JP2006260086A - Electronic file display device, electronic file display method and program making computer execute the method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To associate a plurality of stored electronic files with each other in an organized form, and to perform list display in an uncomplicated and easy-to-view form. <P>SOLUTION: An image display control unit 100 applied to a digital camera displays image information stored in a memory card on an LCD 21, and an operation part 22 receives an input signal for requesting association between a representative image and a relevant image by designation through the displayed LCD 21. An association generation part 2 associates the image information according to the received association signal, an icon generation part generates information for displaying an icon of the associated representative image in a form displaying that the relevant image is associated to the representative image, and stores it in a memory 4, and a display control part 1 displays the icon by the icon information on the LCD 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic file display device, an electronic file display method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method, and in particular, an electronic file display device including an electronic information device such as a digital camera that stores electronic image information, and an electronic file The present invention relates to a display method and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

  Conventionally, in an image capture device such as a camera, stored images are displayed in a list, and when a large number of images are stored, it is often difficult to find a target image. This situation is a problem that generally occurs in an apparatus that stores a large number of electronic files and displays them with icons. As described above, since retrieval of an electronic file such as photographed image information becomes complicated, a retrieval technique has been devised as a technique for eliminating the complexity.

  For example, the image information is divided into an image part, a character part, and a keyword extracted from the character part and stored for the purpose of easily discriminating how many images are stored in a certain position range or date unit. When the map is displayed on the display means in advance, the storage means, the map database for storing the map information, the display means for displaying the stored information, and the map database in correspondence with the position information based on the keyword input, An icon is displayed for the determined area, the number of images taken within the area corresponding to the icon on the displayed map is searched from the storage means, and the number of images corresponding to the icon position is displayed. A photographic image search device including a control unit is invented (Patent Document 1).

JP-A-8-335034

  However, in the invention of Patent Document 1, although the number of images classified and classified according to a specific position or date can be displayed, similar images can be selected from image information stored by photographing. There is a problem in that the information cannot be displayed efficiently by reducing the number to be displayed by representing the information together with some representative image. In particular, there has been a problem that it has not been possible to classify and display according to the display closer to the image as well as the number of images.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and the object thereof is related to one representative file as if the electronic files such as images taken under similar conditions are collected as a group. By displaying the related files, making the related files representative by displaying the representative file, hiding the apparent display, and displaying the representative image in a form that represents the related image, without displaying all the stored files An object is to provide an electronic file display device, an electronic file display method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method, which enables efficient listing and enables a quick file search.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is an electronic file display device, which displays a plurality of files composed of electronic information stored in storage means, Among the plurality of files displayed on the display means, one file is designated as a representative file, and a file other than the one file that is the representative file is designated as a related file related to the representative file. Related input means, and the representative file and the related file related by the related input means are displayed on the display means with an icon that displays that the related file is associated with the representative file. Icon generating means for generating icon information to be performed, and the display means is provided by the icon generating means. Based on the generated icon information, a plurality of files stored in the storage means, and characterized in that to be displayed in the icon form.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic file display device according to the first aspect, when the file is related by the related input unit, the display unit erases the display of the related file. Only the icon according to the above-mentioned form and unrelated files that are not associated are displayed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic file display device according to the first or second aspect, the display means displays a list of the representative file and related files related to the representative file for each representative file. It is characterized by being.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic file display device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the display means stores a file stored in the storage means in the storage means. A first mode for displaying a list of files that are not associated with each other, a second mode for displaying a list of only the representative files, and a list of the representative files and related files related to the representative files for each representative file. The display is performed in at least one of a third mode for displaying and a fourth mode for displaying only the representative file and the unrelated file.

  Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the electronic file display device according to claim 4, wherein the related input means is based on the related file displayed in the list display in the third mode on the display means. When an association input signal designated as the representative file is newly received, the related file for which the association input signal is newly received is newly set as a representative file, and other files including the previous representative file are related files. The icon generation means newly generates icon information for displaying the representative file and the related file newly related by the related input means with the icon of the form on the display means. The display means is an icon newly generated by the icon generation means. Characterized in that it is used for displaying the down information.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the electronic file display device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the related input means is displayed in the list display in the third mode on the display means. The icon generation means receives a further association input signal for designating a further representative file from among the related files and designating another file associated with the designated further representative file as a related file. When the related input means receives the further input signal, the list display in the third mode displays that the related file associated with the further representative file exists. The icon information to be displayed on the display means in the form of an icon is generated.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the electronic file display device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the display in the first mode, the display in the second mode, and the display in the third mode. And display mode accepting means for accepting a display mode request signal for requesting display in any one of the modes in the fourth mode, wherein the display means accepts the display mode accepted by the display mode accepting means. The display is in a display mode based on the request signal.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the electronic file display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the icon generation means generates the icon information to be generated under the representative file. The files are generated so as to be displayed on the display means in an overlapping form.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the electronic file display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising classification means for determining and classifying the file according to a predetermined standard, and the related input The means accepts and associates the designation of the representative file and the related file related to the representative file according to the classification of the file classified by the classification means.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic file display device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the representative file and the related file related by the related input unit are stored in one folder. Further, folder information generating means for generating the stored information is further provided.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic file display device according to the tenth aspect, the icon information generation means is an icon for displaying the folder generated by the folder information generation means on the display means. It generates the icon information of the form.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic file display device according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, wherein transmission means for transmitting information stored in one folder generated by the folder generation means to another device is provided. , Further provided.

