JP2010193478A - Digital camera, method of controlling the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arbitrarily select an original image and an edited image altogether for display on a user's request after editing the image. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus can select the image to be displayed after editing the image in accordance with a user's intention. Because the image processing apparatus specifies the image before and after editing it for display in response to a user's operation, the user can simply view the desired image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for selecting an image to be displayed after image editing is finished in an image processing apparatus.

  Currently, image processing devices and imaging devices are becoming more sophisticated, and not only simply displaying (reproducing) images recorded on a recording medium or captured images (hereinafter simply referred to as “images”), but also displaying images. Some have a function that can be edited and saved as a new image.

  In the conventional image processing apparatus, when the window is switched after the image is edited in another window, the image before the editing is displayed in the window after the switching, or the newly saved edited image is displayed. There was something to display. In this method, either an image before editing or an image after editing is fixedly displayed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-083919

  However, whether it is better to display the image before editing or the image after editing differs depending on the case.

  For example, when an edited image is newly saved, it is difficult for the image processing apparatus that displays the image before editing to find the image after editing. When the user wants to immediately print an edited image, an image feed operation must be performed to search for the edited image, which is very complicated.

  Conversely, an image processing apparatus that is controlled to display an image after editing has a problem that it takes time to search for an image before editing. For example, if the user wants to make different edits to the same image, the image feed operation must be performed again to search for the image before editing once every time editing is performed, which is very complicated. .

  As described above, which of the pre-edit image and the post-edit image should be designated after the editing process depends on the user's intention. This problem is remarkable in the case of an apparatus that sequentially designates images in a predetermined order, such as a digital camera.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the first invention of the present application includes: an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject to obtain an image; a first storage control unit that stores an image obtained by the imaging unit in a storage device; Editing means for editing at least one of the images, second storage control means for storing the edited image edited by the editing means as a new image in the storage device, the edited image and the original image before editing, And a selection screen display means for displaying a screen for selecting which image to display after the editing.

  Also, the second invention of the present application is an editing mode for editing an image, an editing means for editing at least one of the images, and an edited image edited by the editing means in the storage device as a new image. Storage control means for storing, and selection screen display means for displaying a screen for selecting which of the edited image and the original image before editing to be displayed after the editing mode ends. To do.

  According to the present invention, in browsing an image after performing an editing process, the user can quickly browse the image according to his / her intention without taking time and effort.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device 100 according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance structure of the imaging device 100 in 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the flowchart which shows the flow of the display image selection process after completion | finish of the image edit process and image edit mode in 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of print processing according to the first embodiment. It is an example of the flowchart which shows the flow of the display image selection process after completion | finish of the image edit process and image edit mode in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image selection screen of the edit mode in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the edit selection screen of the edit mode in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image after edit in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display image selection screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image after edit in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the multi display of the edit image in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing format determination screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the multi display of the edit image in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the multi display of the edit image in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the edit selection screen of the edit mode in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image after the edit in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the edit selection screen of the edit mode in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image after the edit in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the reproduction | regeneration image in 1st Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an image pickup apparatus 100 further having an image pickup unit for an image processing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. In this embodiment, the present invention is described as being applied to the imaging apparatus 100. However, the present invention can also be applied to an image display apparatus such as a PC (personal computer), a mobile phone, a PDA, or an image browsing viewer that does not have an imaging function. It is. This is because the feature of the present invention resides in a technique for selecting a display target image from a plurality of image data.

  The imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a digital camera that records digital image data on a digital storage medium (for example, a memory medium such as an EEPROM or a hard disk). The digital camera includes, for example, a digital movie camera, a digital still camera, or a complex machine thereof.

  The imaging device 100 is configured to capture a subject image via the optical system 10 (imaging lens). The optical system 10 can be configured using a zoom lens (a lens that can change the imaging angle of view). Thereby, an optical zoom function (so-called optical zoom) is provided to the imaging apparatus 100.

  The imaging apparatus 100 can also be configured to have an electronic zoom function (so-called electronic zoom) by electronically cutting (trimming) a captured image using the imaging element 14.

