Electronic apparatus, method for controlling electronic apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique to prevent a reduction in the number of images that can be displayed as a list, and to allow a user to grasp a break position.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus has acquisition means that acquires a photographed image; and control means that performs control to arrange and display a plurality of photographed images acquired by the acquisition means in a plurality of image display areas according to a photographing order. When the image acquired by the acquisition means includes a break image showing a break in the photographing order, the control means performs control not to display the break image in the plurality of image display areas, and display a display item showing the break in an area outside the plurality of image display areas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a control method for an electronic device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When multiple images captured by continuous shooting with a camera are displayed in a list, many thumbnail images with similar designs are displayed side by side, making it difficult for a user to easily determine which images belong to the same group.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for obtaining meaningful boundaries between groups of captured images and arranging boundary images at the boundary positions, thereby making it easier for the user to visually determine the boundaries. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-141270 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology of Patent Document 1 allows a user to determine the division positions of multiple images by looking at the display device. However, with this technology, because the division images are displayed in the display area of ​​the captured images, the number of displayed captured images is reduced by the number of displayed division images.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that prevents a decrease in the number of images that can be displayed in a list and allows the user to grasp the separator positions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an acquisition means for acquiring a photographed image; a control means for controlling the display of the plurality of photographed images acquired by the acquisition means in a plurality of image display areas in accordance with the order in which the images were taken; and When the images acquired by the acquisition means include a separator image indicating a separator in the shooting order, the control means controls so that the separator image is not displayed in the image display areas, and a display item indicating the separator is displayed in an area outside the image display areas. The electronic device is characterized by the above.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an acquisition step of acquiring a captured image; a control step of controlling the plurality of photographed images acquired in the acquisition step to be arranged and displayed in a plurality of image display areas in accordance with the order in which they were photographed; and In the control step, if the images acquired in the acquisition step include a separator image indicating a separator in the shooting order, the separator image is not displayed in the plurality of image display areas, and a display item indicating the separator is displayed in an area outside the plurality of image display areas. The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electronic device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the number of images that can be displayed in a list, and also to allow the user to understand the separator positions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a digital camera according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an external view of a digital camera according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 shows a screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a process for recording a delimiter image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart of image reproduction according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a process for determining a display object and a display area according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating control of a playback screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating control of a playback screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a playback screen according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a digital camera 100 (image capture device) according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is an external view of the digital camera 100. Note that embodiment 1 may be applied to any electronic device (such as a smartphone or a personal computer) that has an image capture unit, instead of the digital camera 100.

[0013] The photographing lens 104 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. The shutter 105 is a shutter with an aperture function. The imaging unit 106 is an imaging element composed of elements (such as CCD or CMOS elements) that convert optical images into electrical signals. The imaging unit 106 acquires a photographed image by capturing an image of real space. The A / D converter 107 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The A / D converter 107 is used to convert the analog signal output from the imaging unit 106 into a digital signal. The barrier 103 covers the imaging system (including the photographing lens 104) of the digital camera 100. In this way, the barrier 103 prevents the imaging system (including the photographing lens 104, shutter 105, and imaging unit 106) from becoming dirty or being damaged.

[0014] The image processing unit 102 performs predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing (reduction, etc.), or color conversion on data from the A / D converter 107 or data from the memory control unit 108. The image processing unit 102 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data. Based on the obtained arithmetic results, the system control unit 101 performs exposure control and distance measurement control. This results in TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing. The image processing unit 102 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic results.

[0015] The output data from the A / D converter 107 is written directly to the memory 109 via the "image processing unit 102 and memory control unit 108" or via the "memory control unit 108". The memory 109 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 106 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 107. The memory 109 stores image data to be displayed on the display unit 111. The memory 109 stores a predetermined number of still images, a predetermined length of video, and the like. It has sufficient storage capacity for image and audio.

[0016] Memory 109 also serves as a memory for image display (video memory). D / A converter 110 converts image display data stored in memory 109 into an analog signal and supplies it to display unit 111. When the display image data written in memory 109 is supplied to display unit 111 via D / A converter 110, an image based on the image data is displayed on display unit 111.