  The invention according to claim 13 is the electronic file display device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the related input means is the image pickup means of a mobile phone in which the associated file includes an image pickup means. And the display means displays the icon information generated by the icon generating means for the image file related by the related means on a liquid crystal screen included in the mobile phone. It is characterized by.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic file display device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the related input means is stored in a DVD disc included in a digital versatile disc (DVD) reproducing device. The display unit is configured to display icon information generated by the icon generation unit for the file associated by the association unit on a display unit included in the DVD playback apparatus.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic file display device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the related input means includes an MP3 (MPeg audio Player 3) reproducing means. And the display means displays the icon information generated by the icon generation means for the audio file associated by the association means on the display unit included in the MP3 output device. It is characterized by.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic file display device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the related means associates an electronic file stored in a personal computer (PC), and the display means Is characterized in that the icon information generated by the icon generating means for the electronic file associated by the related means is displayed on a display unit of the PC.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic file display device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the related means associates an image file stored in the digital image forming apparatus, and the display means The icon generation unit displays icon information generated for the image file associated by the association unit on a display unit included in the digital image forming apparatus.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic file display device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the related means is picked up by a digital image pickup means of a digital camera provided with a digital image pickup means. The image file is associated, and the display unit displays icon information generated by the icon generation unit for the image file associated by the association unit on a display unit included in the digital camera.

  The invention according to claim 19 is the electronic file display device according to claim 18, wherein the classification means uses the imaged image file as the predetermined reference and the image similarity and the imaged time. , The distance to the subject in-focus at the time of focusing, the focal length of the optical system at the time of focusing, snap mode, distant view mode, sports mode, close-up mode and portrait mode, shooting sensitivity, shutter speed, and shooting The aperture value is classified according to at least one of the criteria.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic file display method, wherein a display step of displaying a plurality of files composed of electronic information stored in a storage unit on the display unit, and a display on the display unit in the display step. An association input signal that designates one of the plurality of files as a representative file and designates a file other than the one file that is the representative file as an associated file associated with the representative file; The related input unit receives and associates with the related input unit, and the representative file and the related file related by the related input unit in the related input step indicate that the related file is associated with the representative file. The icon generation means generates icon information to be displayed on the display means with the icon of the form to be An icon display step for displaying a plurality of files stored in the storage unit on the display unit in the icon shape based on the icon information generated by the icon generation unit in the icon generation step; It is characterized by including.

  The invention according to claim 21 is a program that causes a computer to execute the electronic file display method according to claim 20.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, by displaying a plurality of files made up of electronic information stored in the storage means in association with the representative file and related files related thereto, with icons indicating that they are associated with the display means. Since it is possible to improve the listability of the files stored in the storage means, it is possible to provide an electronic file display device that allows a target file to be quickly and easily searched from a plurality of files stored in the storage means. There is an effect.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the display unit deletes the display of the related file associated with the representative file and displays only the representative file and the unrelated file, so that the operability and listability to be related are improved. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the display unit displays a list of representative files and related files related to the representative file for each representative file, there is an effect that the files represented by the representative file can be listed.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the display means includes a first mode for displaying a list of stored files in an unassociated state, a second mode for displaying only a representative file, and a representative file. Since the related file related to the representative file is displayed in at least one of the third mode for displaying the list for each representative file and the fourth mode for displaying only the representative file and the unrelated file, the list display There is an effect that a mode can be selected and displayed.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 5, since the representative file can be changed in the list display in the third mode, there is an effect that the list display can be easily viewed.

  According to the invention of claim 6, in the list display in the third mode, it is possible to specify another representative file from the related files and associate other files with each other. And related files can be associated with each other, and it is possible to create a list display that is easier to see.

  According to the invention of claim 7, since the display in the first to fourth modes can be selected and displayed, an electronic file display device having a high degree of freedom of list display can be provided.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the icon information can be displayed in a form in which the related file is superimposed below the representative file, so that it is possible to display the list more easily.

  According to the invention of claim 9, since the representative file and the related file are associated by determining and classifying the file according to a predetermined standard, it is possible to automatically display a list associated with the classified file. Play.

  According to the invention of claim 10, since the representative file and the related file can be generated as information stored in one folder, an advantageous electronic file display device can be provided. Play.

  According to the invention of claim 11, since the information stored in the folder is displayed as an icon in a form in which the representative file associates the related file, it is possible to provide an electronic file display device that is easy to see and highly convenient. There is an effect.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since information stored in one folder can be transmitted to another device, an advantageous electronic file display device can be provided.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 13, there is an effect that an electronic file display device applicable to a camera-equipped mobile phone can be provided.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, an electronic file display device that can be applied to a digital versatile disc (DVD) playback device can be provided.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an electronic file display device that can be applied to an MP3 output device can be provided.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, an electronic file display device applicable to a personal computer (PC) can be provided.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, an electronic file display device that can be applied to a digital image forming apparatus can be provided.