  Note that the imaging apparatus 100 may be configured to have only one of the functions of optical zoom and electronic zoom. The optical system 10 may be replaceable. In this case, the drive mechanism in the optical system 10 is changed by sending an electrical signal from the zoom control unit 44 of the imaging apparatus 100 to the optical system 10. A zoom function may be realized by driving a double lens. Alternatively, the imaging apparatus 100 may be provided with a drive mechanism that mechanically drives a zoom lens in the optical system 10.

  Light rays from the subject passing through the optical system 10 (light rays incident from within the optical angle of view) form an optical image of the subject on the imaging surface of the image sensor 14 through the aperture of the shutter 12 having a diaphragm function. For example, a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor can be used for the imaging element 14. The image sensor 14 converts this optical image into an electrical analog image signal and outputs it.

  The A / D converter 16 converts the analog image signal provided from the image sensor 14 into a digital image signal.

  The image sensor 14 and the A / D converter 16 are controlled by a clock signal and a control signal provided from the timing generation circuit 18. The timing generation circuit 18 is controlled by the memory control unit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

  The image processing unit 20 performs image processing such as pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the image data (digital image signal) provided from the A / D converter 16 or the image data provided from the memory control unit 22. . The image processing unit 20 also performs TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) based on image data captured by the image sensor 14. Data for automatic light control). The image processing unit 20 provides data obtained by the calculation to the system control circuit 50.

  Based on this data, the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 (AF control unit) to realize an automatic exposure and autofocus function. Further, the image processing unit 20 also executes TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on image data captured by the image sensor 14.

  The memory control unit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing unit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression unit 32.

  The image data output from the A / D converter 16 is sent to the image display memory 24 via the image processing unit 20 and the memory control unit 22 or directly via the memory control unit 22 without going through the image processing unit 20. Or it is written in the memory 30.

  The display image data written in the image display memory 24 is converted into an analog image signal for display by the D / A converter 26 and provided to the image display unit 28, whereby the captured image is displayed on the image display unit 28. Is displayed. In addition, by continuously displaying captured images on the image display unit 28, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) function is realized. The display of the image display unit 28 can be arbitrarily turned on / off by a command from the system control circuit 50. By using the display with the display turned off, the power consumption of the imaging apparatus 100 can be reduced.

  The memory 30 is used to store still images and moving images that have been picked up (taken as images to be recorded on a storage medium). The capacity and access speed (write speed, read speed) of the memory 30 can be arbitrarily designed, but in order to enable continuous shooting and panoramic imaging in which a plurality of still images are continuously captured, it is necessary to It is necessary to give capacity and access speed. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

  The compression / decompression unit 32 is a circuit that compresses / decompresses image data by, for example, adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT). The compression / decompression unit 32 is configured to read image data stored in the memory 30, perform compression processing or decompression processing, and write the processed image data to the memory 30.

  The exposure control unit 40 controls the shutter 12 having an aperture function based on information provided from the system control circuit 50. The exposure control unit 40 can also have a flash light control function in cooperation with the flash 48 (light emitting device). The flash 48 has a flash light control function and an AF auxiliary light projecting function.

  The distance measurement control unit 42 controls the focusing lens of the optical system 10 based on information provided from the system control circuit 50.

  The zoom control unit 44 controls zooming of the optical system 10.

  The barrier control unit 46 controls the operation of the barrier 102 that protects the optical system 10.

  The system control circuit 50 is configured to control the entire imaging apparatus 100, and performs processing for drawing at least one of imaging conditions displayed on the image display unit 28 and an object (display object) indicating the state of the imaging apparatus 100, and the like. The image processing unit 250 is executed.

  The memory 52 stores constants, variables, programs for operation of the system control circuit 50, object data for displaying objects on the image display unit 28, and the like. Unlike image data generated by imaging, object data is held in a memory area that is different from a memory area that temporarily holds image data. The object data is typically written in the memory 52 before the imaging device 100 is shipped. The object data may be rewritten by the user based on the data downloaded through the telecommunication line or the data provided to the user in the storage medium after the imaging apparatus 100 is shipped, or may be rewritten at a service center or the like. May be.

