JP2006014217A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus suitable to be used for presentation. <P>SOLUTION: When a mode of camera is set for presentation with a power/mode switch, only an image file stored in a folder for presentation created in a memory area of storage media is reproduced. Therefore, reproduction of image file can be prevented as irrelevant to the presentation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus that can be used for presentation by connecting to a projector or the like.

  Using a video output terminal provided in a digital camera, connecting the digital camera to a TV monitor, a projector, etc. has been used for presentations.

  In Patent Document 1, as an image display system suitable for a presentation using a digital camera, the digital camera is connected to an LCD display device with a touch panel, and the digital camera can be controlled by the touch panel provided in the LCD display device. Has been proposed.

  Further, Patent Document 2 proposes that a touch tablet is provided on the LCD of a digital camera so that character information can be input by handwriting on a reproduction image for presentation.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 proposes a digital camera that can easily edit and execute a slide show that is automatically played back.
JP 2000-22994 A JP-A-9-31926 JP 11-331739 A

  By the way, the conventional digital camera is designed to perform image reproduction for all image files recorded on the storage medium when performing image reproduction. Only the specified images need to be played in the specified order in terms of the effect of the presentation.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus suitable for use in presentations.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the photographing mode is set, the image data obtained from the image sensor in accordance with the photographing instruction is recorded on a storage medium as an image file of a predetermined format and reproduced. When the mode is set, in the imaging device that outputs the image represented by the image file recorded on the storage medium according to the reproduction instruction to the display unit and the external display device electrically connected thereto, the shooting mode or the A mode switching means for setting from the playback mode to the presentation mode, and when the presentation mode is set, an image file for presentation stored in the storage medium is extracted according to the playback instruction, and the image represented by the image file Reproduction control means for outputting to the display means and the external display device. To provide an imaging apparatus according to claim.

  According to the present invention, when the presentation mode is set by the mode switching means and the reproduction instruction is output, only the presentation image file stored in the storage medium is reproduced. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an image file not related to the presentation from being reproduced.

  In the invention according to claim 2, in order to achieve the object, the reproduction control unit outputs only the image represented by the image file for presentation to the external display device, while the display unit The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein predetermined character information is superimposed on an image represented by the presentation image file and output.

  According to the present invention, only the image represented by the image file for presentation is displayed on the external display device, and predetermined character information (reproduction time) is displayed on the image represented by the image file for presentation. , Comments, etc.) are displayed in layers.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the mode switching means is constituted by a mechanical switch in order to achieve the object.

  According to the present invention, the mode switching means is constituted by a mechanical switch. Thereby, the distinction from other modes becomes clear, and an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the reproduction control means reproduces the presentation image file according to the same reproduction instruction as in the reproduction mode. An imaging apparatus according to 2 or 3 is provided.

  According to the present invention, the presentation image file is reproduced according to the same reproduction instruction as in the reproduction mode. For example, forward, reverse, enlargement and reduction of images can be performed by the same operation as in the playback mode. Thereby, the confusion of the operation method can be prevented and erroneous operation can be prevented.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is provided with a wireless telephone function that is wirelessly connected to a base station and wirelessly communicates with other terminals. Alternatively, an imaging device described in 4 is provided.

  According to the present invention, a wireless telephone function is provided and can be updated wirelessly with other terminals.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, further comprising an answering machine for answering an incoming call during the presentation mode in order to achieve the object. .

  According to the present invention, when there is an incoming call in the presentation mode, an answering machine is automatically answered.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 7 further comprises incoming message display means for displaying a message indicating that there is an incoming call on the display means when there is an incoming call during the presentation mode. An imaging apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 is provided.

  According to the present invention, when there is an incoming call during the presentation mode, a message indicating that there is an incoming call is displayed on the display means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 is provided with vibration means for notifying an incoming call by vibration when there is an incoming call during the presentation mode. According to the present invention, when there is an incoming call during the presentation mode, the incoming call is notified by vibration.

  In the invention according to claim 9, in order to achieve the object, the reproduction control unit extracts an image file generated by another device as the image file for presentation, and the image represented by the image file is extracted from the image file. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus outputs to a display means and the external display device.

  According to the present invention, an image file generated by another device is determined as an image file for presentation and is set as a reproduction target in the presentation mode.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the reproduction control means converts an image file stored in a specific presentation folder created in a storage area of the storage medium into an image for the presentation. 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is extracted as a file, and an image represented by the image file is output to the display unit and the external display device. I will provide a.

  According to the present invention, an image file stored in a specific presentation folder created in a storage area of a storage medium is determined as a presentation image file and is made a playback target in the presentation mode.

  The invention according to claim 11 comprises copy means for copying an image file stored in the storage medium to the presentation folder in order to achieve the object. An imaging device is provided.

  According to the present invention, an image file stored in a storage medium can be copied to a presentation folder and used as a presentation image file.

  The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the copy means creates a shortcut file of the image file stored in the storage medium in the presentation folder. The imaging device described in 1. is provided.

  According to the present invention, a shortcut file of an image file stored in the storage medium is created in the presentation folder. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the presentation image file from pressing the capacity of the storage medium.

  In the invention according to claim 13, in order to achieve the object, the presentation image file is stored in a folder formed in a lower layer of the presentation folder in a presentation unit, and is set to the presentation mode. 12. The imaging according to claim 11, further comprising: playlist display control means for causing the display device to display thumbnails of folders formed in a lower layer of the presentation folder in response to a playlist display instruction. Providing equipment.