  According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, an electronic file display device applicable to a digital camera can be provided.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, when applied to a digital camera, the captured image file is used as a predetermined reference, the image similarity, the captured time, and the distance to the subject focal point at the time of focusing. A list that is easy to see by categorizing and associating with the focal length of the optical system at the time of focusing, shooting mode including snap mode, distant view mode, sports mode, close-up mode and portrait mode, shooting sensitivity, shutter speed, and aperture value. There is an effect that it is possible to display.

  According to the invention of claim 20, a plurality of files made up of electronic information stored in the storage means are displayed in association with the representative file and related files associated therewith with an icon indicating that they are associated with the display means. Therefore, an electronic file display method that makes it possible to quickly and easily find a target file from a plurality of files stored in the storage means can improve the listability of the files stored in the storage means. There is an effect that it can be provided.

  The invention according to claim 21 is a program, and has the effect of allowing a computer to execute the electronic file display method according to claim 20.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Exemplary embodiments of an electronic file display device, an electronic file display method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Explained.

(1. Embodiment 1)
(1.1. Overall configuration)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image display control unit provided in the digital camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the digital camera. The digital camera shown in FIG. 2 is an example in which the image display control unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is incorporated.

  A main part of the image display control unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a program for the CPU 20 of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG. 2 to execute an image display function, and constitutes an electronic file display device of the present invention. An image display control unit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a display control unit 1, a relationship generation unit 2, and an icon generation unit 3.

  A digital camera 10 shown in FIG. 2 includes a lens 11, a mechanical mechanism 12 including an autofocus, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 13, a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) circuit 14, and an A / D (Analog / Digital). Converter 15, digital signal processing circuit 16, compression / decompression circuit 17, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 18, memory card 19, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, liquid crystal display (LCD = Liquid Crystal Display Device) 21, operation A unit 22, a driver 23, an SG (Sync Generator) 24, a bus 25, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 26 are provided.

  The image display control unit 100 according to the first embodiment receives a designation input for designating one image from the image information displayed on the LCD 21 via the operation unit 22 and associates it with the designated one image information. When the image information designation input is accepted, one image is used as a representative image, other related images are related as related images, and icon information is displayed so that related images are displayed under the representative image. To do. By generating icon information of such a form and displaying it on the LCD 21, it is possible to improve the listability and display efficiency of image information even on a display surface with a small area.

  In the digital camera 10, the captured image information is generally compressed and stored. Further, when displaying the captured image information on the LCD 20, the digital camera generates and displays reduced image information such as a so-called thumbnail image. Since these storage and display operations are the same as those in a general digital camera, the following description will be briefly described, and the image display control unit 100 according to the first embodiment will be described mainly.

  The light from the subject that has passed through the lens 11 of the digital camera 10 passes through the mechanical mechanism 12 when the shutter is released, and is irradiated onto the CCD 13. The CCD 13 converts the received light into an electrical signal that is analog image data.

  A CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit 14 reduces the noise of the electrical signal input by the CCD 13. The A / D converter 15 converts the electric signal whose noise has been reduced by the CDS circuit 14 into a digital signal at an optimum sampling frequency. The digital signal processing unit 16 divides the digital image data converted by the A / D converter 15 into color difference data and luminance data, and performs various data processing such as correction processing.

  The image compression / decompression circuit 17 performs, for example, JPEG-compliant image compression / decompression processing on the signal processed by the digital signal processing unit 16. The DRAM 18 temporarily stores the image data compressed by the image compression / decompression circuit 17. The memory card 19 stores the compressed image data stored in the DRAM 18 as an image data file.

  The compression / decompression circuit 17 further inputs digital image data stored in the DRAM 18 via the CPU bus 25 and generates compression processing when generating reduced image information such as icon images, so-called thumbnail images for reduced display. And stored in the DRAM 18 again. When the compression processing is completed, the CPU 20 records the compressed image data stored in the DRAM 18 on the memory card 19 via the CPU bus 25 as an image data file in the form of a reduced thumbnail image, for example. To do.

  In a general reproduction mode in which image data stored in the memory card 19 is displayed to the operator, when the operator designates an image data file of the memory card 19 to be reproduced by operating the operation unit 22, The unit 22 receives an input signal requesting designation. The compressed image data that has been accepted is read from the memory card 19 and stored in the DRAM 18. The image data stored in the DRAM 18 is input to the compression / expansion circuit 17 via the CPU bus 25, subjected to expansion processing, and stored in the DRAM 18 again. The decompressed image data stored in the DRAM 18 is input to the digital signal processing circuit 16 via the CPU bus 25, converted into a video signal, and displayed on the LCD 21.

  When the thumbnail image displayed on the LCD 21 is designated by the operation unit 22, the image data file corresponding to the designated thumbnail image is read out, and the same operation is performed after the above-described general reproduction display operation is read out. The decompression process is performed and displayed on the LCD 21.