  The display unit 54 is configured by, for example, an LCD or an LED, and the sound source 55 is configured by, for example, a speaker. Each of the display unit 54 and the sound source 55 is configured by one or a plurality of elements, and is configured to output an operation state, a message, or the like by characters, images, sounds, or the like according to execution of a program in the system control circuit 50. It is arranged at an appropriate position of the imaging device 100. Some display elements constituting the display unit 54 can be arranged in the optical viewfinder 104.

  Among the information displayed on the display unit 54, the information displayed on the LCD or the like includes, for example, single shot / continuous shooting imaging display, self-timer display, compression rate display, recording pixel number display, recording number display, and remaining imaging. There is a display of the number of possible images and a shutter speed display. In addition, aperture value display, exposure compensation display, flash display, red-eye reduction display, macro imaging display, buzzer setting display, clock battery level display, battery level display, error display, multi-digit number information display and so on. Furthermore, there are a display state of the storage media 200 and 210, a communication I / F operation display, a date / time display, and the like.

  Of the information displayed on the display unit 54, information displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 includes, for example, in-focus display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, and exposure correction display. and so on.

  The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable / recordable memory such as an EEPROM. The aforementioned object data may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 56.

  The mode dial 60 is a dial for setting (switching) the state of the imaging apparatus 100 to “imaging mode”, “playback mode”, “PC connection mode”, or the like.

  The first shutter switch SW1 (62) is turned ON while the shutter button 310 is being operated (half-pressed), and instructs the system control circuit 50 to start AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, EF processing, and the like.

  The second shutter switch SW2 (64) is turned on when the operation of the shutter button 310 is completed (fully pressed). SW2 (64) reads an image signal from the image sensor 14, converts it to digital image data by the A / D converter 16, processes it by the image processing unit 20, and writes it to the memory 30 via the memory control unit 22. The system control circuit 50 is instructed to start processing. SW2 (64) also starts a series of processing (imaging processing) including processing of reading out the image data from the memory 30, compressing the image data by the compression / decompression unit 32, and writing the compressed image data into the storage medium 200 or 210. Is instructed to the system control circuit 50. In response to the instruction from the switch 2, the system control circuit 50 controls the writing process of the captured image.

  The zoom operation unit 65 is an operation unit that is operated by a user to change the imaging angle of view (zoom magnification or imaging magnification). For example, a slide type operation member or a lever type operation member and its operation are operated. It can be constituted by a switch or a sensor for detecting.

  The operation unit 70 includes buttons or switches 301 to 311 shown in FIG. The operation unit 70 turns on / off the power, sets or changes the imaging condition, confirms the imaging condition, confirms the state of the imaging apparatus 100, and confirms the captured image. used.

  The power supply control unit 80 includes, for example, a power supply detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches blocks to be energized, and the like. The power supply control unit 80 detects the presence / absence of a power supply, the type of power supply, and the remaining battery level, controls the DC-DC converter according to the detection result and a command from the system control circuit 50, and supplies a necessary voltage to a required period. Supply to each block. The main body of the imaging apparatus 100 and the power source 86 have connectors 82 and 84, respectively, and are connected thereto. The power source 86 is, for example, a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, or an AC adapter.

  The storage media 200 and 210 are connected to connectors 92 and 96 of the main body of the imaging apparatus 100 by connectors 206 and 216, respectively. The storage media 210 and 210 include, for example, recording units 202 and 212 such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and interfaces 204 and 214, and are connected to a bus in the imaging apparatus 100 via the interfaces 90 and 94 of the imaging apparatus 100. The The storage medium attachment / detachment detection unit 98 detects whether the storage mediums 200 and 210 are connected to the connectors 92 and 96.

  In this example, the interface and the connector for attaching the storage medium have been described as having two systems, but these may be one system or three or more systems. When a plurality of interfaces and connectors are provided, they may have different specifications. As the interface and connector, for example, a PCMCIA card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, or the like that conforms to a standard can be used.