  According to the present invention, when the display of the reproduction list is instructed, the folders formed in the lower layer of the presentation folder are displayed as thumbnails on the display device. This facilitates management of presentation image files.

  According to the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus suitable for use in presentation.

  The best mode for carrying out an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2 are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied, respectively.

  The digital camera 10 has a function of transferring an image file by connecting to a digital camera, a personal computer, or a home server. On the front of the camera body 12, as shown in FIG. A finder window 16, a strobe 18, a microphone 20, and the like are provided. A shutter button 22, a power / mode switch 24, a mode dial 26, and the like are provided on the top surface.

  On the back of the camera body 12, as shown in FIG. 2, a viewfinder eyepiece 28, a liquid crystal monitor 30, a zoom button 32, a cross button 34, a MENU / OK button 36, a DISP button 38, a BACK button 40, a speaker 42 and the like, and a USB terminal 44, a power supply terminal 46, and a video output terminal 48 are provided on one side surface.

  Further, on the bottom surface of the camera body 12 (not shown), there are provided a battery storage chamber for storing a battery via a cover that can be opened and closed, and a memory card slot for loading a memory card (storage medium). .

  The shutter button 22 is composed of a two-stage stroke type switch composed of so-called “half-press” and “full-press”. When the shutter button 20 is half-pressed, the digital camera 10 functions as AE (Automatic Exposure), AF (Auto Focus), and AWB (Automatic White Balance). Execute the image recording process (during still image shooting).

  The power / mode switch 24 has a function as a power switch for turning on / off the power of the digital camera 10 and a function as a mode switch for setting the mode of the digital camera 10, as shown in FIG. It is slidably provided between “presentation position”, “reproduction position”, “OFF position”, and “photographing position”. The digital camera 10 is turned on by setting the power / mode switch 24 to the “playback position”, “photographing position”, or “presentation position”, and is turned off by setting it to the “OFF position”. Become. Then, by setting the power / mode switch 24 to the “playback position”, the “playback mode” is set and the recorded image can be played back. By setting the power / mode switch 24 to the “shooting position”, the “shot mode” is set. Once set, image recording is possible. Also, by matching the “presentation position”, the “presentation mode” is set, and only a predetermined presentation image file can be reproduced.

  The mode dial 26 functions as a shooting mode setting means for setting the shooting mode of the digital camera 10. Depending on the setting position of the mode dial, the shooting mode of the digital camera 10 is set to “auto shooting mode”, “movie shooting mode”, "Portrait shooting mode", "Sport shooting mode", "Landscape shooting mode", "Night scene shooting mode", "Program shooting mode", "Aperture priority shooting mode", "Shutter speed priority shooting mode", "Manual shooting mode" Set to

  The liquid crystal monitor 30 is composed of a liquid crystal display capable of color display. The liquid crystal monitor 30 is used as an image display panel for displaying images recorded on a memory card (storage medium) in the playback mode and presentation mode, and is used as a user interface display panel in various settings. In addition, a through image is displayed as necessary at the time of shooting and is used as an electronic viewfinder for viewing angle confirmation.

  The zoom button 32 includes a zoom tele button 32T for instructing zooming to the telephoto side and a zoom wide button 32W for instructing zooming to the wide-angle side. Changes.

  The cross button 34 can be pressed in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and functions as a button for inputting an instruction in each direction.

  The MENU / OK button 36 functions as a button (MENU button) for instructing transition from the normal screen to the menu screen in each mode, and functions as a button (OK button) for instructing selection confirmation, execution of processing, and the like. To do.

  The DISP button 38 functions as a button for instructing switching of display contents on the rear display panel, and the BACK button 40 functions as a button for instructing cancellation of an input operation or the like.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera 10. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 10 includes a CPU 110, an operation unit (shutter button 22, power / mode switch 24, mode dial 26, zoom button 32, cross button 34, MENU / OK button 36, DISP button 38, BACK. Button 40, etc.) 112, ROM 116, EEPROM 118, memory (SDRAM) 120, VRAM 122, optical unit 126, focus motor driver 128, zoom motor driver 130, iris motor driver 132, image sensor 134, timing generator (TG) 136, analog processing Circuit 138, A / D converter 140, image input controller 142, image signal processing circuit 144, compression / decompression processing circuit 146, media controller 148, storage medium (memory card) 150 LCD / video encoder 154, OSD circuit 156, AE / AWB detection circuit 158, AF detection circuit 160, audio signal processing circuit 164, D / A converter 166, amplifier (AMP) 168, amplifier (AMP) 170, automatic level controller (ALC) 172, A / D converter 174, USB controller 180, timer 184, and the like.

  The CPU 110 functions as a control unit that controls the overall operation of the digital camera 10, and also functions as a calculation unit that performs various calculation processes, and controls each circuit according to a predetermined control program based on an input from the operation unit 112. .

  The ROM 116 connected via the bus 114 stores a control program executed by the CPU 110 and various data necessary for the control. The EEPROM 118 stores various setting information relating to the operation of the digital camera 10 such as user setting information. Etc. are stored.

  The memory (SDRAM) 120 is used as a calculation work area for the CPU 110 and is also used as a temporary storage area for image data, and the VRAM 122 is used as a temporary storage area dedicated to image data for display.