[0017] The display unit 111 displays on a display device such as an LCD in accordance with the analog signal from the D / A converter 110. The digital signal that has been A / D converted once by the A / D converter 107 and stored in the memory 109 is then converted to analog in the D / A converter 110. The display unit 111 functions as an electronic viewfinder by sequentially displaying images based on the transferred signals, and can display through images (hereinafter, through images will be referred to as "live view images").

[0018] The nonvolatile memory 114 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory. For example, an EEPROM or the like is used for the nonvolatile memory 114. Constants and programs for the operation of the system control unit 101 are stored in the nonvolatile memory 114. The programs referred to here are programs for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0019] The system control unit 101 controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 101 executes programs recorded in the nonvolatile memory 114 described above to realize each process of this embodiment, which will be described later. A RAM is used for the system memory 112. Constants, variables, programs (programs read from the nonvolatile memory 114) and the like used by the system control unit 101 are loaded into the system memory 112. The system control unit 101 also controls the memory 109, D / A converter 110, display unit 111, and the like, thereby performing display control. The system timer 113 is a timing unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

[0020] The shutter button 115, mode switching dial 118, power button 119, and operation unit 120 are each an operation unit for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 101.

[0021] The mode switching dial 118 switches the operation mode of the system control unit 101 between a still image recording mode, a moving image recording mode, and a detailed mode included in each operation mode.

[0022] The first shutter switch 116 generates a first shutter switch signal SW1 when it is turned on by half-pressing (instructing preparation for shooting) during operation of the shutter button 115 provided on the digital camera 100. The generation of the first shutter switch signal SW1 starts operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, or EF (pre-flash) processing.

[0023] The second shutter switch 117 generates a second shutter switch signal SW2 when the shutter button 115 is fully pressed (photographing instruction) and turned on. When the second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated, the system control unit 101 starts a series of operations for photographing processing (processing from reading out a signal from the imaging unit 106 to writing image data to the recording medium 124).

[0024] The power supply control unit 121 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switch circuit ( The power supply control unit 121 detects the state of the power button 119, whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery power. The power supply control unit 121 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 101. In this way, the power supply control unit 121 supplies the necessary voltage to each unit, including the recording medium 124, for the necessary period of time.

[0025] The power supply unit 122 includes 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), an AC adapter, etc. In this embodiment, a case where a secondary battery is used as the power supply unit 122 (hereinafter referred to as "battery 122") will be described.

[0026] The recording medium I / F 123 is an interface with a recording medium 124 (such as a memory card or a hard disk). The recording medium 124 is a memory card or the like for recording captured images. The recording medium 124 is configured from a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0027] The digital camera 100 can issue notifications such as warnings by sound. Specifically, the speaker 126 can emit a sound generated by the sound control unit 125.

[0028] Each operation member of the operation unit 120 operates as a variety of function buttons. A function is assigned to each operation member as appropriate, depending on the selection of various function icons displayed on the display unit 111. Each operation member is assigned a function button, such as an end button, a back button, an image forward button, a jump button, a narrow down button, or an attribute change button.

[0029] For example, when menu button 201 shown in Fig. 2 is pressed, a menu screen in which various settings can be made is displayed on display unit 111 (see Fig. 3A). While looking at the menu screen displayed on display unit 111, the user can intuitively make various settings using cross button 202 (an operation member having buttons in four directions: up, down, left, and right) and SET button 203.

[0030] The controller wheel 204 and electronic dial 205 are rotatable operation members included in the operation unit 120. The controller wheel 204 and electronic dial 205 are used together with the cross button 202 to indicate a selection item. Pressing the playback button 206 makes it possible to switch between the shooting mode and playback mode of the digital camera 100. Pressing the video recording start button 207 makes it possible to start and stop recording of a video.

[0031] The user can assign any function to each of the function button 208 (hereinafter referred to as the "Fn1 button 208") and the function button 209 (hereinafter referred to as the "Fn2 button 209") When each function button is pressed, the digital camera 100 executes the function assigned to that function button.

[0032] A battery 122 and a recording medium 124 can be inserted into the digital camera 100 from the bottom of the digital camera 100. The bottom of the digital camera 100 can be covered with a cover 210 that can be opened and closed.