  When adopting interfaces 90 and 94 and connectors 92 and 96 that conform to standards such as PCMCIA cards and CF cards, use the following cards to attach image data and image data to external devices. Management information can be transferred to each other. The cards are various communication cards such as a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE 1394 card, a P1284 card, a SCSI card, a communication card such as a PHS, and the like. Also, peripheral devices such as computers and printers can be used as external devices.

  The optical viewfinder 104 enables imaging without using the EVF function of the image display unit 28. In the optical finder 104, a display element constituting a part of the display unit 54, for example, a display for performing focus display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, etc. Elements can be placed.

  The communication I / F 110 provides various communication functions such as USB, IEEE 1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, RS232C, and wireless communication. The communication I / F 110 may be connected to a connector 112 for connecting the imaging apparatus 100 to another device, or an antenna when providing a wireless communication function.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the imaging apparatus 100. In FIG. 2, unnecessary components are not shown for explanation.

  A menu button 301 is a button for setting various imaging conditions and displaying a menu for displaying the state of the imaging apparatus 100. The menu is configured to include at least one of a plurality of items that can be selected and whose values can be changed.

  The determination button 302 is a button for determining or selecting a value or item in the menu. When the determination button 302 is pressed, the system control circuit 50 determines or selects a value or item selected at that time.

  A display button 303 is a button for selecting display / non-display of imaging information for a captured image and switching whether the image display unit 28 functions as an EVF.

  The SET button 304 is a button for shifting to a menu screen for setting more detailed conditions and the like on various menu screens.

  The direction buttons 305 to 308 are buttons for changing an option (for example, an item or an image) selected from a plurality of options such as a cursor or a highlight portion. It is also used to change the position of an index (for example, a pointer displayed on the screen) that identifies the selected option. The direction buttons 305 to 308 can also be used to increase / decrease a numerical value (for example, a numerical value indicating a correction value or a date / time). In the present invention, the direction buttons 305 to 308 are used to select image effect candidates when performing image editing.

  The print button 309 is used to output a photographed image to a printer (not shown) connected by wire or wirelessly via the connector 112.

  The power button 311 is a button for starting and stopping the imaging apparatus 100 or for turning on / off the main power supply of the imaging apparatus 100.

  With the mode lever 312, the imaging apparatus 100 is switched between a photographing mode for photographing an image and an image browsing mode for reproducing the image. Image editing according to the present invention can be performed with any lever during the image browsing mode. Against.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, image editing and display processing in the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display target image selection process and the automatic reproduction process. In the embodiment in which the imaging apparatus 100 finishes a series of image editing and returns to the image browsing mode, an image to be displayed is selected. It is shown. Note that this flow ends when switching to the shooting mode or turning off the power according to a user operation.

  In step S3001, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the mode lever 312 and determines whether or not the current mode is the playback mode.

  If it is determined that the playback mode is set, the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S3002. If it is determined that the playback mode is not selected, the processing is repeated until the playback mode is switched.

  In step S3002, the system control circuit 50 designates the last image in the designation order, reads it from the storage medium 200, and displays it on the image display unit 28. The image designation order is determined in advance, and in this embodiment, the images stored in the storage medium 200 are sorted by file name. Each time the direction buttons 305 and 306 are pressed by a user operation, the system control circuit 50 designates an image corresponding to the designation order before and after the currently designated image from the images stored in the storage medium 200. The image is displayed on the image display unit 28. So-called “image feed” is performed. FIG. 21 shows an example of an image displayed in step S3002.

  Of course, the system control circuit 50 may display not only one image on one screen but also a plurality of images on one screen. In this case, the designated image among the plurality of displayed images is displayed so as to be distinguished from other images, for example, by emphasizing it.

  In step S3003, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the menu button 301 has been pressed. When determining that the menu button 301 has been pressed, the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S3004. If the menu button 301 is not pressed, the process of step S3003 is repeated until the menu button 301 is pressed.

  In step S3004, the system control circuit displays a reproduction menu screen on image display unit 28. A reproduction menu screen is shown in FIG. Reference numeral 601 denotes a retouch my color mode. The retouch my color mode 601 will be described later.