  The optical unit 126 includes the photographing lens 14 and a diaphragm 50. The photographing lens 14 includes a focus lens 14F that is driven by a focus motor (not shown) to move back and forth along the optical axis, and a zoom lens 14Z that is driven by a zoom motor (not shown) to move back and forth along the optical axis. . The CPU 110 controls the focus of the photographic lens 14 by controlling the drive of the focus motor via the focus motor driver 128, and controls the drive of the zoom motor via the zoom motor driver 130. Control the zoom. The aperture 50 is driven by an iris motor (not shown) to change the opening amount (aperture value). The CPU 110 controls the iris value of the iris 50 by controlling the driving of the iris motor via the iris motor driver 132.

  The image sensor 134 is composed of a color CCD, and a large number of photodiodes (light receiving elements) are arranged on the light receiving surface thereof. Light incident on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 134 via the optical unit 126 is converted into signal charges of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photodiode.

  A timing generator (TG) 136 generates a timing signal mainly for driving the image sensor 134 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. The image sensor 134 outputs the signal charge accumulated in each photodiode as a voltage signal (image signal) in accordance with the timing signal applied from the timing generator 136.

  The analog processing circuit 138 performs correlated double sampling processing on image signals sequentially output from the image sensor 134 (for the purpose of reducing noise (particularly thermal noise) included in the output signal of the image sensor). (A process for obtaining accurate pixel data by taking the difference between the feedthrough component level and the pixel signal component level included in the output signal for each pixel) and amplifying.

  The A / D converter 140 converts the R, G, and B analog image signals output from the analog processing circuit 138 into 12-bit digital image signals.

  The image input controller 142 includes a line buffer having a predetermined capacity, accumulates image signals for one image output from the A / D converter 140, and stores them in the memory 120.

  The image signal processing circuit 144 is a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that converts a color signal into a simultaneous expression by interpolating a spatial shift of the color signal associated with a color filter array of a single CCD), a white balance correction circuit, and a gamma correction. The circuit includes a circuit, a contour correction circuit, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, and the like, and performs necessary signal processing on a digital image signal input in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 to generate image data.

  The compression / decompression processing circuit 146 performs compression processing on the input image data in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 to generate compressed image data in a predetermined format. Further, the input compressed image data is decompressed to generate non-compressed digital image data.

  The media controller 148 controls reading and writing of data with respect to the storage medium 150 loaded in the media slot according to a command from the CPU 110.

  The LCD / video encoder 154 generates a signal for displaying an image indicated by the image data on the liquid crystal monitor 30 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 and outputs the signal to the liquid crystal monitor 30. In addition, a signal (for example, an NTSC signal, a PAL signal, or a SCAM signal) for displaying the image indicated by the image data on the television is generated and output to the video output terminal 48.

  An OSD (On Screen Display) circuit 156 outputs a signal indicating characters and graphics to be displayed on a screen such as a liquid crystal monitor to the LCD / video encoder 154 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 158 calculates a physical quantity necessary for AE control and AWB control from the input image signal in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. For example, as a physical quantity necessary for AE control, one screen is divided into a plurality of areas (for example, 16 × 16), and an integrated value of R, G, and B image signals is calculated for each divided area. The CPU 110 detects the brightness of the subject (subject brightness) based on the integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB detection circuit 158, calculates an exposure value (shooting EV value) suitable for shooting, and calculates the calculated shooting EV. An aperture value and a shutter speed are determined from the value and a predetermined program diagram. In addition, as a physical quantity required for AWB control, one screen is divided into a plurality of areas (for example, 16 × 16), and an average integrated value for each color of R, G, and B image signals is calculated for each divided area. To do. The CPU 110 obtains the ratio of R / G and B / G for each divided area from the obtained integrated value of R, integrated value of B, and integrated value of G, and calculates the R / G and B / G values obtained. The light source type is determined based on the distribution in the color space of R / G and B / G. Then, according to the white balance adjustment value suitable for the determined light source type, for example, the value of each ratio is approximately 1 (that is, the RGB integration ratio is R: G: B≈1: 1: 1 in one screen). Then, a gain value (white balance correction value) for the R, G, and B signals of the white balance adjustment circuit is determined.

  The AF detection circuit 160 calculates a physical quantity necessary for AF control from the input image signal in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. In the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, the AF control is performed based on the contrast of the image, and the AF detection circuit 160 calculates a focus evaluation value indicating the sharpness of the image from the input image signal. The CPU 110 controls the drive of the focus motor driver 128 and the movement of the focus lens 14F so that the focus evaluation value calculated by the AF detection circuit 160 is maximized.

  The audio signal processing circuit 164 processes an audio signal output from the speaker 42 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110 and processes an audio signal captured from the microphone 20.

  The audio signal for speaker output subjected to the required signal processing in the audio signal processing circuit 164 is added from the audio signal processing circuit 164 to the D / A converter 166, converted into an analog audio signal, and then the amplifier 168. And output to the speaker 42.

  When recording sound, the external sound is converted into an electric signal (sound signal) by the microphone 20, and the sound signal output from the microphone 20 is amplified by the amplifier 170. The level is adjusted by an automatic level controller (ALC) 172, converted to a digital audio signal by an A / D converter 174, and input to an audio signal processing circuit 164 for required signal processing. The

  The USB controller 180 controls communication with an external device (other digital camera, home server, personal computer, printer, etc.) connected to the USB terminal 44 via a USB cable in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 in accordance with the USB standard. I do.

  The timer 184 measures the current date and time in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 and outputs the time and date information to the CPU 110.

