digital conversion circuit (A / D conversion circuit) 32 digitizes the image signal sampled by the image processing unit 31 and supplies it to a digital signal processor (DSP) 33.
[0019]
The DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 33 controls the data bus connected to the buffer memory 35 and the memory card 13, temporarily stores the image data supplied from the A / D conversion circuit 32 in the buffer memory 35, and then The image data is compressed according to a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method combining discrete cosine transform, quantization, and Huffman coding, and the compressed data is recorded in the memory card 13.
[0020]
Further, the DSP 33 stores the image data supplied from the A / D conversion circuit 32 in the frame memory 47 and further displays it on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 15 and reads out the image data recorded on the memory card 13. The image data is stored in the frame memory 47 and further displayed on the LCD 15.
[0021]
The DSP 33 also supplies a CCD horizontal drive pulse to the CCD 12 and controls the CCD drive circuit 39 to supply the CCD 12 with a CCD vertical drive pulse.
[0022]
The buffer memory 35 temporarily stores data corresponding to the difference in the data writing or reading speed with respect to the memory card 13 and the processing speed in the CPU 36 or DSP 33 or the like.
[0023]
The memory card 13 is attachable to and detachable from the electronic camera 1 and includes a nonvolatile storage element. The memory card 13 records setting parameters for various functions in addition to image data of captured images.
[0024]
The CPU 36 communicates with the personal computer 101 (FIG. 2) via the connector 17 and the interface (I / F) 48.
[0025]
For example, the CPU 36 outputs the image data recorded on the memory card 13 to the personal computer 101 via the interface 48 and the connector 17.
[0026]
Further, the CPU 36 controls the strobe driving circuit 41 to cause the strobe 14 to emit light appropriately, and also controls the lens driving circuit 30 to move the photographing lens 11 to perform autofocus control.
[0027]
When the CPU 36 receives a signal from the operation key 16 such as a power switch or a release switch, the CPU 36 performs processing corresponding to the key.
[0028]
The timer 45 incorporates a backup battery and outputs data corresponding to the current time to the CPU 36.
[0029]
The DC / DC converter 49 converts the electric power of the battery 18 into an operating voltage of each circuit built in the electronic camera 1 and supplies it to each circuit.
[0030]
FIG. 2 shows a configuration of the personal computer 101 connected to the electronic camera 1 of FIG. In the personal computer 101, the CPU 114 performs various processes according to programs recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 115 and a hard disk device 116. In the ROM 115, for example, programs and data used at startup are recorded.
[0031]
The hard disk device 116 stores a program for editing image data captured from the electronic camera 1 connected to the personal computer 101 in addition to a program such as an operating system.
[0032]
A RAM (Random Access Memory) 117 temporarily stores programs and data when various processes are performed by the CPU 114.
[0033]
A VRAM (Video RAM) 118 stores image data supplied from the CPU 114 for each pixel, and outputs an image signal corresponding to the image data to the display 111.
[0034]
The interface 119 is connected to, for example, a PCMCIA-compliant connector 122 and outputs a signal supplied via the connector 122 to the CPU 114.
[0035]
The interface 120 is connected to the keyboard 112 and outputs a signal corresponding to an operation on the keyboard 112 to the CPU 114.
[0036]
The interface 121 is connected to the mouse 113 and outputs a signal corresponding to an operation on the mouse 113 to the CPU 114.
[0037]
When the operation key 16 is operated by the user and the photographing mode is commanded, the CPU 36 controls the lens driving circuit 30 to control the focus of the photographing lens 11 with respect to the subject (not shown).
[0038]
Light from the subject enters the CCD 12 via the photographing lens 11. The CCD 12 photoelectrically converts incident light for each pixel, and supplies pixel data to the image processing unit 31 in synchronization with the driving based on the DSP 3 and the CCD driving circuit 39. The image processing unit 31 processes the input image data and then supplies the data to the A / D conversion circuit 32 for A / D conversion. The DSP 33 supplies the image data supplied from the A / D conversion circuit 32 to the buffer memory 35 for storage.
[0039]
The DSP 33 supplies the image data supplied from the A / D conversion circuit 32 to the frame memory 47 via the CPU control bus and stores it. The frame memory 47 stores the input image data in units of frames and outputs the stored frame image to the LCD 15 for display.
[0040]
By repeating the above operation, the moving image of the subject is displayed on the LCD 15.
[0041]
When the user operates the release button that constitutes the operation key 16 to instruct imaging, the CPU 36 holds the image data stored in the frame memory 47 and the buffer memory 35 at that time. That is, the CPU 36 prohibits updating of the image data in the frame memory 47 and the buffer memory 35.