[0033] Next, an overview of generating a separator image that indicates a separation between two captured images will be described. The separator image generating function can be assigned to an operation member on a menu screen such as that shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, when a list of a plurality of captured images (images of real space captured by the imaging unit 106) is displayed (list playback), the separator image is generated to separate the plurality of captured images. 10 is an image showing a division between captured images.

[0034] When the button assigned with the function of generating a delimiter image is pressed in the standby state immediately after continuous shooting, a delimiter image is generated as the next image in the series of shot images. The generated delimiter image is recorded as a file on the recording medium 124.

[0035] By using the separator image, when a list display (playback screen display) such as that shown in FIG. 3E is performed, even if multiple thumbnails with similar images are lined up, the user can easily visually identify the divisions between multiple consecutive captured images. Furthermore, the system control unit 101 may generate a specific separator image at the timing of a predetermined change and record it on the recording medium 124. Here, it is preferable that the specific separator image be a separator image different from either separator image IA or separator image IB, which will be described later. This makes it easier for the user to determine whether an image in the list display is a captured image before the timing of the predetermined change. The timing of the predetermined change may be when a setting value of the digital camera 100 is changed, when the lens is replaced, or when the date changes.

[0036] In the first embodiment, two types of separator images are prepared. One of the two types of separator images is called a "separator image IA" (see FIG. 3B), and the other is called a "separator image IB" (see FIG. 3C). As shown in FIG. 3A, separator image IA can be generated by pressing the Fn1 button 208. Separator image IB can be generated by pressing the Fn2 button 209.

[0037] The delimiter images are assigned file names that conform to the "predetermined naming rules" that are the same as the naming rules for the captured images, and are recorded on the recording medium 124. The file names may be assigned unique numbers in the order of capture (order of creation; order of recording). In other words, the predetermined naming rules may be any naming rules that allow files (images) to be sorted in the order of creation based on the file names. For example, the DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) may be used as the naming rule for still images. Furthermore, the file names may simply be numbers indicating the date and time of capture (year + month + day + hour + minute + second). In this case, for example, if the file name of a certain image is "20231117025030," it can be determined that the image was captured (created) at 2:50:30 on November 17, 2023. Even when delimiter images and multiple captured images are transmitted from the digital camera 100 to a PC, the PC can display the delimiter images in the desired position by arranging the images in the order of file numbers.

[0038] A playback screen, which displays multiple captured images in a list in chronological order of their capture times, displays multiple captured images side by side, as shown in FIG. 3E. As shown in FIG. 3F, the playback screen includes a first area 304 (the striped area in FIG. 3F) for displaying captured images or separator images, and a second area 305 (the dotted area in FIG. 3F) other than the first area 304. The first area 304 is essentially a collection of multiple rectangular areas (except when only one image is displayed). The multiple rectangular areas are adjacent to each other at specific intervals and do not touch each other. Instead of rectangular areas, areas of a fixed shape, such as circular or polygonal, may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 3E, if separator image 303 is displayed in first area 304 in the same way as captured images 301 and 302, the number of captured images that can be displayed on the playback screen will be reduced by the number of separator images displayed.

[0039] 3G, instead of displaying a separator image in first area 304, digital camera 100 can also display separator items 306, which are display items indicating separators, in second area 305. In this case, digital camera 100 can clearly indicate the positions of separators without reducing the number of captured images that can be displayed on the playback screen.

[0040] The separator item 306 is displayed in a second area 305 between first areas 304 in which images before and after the separator image in the shooting order are displayed. When the image before or after the separator image is in an end column of multiple first areas 304 arranged in a matrix, the separator item 306 is displayed in the second area 305 in front (left side) of the first area 304 in which the image after the separator image in the shooting order is displayed. Alternatively, the separator item 306 may be displayed in the second area 305 in back (right side) of the first area 304 in which the image before the separator image in the shooting order is displayed.

[0041] The process of recording delimiter images according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 4. When the digital camera 100 is set to a shooting mode, the state of the digital camera 100 transitions to a shooting standby state. In the shooting standby state, the process of the flowchart in Fig. 4 is periodically executed.

[0042] In step S401, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the Fn1 button 208 has been pressed. If it is determined that the Fn1 button 208 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S402. If it is determined that the Fn1 button 208 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S406.