  Next, the operation of the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  First, the processing operation of the digital camera 10 in the shooting mode will be described.

  As described above, the digital camera 10 is set to the photographing mode by setting the power / mode switch 24 to the photographing position. When the photographing mode is set, the digital camera 10 functions as AE, AF, and AWB when the shutter button 22 is half-pressed, and image recording is performed when the shutter button 22 is fully pressed.

  When the shutter button 22 is half-pressed, an S1 ON signal is input to the CPU 110, and in response to the S1 ON signal, the CPU 110 executes AE, AF, and AWB processes.

  First, an image signal output from the image sensor 134 in response to the S1ON signal is taken into the image input controller 142 via the analog processing circuit 138 and the A / D converter 140 and stored in the memory 120. The image signal stored in the memory 120 is applied to the AE / AWB detection circuit 158 and the AF detection circuit 160.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 158 calculates a physical quantity necessary for AE control and AWB control from the input image signal, and outputs it to the CPU 110. Based on the output from the AE / AWB detection circuit 158, the CPU 110 determines the aperture value and shutter speed and also determines the white balance correction value.

  Further, the AF detection circuit 160 calculates a physical quantity necessary for AF control from the input image signal, and outputs it to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 controls the driving of the focus motor driver 128 based on the output from the AF detection circuit 160, controls the movement of the focus lens 14F, and focuses the photographing lens 14 on the main subject.

  Thereafter, when the shutter button 22 is fully pressed, an S2 ON signal is input to the CPU 110, and the CPU 110 executes an image recording process in response to the S2 ON signal.

  First, the image sensor 134 is exposed with the aperture value and shutter speed obtained in the above AE process, and an image signal for recording is captured.

  The image signal output from the image sensor 134 is captured by the image input controller 142 via the analog processing circuit 138 and the A / D converter 140 and stored in the memory 120. The image signal stored in the memory 120 is added to the image signal processing circuit 144 under the control of the CPU 110, and converted into image data (YC data) composed of luminance data and color difference data. The generated image data is temporarily stored in the memory 120 and added to the compression / decompression processing circuit 146. The compression / decompression processing circuit 146 compresses the image data according to a predetermined compression format (here, JPEG), and the compressed image data is stored in the memory 120 again.

  The CPU 110 records the compressed image data stored in the memory 120 as a still image file in a predetermined image format (here, Exif) on the storage medium 150 via the media controller 148.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the Exif format image file can record the attached information in the tag format in the image file header portion. The attached information tag includes the attached information tag as shown in FIG. In addition, the shooting data related to the photographed image such as the information related to the version, the information related to the characteristics of the image data, the information related to the structure, the user information, the related file information, the information related to the date and time, the information related to the shooting condition, the information related to the pointer to the IFD, etc. It can be recorded with.

  Here, a manufacturer note, which is a tag related to user information, allows a manufacturer to enter individual information, and a user comment allows a user to write a keyword or comment. Has been.

  Further, as shown in a separate table in FIG. 5, tags relating to shooting conditions include exposure time and F number at the time of shooting, exposure program, spectrum sensitivity, ISO speed rate, photoelectric conversion function, shutter speed, aperture value, brightness value, exposure. Correction value, Lens minimum F value, Subject distance, Metering method, Light source, Flash, Lens focal length, Flash intensity, Spatial frequency response, Focal plane width resolution, Focal plane height resolution, Focal plane resolution unit, Subject The position, exposure index, sensor method, file source, scene type, CFA pattern, etc. can be recorded.

  The captured image data is recorded on the storage medium 150 as an Eixf format image file with the attached information.

  Further, when the image file is recorded on the storage medium 150, the image file is recorded on the storage medium 150 in accordance with a predetermined recording format (DCF format here). That is, as shown in FIG. 6, it is stored in a DCF folder in a folder created hierarchically in the storage area of the storage medium 150. The DCF folder for storing the image file is created directly under the DCF image root folder, and the DCF image root folder is created directly under the root folder. The DCF folder can store 9999 image files, and can create up to 900 DCF folders.

  In the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, “*** _ FUJI” (*** is a three-digit number) in the lower layer of the DCF image root folder with the folder name “DCIM”. A DCF folder having a folder name, which is a folder number, and a sequential number is assigned in order from 100) is created, and image files taken by the own device are stored in this DCF folder. Therefore, a folder other than the folder name “*** _ FUJI” such as “100_XXXX” stores an image file generated by another device.

  The image file stored in each DCF folder is given a file name that combines four alphabetic characters (here, “DSCF”) and a four-digit file number, such as “DSCF ***”. The File numbers are assigned as sequential numbers in the order of photographing from 0001.

  Next, the processing operation of the digital camera 10 in the playback mode will be described.

  As described above, the digital camera 10 is set to the reproduction mode by setting the power / mode switch 24 to the reproduction position.

  When the power / mode switch 24 is set to the playback position and the camera mode is set to the playback mode, the CPU 110 outputs a command to the media controller 148 and reads the image file last recorded on the storage medium 150. Let

  If the last recorded image file is a still image file, the compressed image data of the read image file is added to the compression / decompression processing circuit 146 and subjected to the decompression process to obtain uncompressed image data. And then output to the monitor 30 via the LCD / video encoder 154. As a result, the image recorded on the storage medium 150 is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 30.