  In step S3005, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the enter button 302 is pressed while the retouch my color mode 601 is selected from the menu. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process advances to step S3051. If it is determined that the button has not been pressed, the process returns to step S3004.

  Steps S3051 to 3056 are in the image editing mode, and various editing can be performed on the image. That is, when the retouch my color mode 601 is selected on the playback menu screen by a user operation, the imaging apparatus 100 starts the image editing mode.

In the present embodiment, retouch my color processing will be described as an example of editing processing that can be executed in the image editing mode. This process is a process in which the imaging apparatus 100 applies an effect by color to an image when the user selects a favorite color effect from among a plurality of color change effects prepared in advance. The image subjected to the color effect is stored as a new image different from the original image.
In step S3051, the system control circuit 50 displays an image designation screen on the image display unit 28.

  An image designation screen is shown in FIG. Reference numeral 701 denotes an image. Each time the user presses the direction button 305 or 306, the system control circuit 50 sequentially designates the images recorded in the recording unit 202 one by one. The system control circuit 50 controls to display the designated image on the image display unit 28. That is, when the user presses the direction button 305 or 306, images are sequentially displayed on the image display unit 28.

  In step S3052, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the menu button 301 has been pressed. If it is determined that the menu button 301 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S3053.

  In a state where the image selection screen is displayed, the user can select an image using the direction buttons 305 or 306 and can specify an image to be edited by pressing the enter button 302. In response to this user operation, the system control circuit 50 determines the designated image as an editing target.

  In step S3053, the system control circuit 50 determines whether an image to be edited has been determined. If it is determined that it has been determined, the process proceeds to step S3054. If it is determined that it has not been determined, the process returns to step S3051.

  In step S3054, the system control circuit 50 displays on the image display unit 28 an edit selection screen that allows the user to select the type of editing to be performed on the image.

  The edit selection screen is shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the user uses the direction buttons 305 or 306 to select a desired one from a plurality of color effects 801.

  When the color effect 801 is selected, the system control circuit 50 causes the image processing unit 250 to perform processing for adding a color effect to the image 701 on the screen. At this point, editing has not yet been finalized, and the edited image is not saved in the storage medium 200.

  As an example, an image with the color effect “Sepia” is shown at 901 in FIG. Reference numeral 902 denotes a confirmation dialog. When “OK” is selected by a user operation, the system control circuit 50 finalizes editing and advances the process to step S3056.

  In step S3056, system control circuit 50 stores the edited image in storage medium 200 as a new image. At this time, the system control circuit 50 assigns a file name to the new edited image. In the present embodiment, the file name is assigned a name that is not related to the original image before editing. Normally, since the file names are assigned sequentially, the edited image immediately after being newly stored is given the largest file name among the images stored in the storage medium 200. Therefore, the editing image designation order is the last.

  After storing the image, the system control circuit 50 returns the process to step S3051 and displays the screen shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the system control circuit 50 performs the editing process on a plurality of images by repeating the processes of steps S3051 to 3056 according to the user's operation.

  When the user presses the menu button 301 in the image editing mode S3050, the system control circuit 50 cancels the current step and returns the process to the previous step. When the menu button 301 is pressed in step S3051, the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S3006 and ends the image editing mode S3050.

  In step S3006, system control circuit 50 determines whether image editing has been performed even once in image editing mode S3050. Specifically, the number of files before and after editing is compared, and if the number of files is different, it is determined that image editing is being performed. If image editing is being performed, the process advances to step S3007.

  In step S3008, the system control circuit 50 displays a display image selection screen on the image display unit 28. FIG. 10 shows a display image selection screen. The user can determine an image to be displayed thereafter by selecting the “Yes” button 1001 or the “No” button 1002 on this screen.

  In step S3008, system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the user has selected to display an edited image, that is, whether or not the user has selected “Yes” button 1001 on the display image selection screen. When the “Yes” button 1001 is selected by the user, the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S3009.