[0043] In step S402, the system control unit 101 generates a delimited image IA.

[0044] In step S403, the system control unit 101 generates a file name for the delimited image IA in accordance with a predetermined naming rule, which is the same as the naming rule for the file name of the still image in step S413, which will be described later.

[0045] In step S404, the system control unit 101 records the delimited image IA on the recording medium 124 using the generated file name.

[0046] In step S405, the system control unit 101 displays a message on the display unit 111 indicating that the delimiter image IA has been generated (recorded), as shown in FIG. 3D.

[0047] In step S406, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the Fn2 button 209 has been pressed. If it is determined that the Fn2 button 209 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S407. If it is determined that the Fn2 button 209 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S411.

[0048] The processing of steps S407 to S410 is processing for generating and recording a delimited image IB. The processing of steps S407 to S410 is equivalent to the processing of steps S402 to S405, which is processing for generating and recording a delimited image IA, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] In step S411, the system control unit 101 determines whether the shutter button 115 has been pressed (whether the second shutter switch 117 has been pressed). If it is determined that the shutter button 115 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S412. If it is determined that the shutter button 115 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S415.

[0050] In step S412, the system control unit 101 controls the imaging unit 106 to perform imaging, thereby performing processing to generate a still image (photographed image).

[0051] In step S413, the system control unit 101 generates a Generate a file name for the captured still image (photographed image).

[0052] In step S414, the system control unit 101 records the still image (captured image) with the generated file name on the recording medium 124 as a still image file.

[0053] In step S415, the system control unit 101 determines whether the operation mode has been changed from the shooting mode. If it is determined that the operation mode has been changed from the shooting mode, the process of this flowchart ends. If it is determined that the operation mode has not been changed from the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S401.

[0054] 5 shows a flowchart of playback (list display) of captured images and delimiter images by the digital camera 100 according to this embodiment. When the digital camera 100 is in image playback mode, the system control unit 101 periodically executes the processing of the flowchart in FIG.

[0055] In step S501, the system control unit 101 determines whether the user has operated the electronic dial 205. If it is determined that the electronic dial 205 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S502. If it is determined that the electronic dial 205 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S503.

[0056] In step S502, the system control unit 101 changes (determines) the number of images to be displayed in the first area 304 on the playback screen (hereinafter referred to as the "number of images to be simultaneously displayed") in accordance with the amount of operation of the electronic dial 205 (the amount of rotation of the electronic dial 205). Hereinafter, the number of images to be simultaneously displayed will be expressed as "M images." FIG. 3H shows a playback screen in which the number of images to be simultaneously displayed, M, is 1, with only one image being displayed in the first area 304. FIG. 3E shows a playback screen in which M is 12, with 12 images being displayed in the first area 304. Based on the number of images to be simultaneously displayed determined in step S502, the system control unit 101 sets (generates) the first area 304 including M rectangular areas.

[0057] In step S503, the system control unit 101 determines whether the number of simultaneously displayed images, M, is 1. If it is determined that M is 1, the process proceeds to step S509. If it is determined that M is not 1, the process proceeds to step S504.

[0058] In step S504, the system control unit 101 determines whether the mode is one in which all delimiter images are displayed in the first area 304 (hereinafter referred to as "area display mode"). If it is determined that the mode is the area display mode, the process proceeds to step S509. If it is determined that the mode is not the area display mode, the process proceeds to step S506.

[0059] The process of step S506 is executed for each image stored in the recording medium 124 until a specific condition is met. Here, N (N≧M) captured images have been stored in the recording medium 124 through the process of the flowchart in FIG. 4. The recording medium 124 also stores at least one of delimited images IA and IB. The system control unit 101 repeats the process of "performing the process of step S506 for one image stored in the recording medium 124, and then performing the process of step S506 for the next image."

[0060] The processing of step S506 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 6. Step S506 is a process for determining the "display object and display area" corresponding to the image to be processed (hereinafter referred to as the "target image"). The target image may be an image designated by a cursor (described later) or may be the image whose generation time is closest to the present. After performing the process of step S506 on the first target image, the system control unit 101 performs the process of step S506 on each of the images whose generation time is older than that of the target image, starting with the image whose generation time is closest to the present.