  The CPU 20 executes an image display control program for displaying an image stored in the ROM 26 and a control program for controlling general operations of the digital camera in response to an instruction input received by the operation unit 22. That is, the CPU 20 reads the image display control program from the ROM 26, forms the units 1 to 3 in which the image display control unit 100 executes the functions, and the operator displays the representative image for the image information captured and stored. The representative image that has received the designated image and the related image that has received the designated image as related to the representative image are associated with each other to generate appropriate icon information and displayed on the LCD 21. Further, the CPU 20 reads the control program from the ROM 26 and issues a control command relating to, for example, control of the image data recording operation and control of the image data reproduction operation.

(1.2. Image display control unit)
As will be described later, the image display control unit 100 generates image information to be displayed on the LCD 21 corresponding to the image data stored in the memory card 19. That is, the image information generated by the image display control unit 100 is an icon image corresponding to the stored image. The icon image may be a reduced image generally called a thumbnail. Further, a display image to be displayed on the LCD 21 is generated in a form that displays that one representative image and an image related thereto are associated. One representative image and related images are displayed as a list on the LCD 21 as one group for each representative image. The image display control unit 100 may be configured to directly display the image data captured by the CCD 13 on the LCD 21. Here, an operation for generating an icon image used for list display will be described.

  The operation unit 22 includes operation buttons to be described later, and receives an input from the operator of an association instruction signal for requesting association between images displayed on the LCD 21.

  Here, the icon generation unit 3 of the image display control unit 100 generates icon information, and outputs the icon information to the digital signal processing circuit 16 at a dot clock timing of a predetermined cycle, thereby displaying the icon on the LCD 21.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation unit of the digital camera. On the rear surface of the housing 30 of the digital camera 10, various operation input buttons such as a selection movement button 31, a switching button 37, an LCD display switching button 39, and the LCD 21 are disposed.

  The switching button 37 receives an input for switching among the wide-angle side 37a, the telephoto side 37b, the thumbnail image display 37c, and the enlarged display 37d. The selection button 31 has OK buttons 36 for accepting inputs such as moving buttons 32 to 35 for switching a shooting mode (described later) and moving the cursor, representative image designation, related image designation, and setting.

  The display switching button 39 on the LCD 21 accepts a selection input for displaying a playback image or a list display using thumbnail images on the LCD 21. The LCD 21 displays a reproduction image, an image list display screen, an operation screen for accepting operation input, and the like. The above buttons constitute the operation unit 22 in FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a shooting mode selection operation screen displayed on the LCD. In the screen 40 on the LCD 21 shown in FIG. 4, various display modes 41 to 47 such as a portrait mode 42, a sport mode 43, a distant view mode 44, etc. are displayed by operating the display switching button 39. Is displayed. Here, the portrait mode is now selected, and a brief description of the portrait mode is displayed to the operator by the character information.

  By accepting input from the display screen on the LCD 21 and these operation buttons, when shooting conditions are set, information on the set conditions is stored in the memory card 19 corresponding to the image data. The

  The operator operates various buttons on the operation unit 22 to use the image displayed on the LCD 21 as a user interface. The selection button 31 receives an input signal designated as a representative image and an association input signal designated in association with the representative image by moving the cursor by the operator and pressing the OK button 36.

  Since the display control unit 1 generates cursor information, displays it on the LCD 21, aligns the cursor with the displayed image, receives an input from the operation unit 22, and generates an input signal. The description is omitted here.

  The display control unit 1 of the image display control unit 100 generates icon information that is display image information for displaying a list of photographed image information on the LCD 21 and stores the icon information in the memory 4. Hereinafter, reduced image information such as a so-called thumbnail image for list display is referred to as icon information. In general, the icon images displayed as a list on the LCD 21 after shooting often use so-called thumbnail images that have been compressed to facilitate quick listing.

  Here, the memory 4 storing the icon information can use the memory card 19. In this case, a convenient case arises in that the captured image information and icon information are stored in the same memory card 19.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an image display control procedure by the image display control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a list display displayed on the LCD in each procedure. The display control unit 1 receives an input from the operation unit 22, reads icon image information stored in the memory 4, and displays a list of icon images on the LCD 21 as shown in a screen 51 in FIG. 6 (step S 101). ).

  Now, the image 51 displays a list of icons 1 to 6 which are images obtained by reducing the captured image information. The display control unit 1 moves a cursor 51 a that can be moved by an input from the operation unit 22 onto the icon 1 on the LCD 21. Here, it is determined that designation as a representative image is designated by pressing the OK button 36 twice in succession and a signal requesting this designation is generated. Or it is good also as a setting which makes a thing with the early selected order automatically a representative image.

  The operator operates the button of the operation unit 22 with respect to the icon images displayed in a list, and presses the OK button 36 twice in a state where the cursor 51a is placed on the icon 1, so that the icon 1 is indicated. When the designation input that the displayed image is the representative image is performed, the operation unit 22 receives the designation input and transmits a designation input signal to the display control unit 1. Alternatively, in the case where the selected image is set to be the representative image automatically, the setting input is received and a setting input signal is transmitted to the display control unit 1 (step S102).