  The frame advance of the image is performed by the left / right key operation of the cross button 34. That is, when the right key of the cross button 34 is operated, the next image file is read from the storage medium 150 and displayed on the LCD monitor 30. When the left key is operated, the previous image file is read. Is read from the storage medium 150 and reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30.

  When the zoom tele button 32T is pressed during image display, the displayed image is enlarged and displayed in steps at a predetermined magnification. When the zoom wide button 32W is pressed, the image is reduced and displayed in steps at a predetermined magnification. The When the cross button 34 is operated during the enlarged display of the image, the image is scrolled and displayed in the direction in which the cross button 34 is operated.

  In addition, when the DISP button 38 is pressed in this playback mode, as shown in FIG. 7A, multi-playback is performed, and thumbnail images of up to nine image files are displayed on the LCD monitor 30 at a time ( Thumbnails).

  When this multi-playback is performed, a cursor is displayed together with the thumbnail image, and an arbitrary thumbnail image is selected with this cursor (the cursor is moved and operated by operating the cross button 38), and the DISP button 38 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 7B, the image selected by the cursor is enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30.

  Also, when a slide show is executed from the playback menu under this playback mode, the image files recorded on the storage medium 150 are automatically and sequentially played back at regular intervals, and the slide show is performed.

  Next, the processing operation of the digital camera 10 in the presentation mode will be described.

  As described above, the digital camera 10 is set to the presentation mode by setting the power / mode switch 24 to the presentation position.

  In the presentation mode, an image file generated by another device is reproduced from the image files recorded on the storage medium 150.

  In this presentation mode, the digital camera 10 is connected to an external display device such as a projector or a television monitor, and images are output to these external display devices for use. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the digital camera 10 is connected to a projector 200, and an image of the digital camera 10 is projected from the projector 200 onto a screen 202 and used.

  When the power / mode switch 24 is set to the presentation position and the camera mode is set to the presentation mode, the CPU 110 outputs a command to the media controller 148 to display the presentation image file recorded on the storage medium 150. Read.

  Here, the presentation image file means an image file generated by another device in this example, and is identified and extracted as follows. That is, as described above, in the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, the captured image file is recorded on the recording medium 150 according to a predetermined recording format (DCF format), and is recorded without following this recording format. The image file can be recognized as an image file generated by another device. Therefore, an image file recorded without conforming to the predetermined recording format is an image file generated by another device, that is, a presentation file. Judge as image file and extract.

  In the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the captured image file is stored in the DCF folder (folder name: *** _ FUJI) created in the lower layer of the DCF image root folder (folder name: DCIM). An image file stored in a folder other than the DCF folder is determined as a presentation image file and extracted. Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the image file stored in the folder with the folder name “100_XXXX” is determined as the presentation image file and extracted from the storage medium 150.

  As for the presentation image file, first, the first image file is read in the order of the file names, and then the next image file is read in the order of the file names in accordance with the frame advance instruction. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the image file with the file name “DSCF0001” stored in the folder with the folder name “100_XXXX” is read first.

  If there is no image file for presentation, a message indicating that there is no image to be displayed is output and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30.

  The compressed image data of the read image file is added to the compression / decompression processing circuit 146, converted into uncompressed image data, and then added to the LCD / video encoder 154. The LCD / video encoder 154 generates a signal for displaying the image indicated by the image data on the liquid crystal monitor 30 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 and outputs the signal to the liquid crystal monitor 30. Further, a signal for displaying the image indicated by the image data on the projector 200 (here, an NTSC signal, but a high-definition video signal or a high-resolution signal connecting a personal computer and a monitor) may be generated. Then, the image is output to the video output terminal 48.

  As a result, the image represented by the presentation image file recorded in the storage medium 150 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30, output to the projector 200, and displayed on the screen 202 from the projector 200.

  Note that operations such as image frame advance, enlargement / reduction, and the like are all performed in the same manner as in the playback mode. Therefore, the user is not confused by the operation even in the presentation mode.

  That is, image frame advance is performed with the cross button 34, and image enlargement / reduction is performed with the zoom button 32. Further, when the cross button 34 is operated during the enlarged display of the image, the image is scrolled and displayed in the direction in which the cross button 34 is operated.

  When the DISP button 38 is pressed during image reproduction, multi-reproduction is performed, and thumbnail images of up to nine presentation image files are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30 and the projector at a time. When an arbitrary thumbnail image is selected with the cursor and the DISP button 38 is pressed, the image selected with the cursor is enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30 and the projector 200.

  When a slide show is executed from the playback menu under this presentation mode, the presentation image files recorded on the storage medium 150 are automatically and sequentially played back at regular intervals, and the slide show is executed.

  As described above, in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, when the presentation mode is set, only the presentation image file (here, the image file generated by another device) is reproduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent a mistake that an irrelevant image file is displayed during the presentation.

  In this embodiment, an image file generated by another device is used as an image file for presentation, and an image file recorded without following a predetermined recording format is determined as an image file generated by another device. However, the method for discriminating image files generated by other devices is not limited to this.

  For example, in an image file shot by the own device, information indicating that the image file was shot by the own device is recorded in the attached information (for example, a camera ID (self-other identification information) is recorded in the manufacturer note). You may make it identify with the image file which read information and was produced | generated with the other apparatus.

  Alternatively, a file name including a specific character string is assigned to an image file shot by the own device and recorded, and an image file having a file name not including this character string is determined as an image file generated by another device. You may do it.