[0061] Then, in step S506, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not to display the target image in the first area 304. When the number of images determined to be displayed in the first area 304 reaches M, which is the number of images to be displayed simultaneously, the process proceeds to step S511. As a result, the system control unit 50 selects (determines) M images to be displayed in order in the first area 304 from among the one or more images (N captured images and one or more delimiter images) stored on the recording medium 124.

[0062] (Regarding step S506) Specific processing performed on one target image in step S506 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0063] In step S601, the system control unit 101 determines whether the target image is a delimiter image. If it is determined that the target image is a delimiter image, the process proceeds to step S602. If it is determined that the target image is not a delimiter image, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0064] In step S602, the system control unit 101 determines whether the similarity between the image immediately before the target image (hereinafter referred to as the "previous image") and the image immediately after the target image (hereinafter referred to as the "following image") is equal to or greater than a certain standard. If it is determined that the similarity between the previous image and the following image is equal to or greater than the certain standard, the process proceeds to step S605. If it is determined that the similarity between the previous image and the following image is less than the certain standard, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0065] For example, in FIG. 3G, if the degree of similarity between photographed image 301 and photographed image 302 is high, there is a possibility (risk) that the user will overlook the separator item 306. On the other hand, if the system control unit 101 displays separator image 303 in the first area 304 as shown in FIG. 3E instead of displaying separator item 306, the separator between photographed image 301 and photographed image 302 becomes clear. This reduces the possibility that the user will overlook the separator. Note that the determination of the degree of similarity between multiple images may be performed using machine learning. Alternatively, the system control unit 101 may always proceed to the processing of step S603 without determining the degree of similarity in step S602.

[0066] In step S603, the system control unit 101 determines whether the target image is a delimited image containing characters (i.e., delimited image IA). If it is determined that the target image is a delimited image IA, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S604. If it is determined that the target image is not a delimited image IA, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S606.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3B, separator image IA contains characters indicating information such as the settings of digital camera 100 or photographic lens 104 at the time of shooting. Therefore, displaying separator image IA in first area 304 has the advantage that "the user can grasp this information." On the other hand, separator image IB does not contain this information. Therefore, even if separator image IB is replaced with a separator item that only indicates the separator position, there is little disadvantage to the user.

[0068] In step S604, the system control unit 101 determines whether the number of simultaneously displayed images, M, is equal to or greater than a reference number (predetermined number). If it is determined that M is equal to or greater than the reference number, If it is determined that M is less than the reference number, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0069] Here, when the number of images displayed simultaneously is large, each image is displayed small. If the image size is smaller than a certain value, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize characters such as camera settings in separator image IA even if separator image IA is displayed in first area 304. In other words, since the effect of displaying separator image IA in first area 304 is low, in the subsequent step S606, system control unit 101 determines to display separator items instead of separator image IA.

[0070] Here, the reference number may be specified in advance by the user, or may be a value according to the physical size of the display surface of display unit 111. For example, the larger the physical size of the display surface of display unit 111, the greater the user's ability to view the details of each individual image even when a large number of images are simultaneously displayed, so the reference number may be a larger value. Note that the reference number may also be a value according to the relative size of the characters in separator image IA with respect to the size of separator image IA. The smaller the size of the characters in separator image IA, the more difficult it is for the user to view the characters, so the reference number may be a smaller value.

[0071] In step S605, the system control unit 101 determines to display the target image in the first area 304. For example, when the display of 10 images has been determined as shown in Fig. 7A, if the system control unit 101 determines to display the target image in step S605, an image 701 is added as shown in Fig. 7B.

[0072] In step S606, the system control unit 101 determines to display a separator item representing a separator (separator item corresponding to the target image) in place of the target image, which is a separator image, in the second area 305. For example, when it has been determined that 10 images will be displayed as shown in Fig. 7A, if the system control unit 101 determines to display a separator item in step S606, a separator item 702 is added as shown in Fig. 7C.

[0073] That is, the system control unit 101 expresses a division of the captured images by placing a division item at a position between the image whose display has been decided immediately before and the next image. Furthermore, depending on the number of images whose display has been decided immediately before the processing of step S606, the system control unit 101 may decide to display a division item at both or one of positions 703 and 704 shown in Fig. 7D.