  Further, when the operator operates the button of the operation unit 22 to place the cursor 52a on another image, here the icon 3 on the screen 52, and performs a designation input that the image is a related image related to the representative image, The generation unit 2 receives this designation input signal (step S103). Here, it is determined that designation as a related image is designated by pressing the OK button 36 once, and a signal requesting this designation is generated.

  The relation generation unit 2 receives the designation input signal from the operation unit 22 and receives one designation that has been designated as a representative image, and a related picture that has received designation related to one representative image that has been designated. The representative image and the related image are associated with each other (step S104).

  When display images are associated with each other by the association generation unit 2 in this way, according to the associated result, the icon generation unit 3 overlaps the icon 3 of the associated image associated below the representative image like the icon 53a. In this form, icon information to be displayed on the LCD 21 is generated (step S105). At the same time, the icon 3 is deleted from the list display as shown in the screen 53 (step S106). The operation unit 22 further receives a designation input of related images (step S107).

  Here, when the icons 5 and 6 are associated (reference numerals 52b and c in the figure, Yes in step S107), the association generation unit 2 performs association (step S104), and the association is performed below the representative image 53a. Icon information to be displayed on the LCD 21 in a form in which the related image icons 5 and 6 overlap is generated (step S105). The icons 5 and 6 are deleted from the list display as shown on the screen 53 (step S106). The icons 3, 5, and 6 are displayed so as to overlap the representative image 1, and the icons 3, 5, and 6 are deleted from the list display. The operation unit 22 is further in a state of accepting the designation input of the related image (step S107), and when it is not accepted for a predetermined time (No in step S107), the operation unit 22 is terminated.

  In this way, the list screen 53 of only the representative images and the images that are not associated with each other is displayed, and the images that have already been associated are displayed in a state of being hidden under the icon of the representative image.

  Here, the icon information generated by the icon generation unit 3 is, for example, an icon image that displays an icon in a form in which the number of related images overlaps below the thumbnail image of the representative image. However, the image may be in any form as long as the relation between the representative image and the related image can be displayed instead of the form in which the related image is superimposed on the representative image. In that case, it is not always necessary to have a form that is combined into one image, and the expression method is arbitrary, such as further reducing the related image and connecting the representative image with a line to display the relationship.

  When the related image is associated with the representative image, the display control unit 1 may delete the associated related image from the LCD 21 so as not to display the image, or collect only the image numbers indicating that the image has been deleted. May be displayed (not shown).

  Here, the association of the stored image information is performed by accepting the operator's input, and accepts the operator's arbitrary selection, for example, the photographing mode, photographing time, color, etc. shown in FIG. Arbitrary association by can be accepted and performed.

(1.3. Effect)
In this way, an image related to the representative image, for example, a similar image is associated with the representative image and is displayed on the LCD as a representative image alone, so that the related image is represented by the representative image based on the representative image. Since the related images themselves are deleted from the list display in an overlapped form, the stored image information can be displayed on the LCD in an organized and efficient view.

  In other words, as if the captured image information was collected as a group of similar conditions such as shooting under similar circumstances, the related images were classified and associated with one representative image. Since the related image is apparently hidden from the display of the LCD and the representative image is displayed in a manner of displaying that the related image represents the related image, the list of the stored images is improved and the enormous amount stored in the memory is displayed. It is possible to quickly and easily find a desired photo from a large amount of images.

(1.4. Modification 1)
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a display for changing the representative image in the list display of only the representative image and the related image. If only the representative image and the related images related to the representative image are displayed as a list, the images are displayed as a collection, so that the display is easy to see. Here, if the representative image can be further changed, the convenience is enhanced.

  In the screen 54 in FIG. 7, the icons 1, 4, and 11 are designated as representative images having related images, and the related images related to each of them are superimposed on the icons of the representative images. It is displayed.

  When the operator inputs from the operation unit 22, the cursor 54 a is moved onto the icon 1 on the screen 54. The display control unit 1 is configured to switch to a list display (screen 55) of icons 1 and related images related to the icons 1 when the OK button 36 is pressed.

  If the operator wants to change the representative image to that of the icon 5, the operator operates the operation unit 22 to move the cursor 56 a onto the icon 5 and presses the OK button 36 twice. A designation input designated as a representative is accepted. Or it is good also as a setting which makes the thing which the order of selecting and pressing down early makes a representative image automatically. In this way, the designation input or the setting input is received, and the designation input signal or the setting input signal is transmitted to the display control unit 1. The display control unit 1 displays a change screen 57 for designating a representative image as a menu screen, and when the move button 34 (FIG. 3) is pressed, the menu screen is changed and the screen 58 is displayed. The OK button 36 is pressed on the menu screen 58. The operation unit 22 receives this operation input, and the display control unit 1 newly displays a screen 59 typified by the icon 5, and further receives an input requesting a list display of only the representative screen and unrelated screens. In this case, the list display screen 60 including only the representative screen and the unrelated screen is displayed.