  In addition, the image file referred to in this specification is not limited to a file generated by a digital camera, but a file created by a personal computer using specific application software (for example, a presentation file created by Microsoft PowerPoint or Microsoft Document files created with company-made words, HTML files, etc.) are also included. It is assumed that the digital camera 10 can also reproduce these files. When these files are recorded on the storage medium 150 as shown in FIG. 9, these files are also images for presentation. It is recognized as a file and is subject to playback processing in the presentation mode.

  In the present embodiment, the same image is output to the liquid crystal monitor 30 and the projector 200 (external display device) in the presentation mode. However, as shown in FIG. 10, assist information is displayed only on the liquid crystal monitor side. You may be able to do that. The assist information is information such as remaining time and announcement comments, and is displayed as character information so as to be superimposed on the reproduced image.

  In this case, for example, when the presentation time is set in advance, the remaining presentation time is counted down by the timer 184 with the start of reproduction of the presentation image file, and timed by the timer 184. The remaining time is displayed only on the liquid crystal monitor 30.

  As for the presentation comment, the presentation comment is recorded in advance together with the image data in the image file for each presentation (for example, if it is an Exif format image file, it is recorded in the user comment of the attached information). Are read out together with the image data during reproduction, and are displayed only on the liquid crystal monitor 30.

  Thus, by displaying the assist information only on the liquid crystal monitor side, the user can efficiently make a presentation by referring to the assist information displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30.

  In this embodiment, the slide-type power / mode switch 24 is used as a means for setting the camera mode to the presentation mode. However, the means for setting the camera mode to the presentation mode is limited to this. It is not something. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a dial-type power mode switch 24 A may be used instead of the slide-type power / mode switch 24.

  Note that the playback mode may be shifted to the presentation mode under the playback mode, but the presentation mode is set by a mechanical switch as in the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment. Therefore, the presentation mode can be set reliably and erroneous operation can be prevented.

  Next, a second embodiment of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  In the digital camera of the first embodiment described above, an image file generated by another device is used as an image file for presentation. In the digital camera of the present embodiment, the image file is created in a storage area of a storage medium. An image file stored in a specific folder is set as an image file for presentation.

  Since the configuration of the digital camera itself is the same as that of the digital camera of the first embodiment described above, only the operation process of the digital camera in the presentation mode will be described here.

  As described above, in the digital camera of the present embodiment, the image file for presentation is stored in a specific folder. FIG. 12 shows an example of a folder structure created in the storage area of the storage medium of the digital camera of this embodiment.

  Similarly to the above, the image file shot by the digital camera is recorded on the storage medium 150 in accordance with a predetermined recording format (DCF format here). That is, it is stored in the DCF folder (folder name: *** _ FUJI (*** is the folder number)) created in the lower layer of the DCF image root folder (folder name: DCIM).

  On the other hand, the presentation image file is stored in a presentation root folder (folder name: PLIM) created immediately below the root folder.

  Next, a presentation image file reproduction processing operation in the presentation mode in the digital camera of the present embodiment will be described.

  When the power / mode switch 24 is set to the presentation position and the camera mode is set to the presentation mode, the CPU 110 selects from the presentation image files stored in the presentation root folder via the media controller 148. Read the first image file in order of file name.

  The compressed image data of the read image file is added to the compression / decompression processing circuit 146, converted into uncompressed image data, and then added to the LCD / video encoder 154. The LCD / video encoder 154 generates a signal for displaying the image indicated by the image data on the liquid crystal monitor 30 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 and outputs the signal to the liquid crystal monitor 30. Further, a signal for displaying the image indicated by the image data on the projector 200 is generated and output to the video output terminal 48.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 13A, the image represented by the presentation image file recorded in the storage medium 150 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30 and output to the projector 200, and the screen from the projector 200 is displayed. 202 is displayed.

  If no presentation image file is stored in the presentation root folder, a message indicating that there is no image to be reproduced is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30 as shown in FIG.

  Operations such as image frame advance, enlargement / reduction, and the like are all performed in the same manner as in the playback mode, as with the digital camera of the first embodiment described above. That is, image frame advance is performed with the cross button 34, and image enlargement / reduction is performed with the zoom button 32. Further, when the cross button 34 is operated during the enlarged display of the image, the image scrolls in the direction in which the cross button 34 is operated.

  When the DISP button 38 is pressed during image reproduction, multi-reproduction is performed, and as shown in FIG. 13 (c), thumbnail images of up to nine presentation image files are displayed at once on the liquid crystal monitor 30 and the projector. Is displayed. When an arbitrary thumbnail image is selected with the cursor and the DISP button 38 is pressed, the image selected with the cursor is enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30 and the projector 200.

  When a slide show is executed from the playback menu, the presentation image files stored in the presentation root folder are automatically and sequentially played back at regular intervals, and the slide show is performed.

  As described above, also in the digital camera of the present embodiment, when the presentation mode is set, only the presentation image file (here, the image file stored in the presentation root folder) is reproduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent a mistake that an irrelevant image file is displayed during the presentation.

  In the present embodiment, the presentation image file is directly stored in the presentation root folder. However, as shown in FIG. 14, a folder (presentation) is further added to the lower layer of the presentation root folder. Folder) and a presentation image file may be stored in the presentation folder.