[0074] The displayed separator item may be a separator item 702 represented by a vertical line as shown in FIG. 7C, or an L-shaped separator item 705 as shown in FIG. 8A. Alternatively, the displayed separator item may be a frame separator item 706 or a band separator item 707 that decorates the image displayed in the first area 304 as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C. When the displayed separator item is a frame or a band, the user can visually identify the separator position by the color or pattern of the frame or band. Furthermore, when the display of a new separator item 706 is determined in step S606 when the playback screen to be drawn is in a state as shown in FIG. 8D, the separator item is added to the "image after the image decorated with the previous separator item," as shown in FIG. 8B.

[0075] Next, we return to the description of the flowchart in FIG. 5. In step S509, the system control unit 101 determines that one image stored in the recording medium 124 is to be displayed in the first area 304. As in step S506, the system control unit 101 repeats "performing the process of S509 for one image stored in the recording medium 124, and then performing the process of S509 for the next image" until a specific condition is met. The phrase "the condition is satisfied" means that "the number of images determined to be displayed in the first area 304 reaches M, which is the number of images to be displayed simultaneously."

[0076] In step S509, the system control unit 101 always determines that the image to be processed is to be displayed in the first area 304. When the number of images determined to be displayed in the first area 304 reaches M, which is the number of images that can be displayed simultaneously, the process proceeds to step S513.

[0077] In step S511, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not display of an additional separator item (hereinafter referred to as "additional display") is necessary. If it is determined that additional display is necessary, the process proceeds to step S512. If it is determined that additional display is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S513.

[0078] For example, if the playback screen to be drawn is as shown in FIG. 9A at the start of the processing in step S511, only the two images at the bottom right are undecorated. Therefore, the system control unit 101 determines that it is necessary to display a separator item that will decorate the two images at the bottom right. For this reason, the system control unit 101 determines that it is necessary to display an additional separator item 801, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B. On the other hand, if the separator item is bar-shaped rather than frame-shaped as shown in FIG. 7C, the system control unit 101 determines in step S511 that it is not necessary to display an additional separator item. However, even if the separator item is bar-shaped, if the image following the last displayed image (captured image 802 in FIG. 9D) is a separator image, the system control unit 101 may determine that it is necessary to display an additional separator item 803.

[0079] In step S512, the system control unit 101 determines whether to display an additional separator item.

[0080] In step S513, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the user has operated the cross button. If it is determined that the cross button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S514. If it is determined that the cross button has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S515.

[0081] In step S514, the system control unit 101 changes the position of the cursor displayed on the playback screen in response to the operation performed on the cross button. The cursor is, for example, a frame that surrounds the periphery of the image displayed in the first area 304, as shown in FIG. 9E.

[0082] In step S515, the system control unit 101 determines whether to display the cursor.

[0083] In step S516, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the characters written in the delimiter image IA (hereinafter referred to as "written characters") need to be displayed at the edge of the screen. If it is determined that the written characters need to be displayed at the edge of the screen, the process proceeds to step S517. If it is determined that the written characters do not need to be displayed at the edge of the screen, the process proceeds to step S518.

[0084] For example, if the separator image IA is not displayed as an image in the first area 304, and a separator item is displayed in place of the separator image IA in the second area 305, the user cannot see the written characters. Therefore, in such a case, the system control unit 101 may determine that the written characters need to be displayed at the edge of the screen (see FIG. 9F).

[0085] For example, the system control unit 101 identifies a separator image IA that was created more recently than the image 805 indicated by the cursor and that was created closest to the image 805. Then, the separator image IA is not displayed as an image in the first area 304, but is instead displayed as a separator item 805. If 06 is displayed, the system control unit 101 determines that the characters written in the separator image IA need to be displayed on the edge of the screen. That is, the system control unit 101 regards a group of images separated by a separator item as a group, and determines that the characters written in the separator image IA corresponding to the group to which the image indicated by the cursor belongs need to be displayed on the edge of the screen. According to this, for example, if the user generates a separator image IA every time the date changes, the user can point to an image of interest with the cursor and visually check the image's creation date and other information displayed on the edge of the screen.