  In step S3009, the system control circuit 50 determines whether a plurality of images have been edited in the edit mode. Specifically, the number of files before and after editing is compared, and if the number of files increases by 2 or more, it is determined that a plurality of images are being edited. If it is determined that a plurality of images have not been edited, the process proceeds to step S3011.

  In step S <b> 3011, the system control circuit 50 designates an edited image newly edited and stored in the edit mode as an image to be displayed after the end of the image edit mode, and displays it on the image display unit 28. A screen displayed in step S3011 is shown in FIG. When the direction button 305 or 306 is pressed while the screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, image feeding is started in order from the edited image.

  If it is determined in step S3009 that a plurality of images have been edited, the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S3012.

  In step S <b> 3012, the system control circuit 50 multi-displays a plurality of edited images on the image display unit 28. Multi-display is to display a plurality of reduced images on one screen. In the multi-display in the present embodiment, the first edited image group is designated from the edited image group. The system control circuit 50 stores the number of the image file that was first edited and saved as a counter value, and designates an image to be displayed based on the counter value after the end of the image mode. Of the plurality of images, the last edited image may be designated, or the designated image may be determined based on the sort order of the file names.

  After the multi display, the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S3013.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of multi display. In FIG. 12, nine edited images 1201 are displayed on one screen. Thus, by displaying a plurality of edited images in a multi display, the user can see a list of images edited when the editing mode is ended, and visibility is improved. Of course, if there are nine or fewer edited images, the number of edited images is displayed. When the direction button 305 or 306 is pressed while the screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, image feeding is started in order from the currently designated image.

  If it is determined in step S3008 that display of the edited image has not been selected, that is, if it is determined that the “NO” button 1002 has been selected on the display image selection screen, the process proceeds to step S3010.

  If it is determined in step S3006 that image editing has never been performed in step S3050, the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S3010.

  In step S3010, the system control circuit 50 designates the image displayed last in step S3051, that is, the image before editing, and displays it on the image display unit 28. When the direction button 305 or 306 is pressed while the pre-edit image is displayed, image feed is started in order from the pre-edit image.

  In step S3013, print processing is performed. This process will be described later. When the print process ends, the system control circuit 50 returns the process to step S3003.

  Here, the print processing in step S3013 in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flow of FIG.

  In step S4001, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the print button 309 has been pressed by a user operation. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process advances to step S4002. If it is determined that the button has not been pressed, the process ends, and the flow returns to the flow of FIG.

  In step S4002, the system control circuit 50 determines whether multi-display processing is performed in step S3012. If it is determined that multi-display is not being performed, that is, that one-sheet display is being performed in step S3011, the process proceeds to step S4004.

  In step S4004, the system control circuit 50 stores the identification information of the image in the memory 52 or the recording medium 200 as an object to be printed, and displays a print setting screen (not shown) on the image display unit 28. .

  In step S4007, the user performs various print settings using the operation unit 70 while viewing the print setting screen. On the print setting screen, for example, selection of paper size, paper type, number of printed sheets, bordered / non-bordered, and the like can be performed. The system control circuit 50 stores various print settings in the memory 52 or the recording medium 200 according to the user's selection operation.

  In step S4008, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the enter button 302 has been pressed by a user operation. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process advances to step S4009. If it is determined that the button is not pressed, the process is repeated until it is pressed.

  In step S4009, the system control circuit 50 reads an image to be printed from the storage medium 200, transfers the image and print settings to the printer connected via the connector 112, and ends the printing process. The printer executes printing based on the received image and print settings.

  Next, a case where it is determined in step S4002 that multi-display processing is being performed will be described. In this case, the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S4010.

  In step S4010, the system control circuit 50 displays a print format setting screen on the image display unit 28. An example of the print format setting screen is shown in FIG. Reference numeral 1301 denotes a batch print button, which is a button for giving an instruction to batch print images displayed in a multi display. Reference numeral 1302 denotes a one-sheet print button, which is a button for giving an instruction to print the images displayed in multiples one by one.

  In step S4003, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the batch print button 1301 has been selected by a user operation on the print format setting screen. If it is determined that the batch print button 1301 has been selected, the process advances to step S4005.