  In this way, the association generation unit 2 receives a request signal for changing the image information of the icon 5 to the representative image, and the icon generation unit 3 includes the icon 5 as a representative image as shown in the screen 60 and also includes the icon 1 below it. The icon information for displaying the icon image 60a in a form in which the related images overlap is generated, and the LCD 21 newly displays the list screen 60 of the representative images 5, 4, and 11 and only the unrelated images. The already associated images are displayed in a state where they are hidden and overlapped under the icon of the representative image, and the icon of the representative image can be changed by an operator's selection input.

(1.4. Modification 2)
In the screen 55 of FIG. 7, the icon 1 is designated as the representative image 55a, and the icons 3, 5, and 6 that are related images are shown. The image information displayed by the icons 5 and 6 from this set is newly set as one set, the icon 5 is set as the representative image, the icon 6 is related as the related image, and the icon 6 is the representative image. Can be displayed in a form superimposed on (not shown). As a result, in the group in which icon 1 is a representative image, the representative image and the related image are displayed in association with each other at a deeper level, thereby reducing the number of icons to be displayed by the deeper level and displaying in the list display. Efficiency can be increased.

(2. Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the image display control unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an image display procedure according to the second embodiment. The difference between the image display control unit 200 according to the second embodiment and the image display control unit 100 according to the first embodiment is that a display mode input unit 204 is provided to select a display mode for displaying a list of icon images. Is a point. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, steps up to step S206 are the same as steps up to step S106 in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The display mode input unit 204 is a first mode for displaying a list of image information stored in the memory 4 in a state where they are not associated with each other, a second mode for displaying a list of representative images only, a representative image and related images, Whether a request signal for requesting display has been received in at least one of the third mode for displaying a list for each representative image and the fourth mode for displaying only unrelated images not associated with the representative image Is determined (step S207), and if received (Yes in step S207), the received request signal is transmitted to the display control unit 201.

  Here, the display mode input unit 204 receives an input from the display switching button 39 that receives a display switching input of the display. Each time an input from the operator is received, the “first display mode” and the “second display” are displayed on the LCD 21. The display mode is switched between “display mode”, “third display mode”, and “fourth display mode” (not shown), and is displayed by pressing the OK button 36 in the displayed mode. To be determined.

  Alternatively, the display mode input unit 204 determines the number of representative images already associated, the number of related images, the ratio between the number of representative images and the number of related images, and the like according to a predetermined threshold value. One display mode is automatically selected from the mode to the fourth display mode, a signal requesting the selected display mode is transmitted to the display control unit 201, and the display mode received by the display control unit 201 is displayed. It can be configured to display on the LCD 21 in accordance with the request signal.

  Here, the icon generation unit 3 newly generates icon information when the display control unit 201 needs display in the determination list display.

  In any of the above cases, the display control unit 201 receives the display mode request signal transmitted from the display mode input unit 204 and displays a list of icon images on the LCD 21 in accordance with the received display mode request signal. (Step S208). Here, the display mode input unit 204 may be provided separately from the operation unit 22 or may be provided as a part of the operation unit 22.

  With this configuration, when displaying an icon of a photographed image on the LCD 21 of the digital camera, it is possible to select a suitable list display mode and efficiently display image information even on a narrow screen.

(3. Embodiment 3)
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the image display control unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an image display control procedure according to the third embodiment. The image display control unit 300 according to the third embodiment is different from the image display control unit 100 according to the first embodiment in that a determination unit 304 that determines an association between a representative image and a related image related to the representative image from image information. It is a prepared point. The relation generation unit 302 is a point that associates image information by associating the representative image determined by the determination unit 304 with the related image.

  For example, the determination unit 304 determines that the image information at close photographing times is a similar set, sets the first image in the set as a representative image, and determines the other images as related images (step S301). Or when the information of the mode image | photographed by various imaging | photography modes 41-47 shown by FIG. 4 is stored, the determination part 304 collects the image information by the same imaging | photography mode at the time of imaging | photography, and makes a group. The first image in the set is determined as a representative image, and the other images are determined as related images.

  Alternatively, the determination unit 304 determines that the images close in distance to the subject measured at the time of imaging are similar, sets the first image in the set as a representative image, and determines the other images as related images.

  Alternatively, the determination unit 304 may determine from the focus of the optical system at the time of imaging. For example, a representative image and a related image can be determined from a set based on the focal length of the optical system at the time of shooting, such as an image taken at a wide angle, an image taken at a medium telephoto, and an image taken at a telephoto.

  Alternatively, the determination unit 304 may determine the representative image and the related image by dividing the sensitivity at the time of imaging, for example, ISO 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 801 or more. Alternatively, the determination unit 304 may determine the representative image and the related image separately for the aperture value, shutter speed, and image feature amount.

  Alternatively, the determination unit 304 determines the representative image and the related image using, as the image feature amount, a quantified color tone, a quantified edge, a quantified image pattern, or the like. Can do.