[0042]
The DSP 33 performs predetermined processing on the image data stored in the buffer memory 35, and then supplies the image data to the memory card 13 for storage.
[0043]
By performing the above processing as many times as necessary, the memory card 13 stores image data corresponding to the subject image in an arbitrary number of frames.
[0044]
When transferring the image data thus stored in the memory card 13 to the personal computer 101, the user connects the connector 17 of the electronic camera 1 and the connector 122 of the personal computer 101 with codes based on the PCMCIA standard. Connecting. Then, the user operates the operation key 16 to instruct an image transfer mode. When this command is input, the CPU 36 executes the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0045]
First, in step S1, the CPU 36 determines whether a transfer destination is designated. When the transfer destination is designated, the process proceeds to step S2, and the CPU 36 stores the designated transfer destination.
[0046]
That is, when the transfer mode is instructed, the CPU 36 generates image data corresponding to the screen for inputting the transfer destination, supplies it to the frame memory 47, stores it, and displays it on the LCD 15. The user operates the operation key 16 to input a transfer destination to a transfer destination input unit (not shown) displayed on the LCD 15. For example, when a folder stored in the hard disk device 116 of the personal computer 101 is designated as the transfer destination, the folder is stored as the transfer destination.
[0047]
If it is determined in step S1 that the transfer destination is not specified, or after the transfer destination is stored in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3, and the CPU 36 determines whether or not a keyword has been input. When it is determined that a keyword has been input, the process proceeds to step S4, and the CPU 36 stores the input keyword.
[0048]
That is, the user can instruct the keyword input mode by operating the operation keys 16. At this time, the CPU 36 generates GUI (Graphical User Interface) image data for keyword input, and supplies the image data to the frame memory 47 for storage. By supplying and displaying the image data on the LCD 15, for example, a GUI for keyword input as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. The user operates the operation key 16 and inputs a keyword using this GUI. In the example of FIG. 5, ten keywords can be input.
[0049]
For example, if the user wants to copy (transfer) a plurality of images taken at an amusement park among the images stored in the memory card 13 to a folder designated as a transfer destination, the images are stored in the folder. Enter keywords common to each image.
[0050]
If it is determined in step S3 that no keyword is input, or if the input keyword is stored in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5, and the CPU 36 displays the image stored in the memory card 13 as an image. It is determined whether display of the corresponding thumbnail image is instructed. That is, after the user inputs a transfer destination and a keyword, the user operates the operation key 16 to display thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in the memory card 13 in order to select image data to be transferred. Commands the thumbnail display mode to be activated. If this command is not input, the process returns to step S1, and the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.
[0051]
If it is determined in step S5 that display of a thumbnail image has been commanded, the CPU 36 proceeds to step S6 and displays the thumbnail image on the LCD 15. That is, at this time, the CPU 36 controls the DSP 33 to generate image data corresponding to the thumbnail image in order to display a reduced image of each of the plurality of images stored in the memory card 13 as a thumbnail image. . When the DSP 33 generates the thumbnail image data, the DSP 33 supplies the thumbnail image data to the frame memory 47 and displays it on the LCD 15.
[0052]
In this way, for example, thumbnail images are displayed as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 6, six thumbnail images are displayed in the window 202. In addition, in the window 201 at the upper left of the window 202, the name (NIKAN) of the folder designated as the transfer destination is displayed.
[0053]
The number next to the name represents the number of images designated as those to be transferred to the folder (in this example, 6).
[0054]
A window 203 above the window 202 is provided with a display unit 204 that displays information for designating the size of an image to be transferred. The window 203 also displays a button 205 that is operated when selecting display on the display unit 204. Further, on the left side of the display unit 204, a button 206 that is operated to instruct transfer is displayed.
[0055]
In step S7, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the image to be transferred has been specified by the user by specifying a thumbnail image, and waits until it is determined that the image has been specified. If it is determined that a thumbnail image has been designated, the process proceeds to step S8, and the CPU 36 stores the designated thumbnail image.
[0056]
Next, in step S9, the CPU 36 determines whether or not an image size has been specified. If it is determined that an image size has been specified, the CPU 36 proceeds to step S10 and stores the specified image size.
[0057]
That is, the user operates the button 205 when designating the size of the image to be transferred. At this time, the CPU 36 displays on the LCD 15 a window 211 for designating a size as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 7, four types of sizes of the original size, 1024 × 768, 640 × 480, and 320 × 240 are displayed. The user can select one desired size from the four sizes by operating the operation key 16. The selected size is displayed on the display unit 204. In the display example of FIG. 6, “original size” is selected and displayed.