  In step S4005, the system control circuit 50 determines all the multi-displayed images as print targets, and advances the process to step S4007.

  Steps S4007 to S4009 are the same as in the case of single image display. In step S4009, all the images to be printed in step S4005 are printed.

  If it is determined in step S4003 that the batch print button 1301 has not been selected, that is, if it is determined that the single print button 1302 has been selected, the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S4006.

  In step S4006, the system control circuit 50 displays a print image selection screen on the image display unit 28. A print image selection screen is shown in FIG.

  The user selects an image to be printed while viewing the print image selection screen. The selected image is displayed in a thick frame like 1401.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the image selected by the user on the print image selection screen as a print target, and advances the process to step S4007.

  The processing in steps S4007 to S4009 is the same as that for displaying one image.

  Note that although one print target is selected on the print image selection screen, a plurality of arbitrary print targets may be selected as shown in FIG. In FIG. 15, 1401, 1402, and 1403 are print targets.

  Note that when a print target is determined or various print settings are made, a DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) format file may be used.

  In the present embodiment, when the image editing mode ends, the user can select whether to specify an image before editing or an image after editing after image editing.

  Therefore, if the user selects to designate an image before editing, it is possible to prevent the screen from jumping to the edited image as soon as the image editing mode is ended.

  Further, if the user selects to display the edited image, a complicated operation of searching for the edited image is not required when the edited image is subjected to some processing, for example, print processing.

  Furthermore, when a plurality of images are edited in one editing mode, the edited image is displayed in multiple so that the user can grasp the edited image at a glance. In the case of multi-display, batch printing is possible, so that the user can print a plurality of edited images with a simple operation.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the display image selection screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed when the image editing mode ends.

  In the present embodiment, the display image selection screen is displayed during the image editing mode, thereby facilitating user operations when performing repeated editing.

  Hereinafter, description of the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 shows a processing flow of image editing and display in the present embodiment.

  In the flow of FIG. 5, steps S5001 to 5005 and steps S5051 to 5056 are the same as steps S3001 to 3005 and steps S3051 to 3056 of the flow of FIG.

Hereinafter, the processing after step S5057 will be described.
In step S5057, the system control circuit 50 displays the image selection screen shown in FIG.

  In step S5058, system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the user has selected to display the edited image. That is, the processing corresponding to step S3008 in the first embodiment is performed. If it is determined that display of an edited image has been selected, the process proceeds to step S5059.

  In step S5059, the system control circuit 50 designates and displays the edited image on the screen. When the direction button 305 or 306 is pressed while the edited image is displayed, image feeding is started in order from the edited image.

  If it is determined in step S5058 that display of an edited image has not been selected, that is, display of an image before editing has been selected, system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S5060.

  In step S5060, system control circuit 50 designates an image before editing and displays it on image display unit 28. When the direction button 305 or 306 is pressed while the pre-edit image is displayed, image feed is started in order from the pre-edit image.

  If it is determined in step S5052 that the menu button 301 has been pressed, the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S5006.

  In step S5006, the system control circuit 50 designates an image before editing and displays it on the image display unit 28, and the process returns to step S5002.

  The processing flow in the present embodiment has been described above. This process will be described using a specific example.

  FIG. 16 shows the playback menu screen displayed in step S5004. If the user selects “image editing” 1601 in step S5005, the image editing mode is set.

  An image selection screen is displayed (S5051). When an image to be edited is selected (S5053), the edit selection screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. Reference numeral 1701 denotes a color processing icon, which is an icon for instructing various color processing. Reference numeral 1702 denotes an exposure correction icon, which is an icon for instructing exposure correction. Reference numeral 1703 denotes a red eye processing icon, which is an icon for instructing red eye processing. In the image shown in FIG. 17, the portion 1704 has red eyes.

    When the user selects the red-eye processing icon 1703 (S5055), red-eye processing is performed and the edited image is saved (S5056).