  Hereinafter, a processing operation of the digital camera when a presentation folder is created in a lower layer of the presentation root folder and a presentation image file is stored will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14, an image file taken by a digital camera is recorded on the storage medium 150 in accordance with a predetermined recording format (here, DCF format). That is, it is stored in the DCF folder (folder name: *** _ FUJI (*** is the folder number)) created in the lower layer of the DCF image root folder (folder name: DCIM).

  On the other hand, for the presentation image file, a presentation root folder (folder name: PLIM) is created immediately below the root folder, and the presentation folder (folder name: PL _ **) created in the lower layer of the presentation root folder is created. * (*** is a folder number)). This presentation folder is created for each presentation.

  When the power / mode switch 24 is set to the presentation position and the camera mode is set to the presentation mode, the CPU 110 via the media controller 148 presents the presentation folder (folder name: PLIM) created in the presentation root folder (folder name: PLIM). A list of folder names: PL _ ***) is acquired.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 15A, a list of presentation folders created in the presentation root folder is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30 as a reproduction list. In this reproduction list, a cursor is displayed together with a presentation folder. The user selects a presentation folder to be reproduced with this cursor (the cursor is moved and selected by the operation of the cross button 38), and the MENU / OK button 36 is pressed.

  When the presentation folder to be reproduced is selected, the CPU 110 selects the first image file in the order of the file name from the presentation image files stored in the presentation folder selected via the media controller 148. Read.

  The compressed image data of the read image file is added to the compression / decompression processing circuit 146, converted into uncompressed image data, and then added to the LCD / video encoder 154. The LCD / video encoder 154 generates a signal for displaying the image indicated by the image data on the liquid crystal monitor 30 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 and outputs the signal to the liquid crystal monitor 30. Further, a signal for displaying the image indicated by the image data on the projector 200 is generated and output to the video output terminal 48.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 15B, the image represented by the presentation image file stored in the selected presentation folder is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30 and output to the projector 200. 200 is displayed on the screen 202.

  If no presentation image file is stored in the presentation folder, a message indicating that there is no image to be reproduced is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30 (see FIG. 13B).

  Further, the output to the projector 200 may be performed only when the presentation image file is reproduced, and a selection screen for a folder to be reproduced may be displayed only on the liquid crystal monitor 30.

  Operations such as image frame advance and enlargement / reduction are all performed in the same manner as in the playback mode, as described above. That is, image frame advance is performed with the cross button 34, and image enlargement / reduction is performed with the zoom button 32. Further, when the cross button 34 is operated during the enlarged display of the image, the image scrolls in the direction in which the cross button 34 is operated.

  When the DISP button 38 is pressed during image reproduction, multi-reproduction is performed, and as shown in FIG. 15 (c), thumbnail images of up to nine presentation image files are displayed at a time on the LCD monitor 30 and the projector. Is displayed. When an arbitrary thumbnail image is selected with the cursor and the DISP button 38 is pressed, the image selected with the cursor is enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30 and the projector 200.

  When a slide show is executed from the playback menu, the presentation image files stored in the selected presentation folder are automatically and sequentially played back at regular intervals, and the slide show is performed.

  Thus, by creating a presentation folder for each presentation and storing presentation image files, it becomes easier to manage the image files for each presentation, and the image files for presentations that are irrelevant are reproduced. Can be effectively prevented.

  The folder names of the presentation root folder and the presentation folder are not limited to those shown in the above embodiment, and other folder names may be given. The folder name of the presentation folder may be freely assigned by the user. This further facilitates management of the presentation folder.

  In the above example, a presentation folder is created in the lower layer of the presentation root folder, and the presentation image file is stored in the presentation folder. However, a folder is further added in the lower layer of the presentation folder. The image file for presentation may be created and stored in the folder.

  As for the image file for presentation, for example, a digital camera may be connected to an external device such as a personal computer and may be imported from the connected device, or the storage medium 150 may be removed from the digital camera, You may make it record with other apparatuses, such as a personal computer. Alternatively, the image file recorded in the digital camera may be copied and stored in the presentation folder (or the presentation root folder). Hereinafter, a process for copying a recorded image file to a presentation folder (or a presentation root folder) will be described.

  First, the camera mode is set to the playback mode, and an image to be copied is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 30 as shown in FIG.

  In this state, the user presses the MENU / OK button 36. When the MENU / OK button 36 is pressed, the CPU 110 displays a playback menu on the liquid crystal monitor 30 as shown in FIG. The user selects the item “copy” from the reproduction menu with the cursor.

  When the copy item is selected, the CPU 110 displays a list of presentation folders (or presentation root folders) as copy destinations on the liquid crystal monitor 30 as shown in FIG. The user selects a folder as a copy destination from the folders displayed in the list with the cursor, and presses the MENU / OK button 36.

  When “New” is selected, a new folder can be created in the specified hierarchy.

  When the MENU / OK button 36 is pressed, the CPU 110 copies the image file being reproduced to the designated folder.

  As described above, the image file recorded in the digital camera may be copied to the presentation folder (or the presentation root folder) to generate the presentation image file.

  In the above example, the selected image file is copied to the designated folder. However, instead of copying the entity to the designated folder, a shortcut file may be created. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the storage medium capacity from being unnecessarily compressed. In this case, the user may be allowed to select copying of an entity or creation of a shortcut file.

  In the series of embodiments described above, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described as an example. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a video camera, a mobile phone with a camera, etc. in addition to a digital camera.

  When applied to a camera-equipped mobile phone, the following configuration is preferable. That is, when the camera-equipped mobile phone is provided with an answering function, when the presentation mode is set, an answering machine is automatically set up for incoming calls in the presentation mode.