[0058]
If it is determined in step S9 that the image size is not designated, or after the designated image size is stored in step S10, the process proceeds to step S11, and the CPU 36 operates the button 206 for instructing transfer. It is determined whether or not it has been done. If it is determined that the button 206 has not been operated, the process returns to step S7, and the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.
[0059]
As described above, the user designates an arbitrary number of thumbnail images to be transferred, and then designates one size as a size common to the designated images. Of course, the user designates one size even when only one thumbnail image to be transferred is designated. Then, the user operates the button 206 when starting the transfer. At this time, it is determined in step S11 that the transfer button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S12, and the CPU 36 selects one thumbnail image from one or more thumbnail images stored in the process of step S8. In step S13, it is determined whether the image size finally designated and stored in step S10 is an image size other than the original size.
[0060]
If the designated and stored image size is a size other than the original size, the process proceeds to step S14, and the CPU 36 captures image data (original image data) corresponding to the thumbnail image selected in the process of step S12. In step S15, the DSP 33 is requested to perform processing for converting the image data into image data of a specified size. In response to this request, the DSP 33 executes processing for changing the designated image data to the designated image size.
[0061]
When the original size is designated as the size of the image to be transferred, there is no need to perform size conversion processing. Therefore, when it is determined in step S13 that an image size other than the original size is not specified (when it is determined that the original size is specified), the processes in steps S14 and S15 are skipped.
[0062]
Next, proceeding to step S16, the CPU 36 sets image data of a designated size as transfer target image data. That is, when image size conversion is performed, image data of that image size is set as transfer target image data, respectively, when image size conversion is not performed. The
[0063]
Next, in step S17, the CPU 36 reads out the keyword stored in step S4, and sets the keyword as attached information of the image data. Further, in step S18, the CPU 36 reads out the memory card information stored in the memory card 13 and uses it as attached information. The memory card information is information such as the capacity of the memory card 13 and the manufacturer name, for example.
[0064]
Next, proceeding to step S19, the CPU 36 determines the transfer target image data set at step S16 and the attached information read at step S17 and step S18 based on the IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) standard. Transfer to the destination. That is, the CPU 36 causes the transfer target image data attached information to be transferred from the interface 48 to the personal computer 101 via the connector 17.
[0065]
In step S20, it is determined whether or not all the thumbnail images specified and stored as images to be transferred in step S8 have been selected. If it is determined that all thumbnail images have not yet been selected, step S12 is performed. Returning to FIG. 1, one next thumbnail image is selected from the stored thumbnail images, and the processing corresponding to the image is executed in the same manner as described above. If it is determined in step S20 that all the specified thumbnail images have been selected, the transfer process ends.
[0066]
The transfer process is performed as described above.
[0067]
When the image data transferred from the electronic camera 1 is transferred from the connector 122 via the interface 119, the CPU 114 of the personal computer 101 causes the image data to be written in a designated folder of the hard disk device 116.
[0068]
As described above, image data corresponding to an arbitrary number of images is simultaneously transferred using the common keyword and memory card information as attached information.
[0069]
The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, a general-purpose personal computer is installed from a network or a recording medium.
[0070]
In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. It also includes processes that are executed individually.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the size of an image can be changed at the time of transfer, so that the operability is improved. In particular, in the case of a plurality of images designated as images to be transferred, since the plurality of images are changed to a common size and transferred, the user designates the image to be transferred and then performs one size designation operation. It is possible to complete the transfer process only with this.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera to which the present invention is applied.
2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a personal computer to which an image is transferred by the electronic camera of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the electronic camera in FIG. 1;
4 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the electronic camera in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a keyword input GUI.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI for thumbnail selection.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI for specifying an image size.