  The association generation unit 302 associates the representative image determined by the determination unit 304 and the related image related to the representative image (step S302). The icon generation unit 3 generates the representative image and the icon information of the related image associated with each other by the association generation unit 2. The icon information generation procedure and the following steps are the step S105 and the following steps of the procedure according to the first embodiment. Since it is the same, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As described above, the image information control unit according to Embodiment 3 includes the determination unit, so that the captured image information is automatically divided into similar sets, a representative image and a related image are determined, and a related generation unit , The icon generation unit generates icon information and the display control unit displays the associated icon information in a list display, etc., so that the photographer of the digital camera classifies them one by one by manual operation. Therefore, it is possible to concentrate on shooting without having to be aware of the necessity of associating images with each other. Therefore, it is highly convenient, and the captured images can be displayed in a list in an automatically and efficiently organized form.

(4. Embodiment 4)
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of an image display control unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an image display control procedure according to the fourth embodiment. The image display control unit 400 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the image display control unit 100 according to the first embodiment in that a folder information generation unit 406 and a transmission unit 407 are further provided. In the image information control procedure according to the fourth embodiment, steps S401 to S406 are the same as steps S101 to S106 in the image display control procedure according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted, and only different points will be described.

  When the relation generation unit 2 associates the representative image and the related image with each other, the folder information generation unit 406 includes, as one folder information, designation information, association information, and an icon for each representative image. Information is generated (step S407). Here, the folder information may include representative image information and related image information. The transmission unit 407 transmits the folder information generated by the folder information generation unit to another device (step S408).

  By sending information about images associated in this way to other devices as a group of folder information, you can concentrate on shooting without being conscious of organizing image information taken after shooting, By acquiring folder information capable of efficiently organizing and displaying a list of images taken after shooting, and transmitting the information to another device by communication means, this folder information can also be used by another device.

  As the folder information, in addition to the association information between the representative image and the related image and the respective icon information, when the image information is included, the received device includes the same image display control unit as the present invention. In this case, it is possible to use a highly convenient image such as displaying a list efficiently by displaying an icon corresponding to the image information and outputting the image information together.

  In particular, the image display control unit according to the fourth embodiment can be applied to a mobile phone having an imaging function. This is because even a portable telephone having a small memory can be used without worrying about a decrease in memory capacity due to photographing.

  Note that the image display control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described by taking an example of an icon image for displaying an image captured by a digital camera on the LCD and its display, but the present invention is applicable only to a digital camera. It is clear that it is not. The described embodiment or modification of the present invention is an example for description, and the present invention is not limited to these specific examples described herein.

  The present invention is generally applicable to any device as long as it displays information or a file stored in a memory on a monitor. For example, even in a digital video camera, the present invention can be applied by generating icon information relating to recorded moving image information and displaying the icon on a monitor. The same applies to the case where the mobile phone takes a moving image.

  Further, even when a digital versatile disc (DVD) recording device having a digital recording function stores still image or moving image information on a DVD disc, the electronic file display device according to the present invention can be applied.

  Also, for MP3 output devices equipped with MP3 (MPeg audio layer 3) playback means, icon information corresponding to an MP3 audio file as one file is generated and displayed on a liquid crystal monitor of an MP3 player or the like. Thus, the electronic file display device according to the present invention can be applied.

  The electronic file display device according to the present invention can also be applied to a personal computer (PC).

  The present invention can also be applied to a digital image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine. In this case, it can be applied by generating icon information corresponding to a file stored in the memory of the digital image forming apparatus and displaying it on the operation panel.

  The image display control program executed by the image display control unit according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). And the like recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  The image display control program executed by the image display control unit of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. . In addition, the image display control program executed by the image display control unit of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, an electronic file display device, an electronic file display method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the present invention are useful for a technique for displaying a list of electronic files. Suitable for listing technology.

3 is a functional block diagram of an image display control unit provided in the digital camera according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a functional block diagram of a digital camera. It is a schematic diagram explaining the operation part of a digital camera. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen for photographing mode selection displayed on the LCD. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image display control procedure by the image display control unit according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of the list display displayed on LCD in each procedure. It is a figure explaining the display which changes a representative image in the list display of only a representative image and a related image. 6 is a functional block diagram of an image display control unit according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an image display procedure according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an image display control unit according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an image display control procedure according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an image display control unit according to a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an image display control procedure according to the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display control part 2,302 Relation production | generation part 3,203 Icon production | generation part 4 Memory 10 Digital camera 21 LCD
22 Operation unit 100, 200, 300, 400 Image display control unit 406 Folder information generation unit 407 Transmission unit

Claims (21)