  In addition, if the camera-equipped mobile phone has a manner mode function (a function for notifying an incoming call by vibration or LED light emission) and setting the presentation mode, the incoming call in the presentation mode will be answered. The manner mode is automatically set, and the incoming call is notified by vibration or LED light emission.

  Alternatively, when there is an incoming call during the presentation mode, a message indicating that there is an incoming call is displayed only on the liquid crystal monitor provided in the camera-equipped mobile phone (such as a projector or a TV monitor connected to the camera-equipped mobile phone) Do not display on the external display device.)

  In addition, an answering machine may be automatically answered for an incoming call in the presentation mode, and the manner mode may be automatically set. Alternatively, an answering machine may be automatically answered and an incoming message may be displayed. May be. A plurality of the above functions may be operated in combination.

Front perspective view of digital camera Rear perspective view of digital camera Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the digital camera The figure which shows the structure of the image file of Exif format The figure which shows the list of the attached information written in the image file of Exif format The figure which shows the folder structure created in the recording area of the storage medium The figure which shows the example of a display of the liquid crystal monitor at the time of image reproduction The figure which shows the usage example of the digital camera at the time of presentation mode The figure which shows the folder structure created in the recording area of the storage medium Figure showing a display example of a liquid crystal monitor and projector Plan view showing the configuration of the dial-type power / mode switch The figure which shows the folder structure created in the recording area of the storage medium The figure which shows the example of a display of the image at the time of presentation mode The figure which shows the folder structure created in the recording area of the storage medium The figure which shows the example of a display of the image at the time of presentation mode The figure which shows the example of a display of the liquid crystal monitor at the time of image copy

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 12 ... Camera body, 14 ... Shooting lens, 16 ... Viewfinder window, 18 ... Strobe, 20 ... Microphone, 22 ... Shutter button, 24 ... Power / mode switch, 24A ... Power / mode switch, 26 ... Mode Dial, 28 ... Finder eyepiece, 30 ... LCD monitor, 32 ... Zoom button, 34 ... Cross button, 36 ... MENU / OK button, 38 ... DISP button, 40 ... BACK button, 42 ... Speaker, 44 ... USB terminal, 46 ... Power supply terminal, 48 ... Video output terminal, 50 ... Aperture, 110 ... CPU, 112 ... Operating section, 114 ... Bus, 116 ... ROM, 118 ... EEPROM, 120 ... Memory (SDRAM), 122 ... VRAM, 126 ... Optical Unit, 128 ... focus motor driver, 130 ... zoom motor driver, 32 ... Iris motor driver, 134 ... Image sensor, 136 ... Timing generator (TG), 138 ... Analog processing circuit, 140 ... A / D converter, 142 ... Image input controller, 144 ... Image signal processing circuit, 146 ... Compression / Decompression processing circuit, 148 ... media controller, 150 ... storage medium (memory card), 152 ... USB interface, 154 ... LCD / video encoder, 156 ... OSD circuit, 158 ... AE / AWB detection circuit, 160 ... AF detection circuit, 164 ... Audio signal processing circuit, 166 ... D / A converter, 168 ... Amplifier (AMP), 170 ... Amplifier (AMP), 172 ... Automatic level controller (ALC), 176 ... A / D converter, 184 ... Timer , 200 ... projector, 202 ... screen

Claims (13)

When the shooting mode is set, the image data obtained from the image sensor is recorded on the storage medium as an image file of a predetermined format according to the shooting instruction. When the playback mode is set, the image data is stored on the storage medium according to the playback instruction. In an imaging device that outputs an image represented by a recorded image file to a display means and an electrically connected external display device,
Mode switching means for setting the presentation mode from the shooting mode or the playback mode;
When the presentation mode is set, a presentation image file stored in the storage medium is extracted according to a reproduction instruction, and an image represented by the image file is output to the display unit and the external display device Control means;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The reproduction control unit outputs only the image represented by the presentation image file to the external display device, while superimposing predetermined character information on the image represented by the presentation image file on the display unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus outputs the output.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode switching unit includes a mechanical switch.   4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction control unit reproduces the presentation image file according to the same reproduction instruction as in the reproduction mode.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, further comprising a wireless telephone function that is wirelessly connected to a base station and wirelessly communicates with other terminals.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: an answering machine that responds to an incoming call during the presentation mode.   7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an incoming message display unit that displays a message indicating that there is an incoming call on the display unit when an incoming call is received during the presentation mode.   8. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5, 6 or 7, further comprising vibration means for notifying an incoming call by vibration when an incoming call is received during the presentation mode.   The reproduction control means extracts an image file generated by another device as the image file for presentation, and outputs an image represented by the image file to the display means and the external display device. Item 9. The imaging device according to Item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.   The reproduction control means extracts an image file stored in a specific presentation folder created in a storage area of the storage medium as the presentation image file, and displays the image represented by the image file as the display means and 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus outputs to the external display device.   11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a copy unit that copies an image file stored in the storage medium to the presentation folder.   12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the copy unit creates a shortcut file of an image file stored in the storage medium in the presentation folder.   When the presentation image file is stored in a folder formed in a lower layer of the presentation folder in a presentation unit and set to the presentation mode, the lower layer of the presentation folder is set according to a playlist display instruction. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising reproduction list display control means for displaying thumbnails of the folders formed on the display device as thumbnails.

Images