  After editing, the display image selection screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed (S5057). If the user selects the “Yes” button 1001 (S5058 / YES), the edited image is designated. As a result, the edited image shown in the figure is displayed on the image selection screen (S5059). FIG. 18 shows an edited image that has been subjected to the red-eye process.

  Then, the previously edited and saved image is displayed on the image selection screen (S5051). Therefore, the user can display the edited image without a complicated operation of searching for the edited image again.

  By selecting the edited image again (S5053), the user can select a new editing process on the edit selection screen shown in FIG. 19 (S5054).

  FIG. 20 shows an image when color processing “sepia” is further selected. With this process, the user can obtain an image on which both the red-eye process and the color process have been performed.

  In this embodiment, the display image selection screen is displayed at the timing when one image is edited. With this configuration, it is possible to repeatedly perform image processing without leaving the image mode.

<Other embodiments>
The gist of the present invention relates to the selection of an image specified after saving an image with some modification, and the type of image editing is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Needless to say, the present invention is effective for various image editing such as color correction and red-eye correction by flash emission, exposure, gamma correction, camera shake correction, and image trimming.

  In the processing of the above-described embodiment, a storage medium in which a program code of software that embodies each function is recorded may be provided to the system or apparatus. The functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like can be used. Alternatively, a CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like can be used.

  The functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In some cases, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. include.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium may be written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. After that, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Is also included.

Claims (12)

Imaging means for capturing an image of a subject and obtaining an image;
First storage control means for storing an image obtained by the imaging means in a storage device;
Editing means for editing at least one of the images;
Second storage control means for storing the edited image edited by the editing means as a new image in the storage device;
A digital camera comprising a selection screen display means for displaying a screen for selecting which of the edited image and the original image before editing is displayed after the editing. An editing mode for editing an image by the editing means;
The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the selection screen display unit displays the selection screen when the editing mode is ended.   The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the selection screen display unit displays the selection screen after editing the image by the editing unit.   The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising image display means for sequentially displaying images stored in the storage device in a predetermined order in accordance with an instruction from a user.   The digital camera according to claim 2, further comprising a print instruction unit that instructs printing of the displayed image based on the selection. The editing means can edit a plurality of images in the editing mode,
The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a multi-image display unit that performs multi-display to display a plurality of reduced images of the image edited in the edit mode on a single screen when display of the edited image is selected on the selection screen. 2. The digital camera according to 2.   The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the editing by the editing unit includes any of red-eye processing, color correction, image rotation, exposure correction, and image trimming. An editing means for editing at least one of the images in an editing mode for editing an image;
Storage control means for storing the edited image edited by the editing means in the storage device as a new image;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a selection screen display unit that displays a screen for selecting which of the edited image and the original image before editing is to be displayed after the editing mode ends. An imaging process of capturing an image of a subject and obtaining an image;
A first storage control step of storing an image obtained by the imaging step in a storage device;
An editing step of editing at least one of the images;
A second storage control step of storing the edited image edited in the editing step as a new image in the storage device;
A method for controlling a digital camera, comprising: a selection screen display step for displaying a screen for selecting which of the edited image and the original image before editing is to be displayed after the editing. An editing step of editing at least one of the images in an editing mode for editing the image;
A storage control step of storing the edited image edited by the editing means as a new image in a storage device;
A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: a selection screen display step for displaying a screen for selecting which of the edited image and the original image before editing is to be displayed after the editing mode ends. On the computer,
An imaging process of capturing an image of a subject and obtaining an image;
A first storage control step of storing an image obtained by the imaging means in a storage device;
An editing step of editing at least one of the images;
A second storage control step of storing the edited image edited by the editing means as a new image in the storage device;
A program for executing a selection screen display step for displaying a screen for selecting which of the edited image and the original image before editing is to be displayed after the editing. An editing process for editing at least one of the images in an editing mode for editing the image on a computer;
A storage control step of storing the edited image edited by the editing means as a new image in a storage device;
A program for executing a control method of an image processing apparatus including a selection screen display step for displaying a screen for selecting which of the edited image and the original image before editing is to be displayed after completion of the editing mode .