Display means for displaying a plurality of files comprising electronic information stored in the storage means;
Among the plurality of files displayed on the display means, one file is designated as a representative file, and a file other than the one file that is the representative file is designated as a related file related to the representative file. Associated input means,
An icon for generating icon information to be displayed on the display means with an icon in a form that displays that the representative file and the related file related by the related input means are associated with the representative file. Generating means,
The electronic file display device, wherein the display means displays a plurality of files stored in the storage means in the icon shape based on the icon information generated by the icon generation means.   When the file is related by the related input means, the display means deletes the display of the related file and displays only the icon according to the form and the unrelated file that is not related. The electronic file display device according to claim 1, wherein   The electronic file display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a list of the representative file and related files related to the representative file for each representative file.   The display means is a first mode for displaying a list of files stored in the storage means in a state in which the files stored in the storage means are not associated with each other, and a second mode for displaying only the representative file as a list. At least one of a third mode in which the representative file and related files related to the representative file are displayed in a list for each representative file, and a fourth mode in which only the representative file and unrelated files are displayed. The electronic file display device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic file display device is displayed. When the associated input means newly receives an associated input signal designated as the representative file from the associated files displayed in the list display in the third mode on the display means, the associated input signal is newly The related file accepted by is newly set as a representative file, and other files including the representative file so far are newly related as related files.
The icon generating means newly generates icon information for displaying the representative file and the related file newly associated by the related input means on the display means with the icon of the form,
5. The electronic file display device according to claim 4, wherein the display means displays the icon information newly generated by the icon generation means. The related input means designates a further representative file from the displayed related files in the list display in the third mode on the display means, and designates the designated additional representative file. Accepts further association input signals that specify other related files as related files,
When the related input unit receives the further association input signal, the icon generation unit determines that the related file associated with the further representative file exists in the list display in the third mode. 6. The electronic file display device according to claim 4, wherein icon information to be displayed on the display means is generated in an icon shape of a display form. Display mode reception for receiving a display mode request signal for requesting display in any one of the display in the first mode, the display in the second mode, the display in the third mode, and the display in the fourth mode Means further comprising
7. The electronic file display device according to claim 4, wherein the display means displays in a display mode based on a display mode request signal received by the display mode reception means. .   The said icon production | generation means produces | generates the said icon information to produce | generate so that the said display means may be displayed on the said display means in the form with which the said related file overlaps under the said representative file, Any one of Claims 1-7 characterized by the above-mentioned. The electronic file display apparatus as described in any one. A classification means for determining and classifying the file according to a predetermined standard;
9. The relation input unit accepts and associates designation of the representative file and a related file related to the representative file according to the classification of the file classified by the classification unit. The electronic file display apparatus as described in any one.   The folder information generating means for generating the representative file and the related file related by the related input means as information stored in one folder, further comprising: Electronic file display device described in one.   The said icon information generation means produces | generates the icon information of the said form as an icon which displays the said folder produced | generated by the said folder information generation means on the said display means. Electronic file display device.   12. The electronic file display device according to claim 10, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits information stored in one folder generated by the folder generation unit to another device. The association input unit associates the image file captured by the imaging unit of the mobile phone including the imaging unit with the associated file,
The said display means displays the icon information which the said icon production | generation means produced | generated about the image file linked | related by the said related means on the liquid crystal screen with which the said mobile telephone is provided. The electronic file display device according to any one of the above. The related input means associates a file stored on a DVD disc included in a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) playback device,
13. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays icon information generated by the icon generation unit for the file associated by the related unit on a display unit included in the DVD playback apparatus. The electronic file display apparatus as described in any one. The related input means associates an audio file stored in an MP3 output device having MP3 (MPeg audio layer 3) playback means,
The said display means displays the icon information which the said icon production | generation means produced | generated about the audio | voice file linked | related by the said related means on the display part with which the said MP3 output device is provided. The electronic file display device according to any one of the above. The association means associates an electronic file stored in a personal computer (PC),
The said display means displays the icon information which the said icon production | generation means produced | generated about the electronic file linked | related by the said relevant means on the display part with which said PC is provided, The any one of Claims 1-12 characterized by the above-mentioned. The electronic file display apparatus as described in any one. The association means associates an image file stored in the digital image forming apparatus,
The said display means displays the icon information which the said icon production | generation means produced | generated about the image file linked | related by the said related means on the display part with which the said digital image forming apparatus is provided. The electronic file display device according to any one of 12. The related means associates an image file picked up by a digital image pickup means of a digital camera provided with a digital image pickup means,
13. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays icon information generated by the icon generation unit for the image file associated by the association unit on a display unit included in the digital camera. The electronic file display apparatus as described in any one.   The classification means uses the captured image file as the predetermined reference, image similarity, imaged time, distance to the subject in focus at the time of focus, focal length of the optical system at the time of focus, The camera is classified according to at least one of a shooting mode including a snap mode, a distant view mode, a sports mode, a close-up mode, and a portrait mode, a shooting sensitivity, a shutter speed, and a shooting aperture value. 18. An electronic file display device according to 18. A display step of displaying a plurality of files comprising electronic information stored in the storage means on the display means;
Among the plurality of files displayed on the display means in the display step, one file is designated as a representative file, and a file other than the one file that is the representative file is associated with the representative file. A related input process in which the related input means receives and associates the related input signal to be specified and related;
The icon displayed on the display means with an icon in a form that displays that the representative file and the related file related by the related input means in the related input step are associated with the representative file. An icon generating step in which the icon generating means generates information;
Based on the icon information generated by the icon generating means in the icon generating step, a plurality of files stored in the storage means are displayed on the display means in the icon shape, and
An electronic file display method characterized by comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute the electronic file display method according to claim 20.

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