[Explanation of symbols]
12 CCD
13 Memory card 15 LCD
16 Operation keys 33 DSP
36 CPU

Claims (7)

In an image processing apparatus that transfers image data to another apparatus,
First capturing means for capturing designation information for designating an image to be transferred to the other device;
Second capture means for capturing size information for specifying the size of the image specified by the specification information captured by the first capture means;
Selecting means for accepting selection of a predetermined folder for storing images to be transferred in the other device;
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to transfer image data corresponding to the image designated by the designation information fetched by the first fetching means to the other device;
When an instruction to transfer the image data to the other device is received by the receiving unit, the image data is captured by the first capturing unit based on the size information captured by the second capturing unit. Changing means for changing the size of the image corresponding to the designation information;
Transfer means for transferring image data corresponding to the image whose size has been changed by the changing means to the other device;
When designation information for designating a plurality of images to be transferred to the other device is designated by the first capture means, size information for designating a common size of the plurality of images designated in the designation information is Capturing by a second capturing means;
The changing unit changes the size of the plurality of images corresponding to the designation information captured by the first capturing unit based on the size information to a common size,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the transfer unit stores image data corresponding to an image whose size has been changed to a common size by the changing unit in a folder selected by the selecting unit. Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Storage means for storing the image picked up by the image pickup means;
Generating means for generating a thumbnail image of the image stored in the storage means;
Display control means for controlling the display of the thumbnail image generated by the generation means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first capturing unit captures the designation information designated by the thumbnail image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus is a digital still camera. A third capturing means for capturing the attached information;
4. The transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit transfers the attached information captured by the third capture unit in correspondence with each of the specified one or more images. 5. The image processing apparatus described. In an image processing method of an image processing apparatus for transferring image data to another apparatus,
A first capturing step for capturing designation information for designating an image to be transferred to the other device;
A second capturing step for capturing size information specifying the size of the image specified by the specification information acquired by the processing of the first capturing step;
A selection step for accepting selection of a predetermined folder for storing an image to be transferred in the other device;
An accepting step of accepting an instruction to transfer image data corresponding to the image designated by the designation information captured by the processing of the first capturing step to the other device;
When an instruction to transfer the image data to the other device is received by the processing of the receiving step, the first capturing step is performed based on the size information captured by the processing of the second capturing step. A change step of changing the size of the image corresponding to the designation information captured by the processing of
A transfer step of transferring image data corresponding to the image whose size has been changed by the process of the change step to the other device,
Size information for designating a common size of the plurality of images designated in the designation information when designation information for designating a plurality of images to be transferred to the other device is designated by the processing of the first capturing step. In the second capturing step,
In the changing step, based on the size information, the size of the plurality of images corresponding to the designation information captured by the processing of the first capturing step is changed to a common size,
In the transfer step, image data corresponding to an image whose size has been changed to a common size by the process of the change step is stored in a folder selected by the process of the selection step. A program for controlling an image processing apparatus that transfers image data to another apparatus,
A first capturing step for capturing designation information for designating an image to be transferred to the other device;
A second capturing step for capturing size information specifying the size of the image specified by the specification information acquired by the processing of the first capturing step;
A selection step for accepting selection of a predetermined folder for storing an image to be transferred in the other device;
An accepting step of accepting an instruction to transfer image data corresponding to the image designated by the designation information captured by the processing of the first capturing step to the other device;
When an instruction to transfer the image data to the other device is received by the processing of the receiving step, the first capturing step is performed based on the size information captured by the processing of the second capturing step. A change step of changing the size of the image corresponding to the designation information captured by the processing of
Causing the computer to execute a transfer step of transferring image data corresponding to the image whose size has been changed by the process of the change step to the other device;
Size information for designating a common size of the plurality of images designated in the designation information when designation information for designating a plurality of images to be transferred to the other device is designated by the processing of the first capturing step. In the second capturing step,
In the changing step, based on the size information, the size of the plurality of images corresponding to the designation information captured by the processing of the first capturing step is changed to a common size,
In the transfer step, image data corresponding to an image whose size has been changed to a common size by the process of the change step is stored in a folder selected by the process of the selection step. Medium on which various programs are recorded. A computer that controls an image processing apparatus that transfers image data to another apparatus.
A first capturing step for capturing designation information for designating an image to be transferred to the other device;
A second capturing step for capturing size information specifying the size of the image specified by the specification information acquired by the processing of the first capturing step;
A selection step for accepting selection of a predetermined folder for storing an image to be transferred in the other device;
An accepting step of accepting an instruction to transfer image data corresponding to the image designated by the designation information captured by the processing of the first capturing step to the other device;
When an instruction to transfer the image data to the other device is received by the processing of the receiving step, the first capturing step is performed based on the size information captured by the processing of the second capturing step. A change step of changing the size of the image corresponding to the designation information captured by the processing of
A transfer step of transferring image data corresponding to the image whose size has been changed by the process of the change step to the other device; and
Size information for designating a common size of the plurality of images designated in the designation information when designation information for designating a plurality of images to be transferred to the other device is designated by the processing of the first capturing step. In the second capturing step,
In the changing step, based on the size information, the size of the plurality of images corresponding to the designation information captured by the processing of the first capturing step is changed to a common size,
In the transfer step, image data corresponding to an image whose size has been changed to a common size by the process of the change step is stored in a folder selected by the process of the selection step.

Images