[0086] In step S517, the system control unit 101 determines to display the written characters at the edge of the playback screen.

[0087] In step S518, the system control unit 101 actually displays on the playback screen (display unit 111) the "image, separator item, cursor, and text" that have been determined to be displayed in steps S506, S512, and S515.

[0088] In step S519, the system control unit 101 determines whether a mode change operation has been performed. If it is determined that a mode change operation has been performed, the process of this flowchart ends (the image playback mode ends). If it is determined that a mode change operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S501.

[0089] As described above, in certain cases, digital camera 100 displays separator items corresponding to separator images outside the display area of ​​the captured images. This allows the user to visually recognize the separators between images, while simultaneously displaying more captured images than if separator images were displayed in the display area of ​​the captured images.

[0090] Although the above description has been given of two types of delimiter images, namely, delimiter image IA and delimiter image IB, the number of types of delimiter images may be one or three or more.

[0091] If there is only one type of delimiter image, the system control unit 101 may always proceed to the processing of step S604 without making the determination in step S603. Alternatively, if there are three or more types of delimiter images, the system control unit 101 may set a level for each delimiter image and make the determination in step S603 accordingly. For example, a level is set for each type of delimiter image. If the level of the target image is a specific level or higher, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, if the level of the target image is below the specific level, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S606. For example, after setting (classifying) the delimiter image to one of level 1, level 2, or level 3, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S604 if the level of the target image is level 2 or higher. On the other hand, if the level of the target image is level 1, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S606.

[0092] The present invention is also applicable not only to digital camera 100 but also to display devices capable of displaying captured images in a list. For example, digital camera 100 may be replaced with a personal computer, PDA, mobile phone terminal, portable image viewer, digital photo frame, game console, e-book reader, tablet terminal, or smartphone. Furthermore, digital camera 100 may be replaced with a home appliance equipped with a display, an in-vehicle device, or a medical device. Alternatively, digital camera 100 may be an electronic device (display control device) that controls a display device capable of displaying captured images in a list. In this case, the electronic device may have a configuration other than the display unit 111 in digital camera 100.

[0093] The present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the present invention can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. The present invention is clearly included in the scope of the present invention. Parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above, "If A is greater than or equal to B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than (lower than) B, proceed to step S2" may be read as "If A is greater than (higher than) B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than or equal to B, proceed to step S2." Conversely, "If A is greater than (higher than) B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than (lower than) B, proceed to step S2" may be read as "If A is greater than (higher than) B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than (lower than) B, proceed to step S2." Therefore, unless a contradiction arises, "greater than or equal to A" may be read as "greater than (higher; longer; more) than A," and "less than or equal to A" may be read as "less than (lower; shorter; fewer) than A." Furthermore, "greater than (higher; longer; more) than A" may be read as "greater than or equal to A," and "less than (lower; shorter; fewer) than A" may be read as "less than or equal to A."

[0095] Note that each functional unit in each of the above embodiments (variations) may or may not be individual hardware. The functions of two or more functional units may be realized by common hardware. Each of multiple functions of one functional unit may be realized by individual hardware. Two or more functions of one functional unit may be realized by common hardware. Furthermore, each functional unit may or may not be realized by hardware such as an ASIC, FPGA, or DSP. For example, an apparatus may have a processor and a memory (storage medium) in which a control program is stored. Then, the functions of at least some of the functional units of the apparatus may be realized by the processor reading and executing the control program from the memory.

[0096] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0097] The disclosure of the above embodiments includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) an acquisition means for acquiring a photographed image; a control means for controlling the display of the plurality of photographed images acquired by the acquisition means in a plurality of image display areas in accordance with the order in which the images were taken; and When the images acquired by the acquisition means include a separator image indicating a separator in the shooting order, the control means controls so that the separator image is not displayed in the image display areas, and a display item indicating the separator is displayed in an area outside the image display areas. An electronic device characterized by: (Configuration 2) the control means controls to display the display item between image display areas where images before and after the separator image in the shooting order are displayed, in front of an image display area where an image after the separator image in the shooting order is displayed, or in back of an image display area where an image before the separator image in the shooting order is displayed. 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1. (Configuration 3) The control means In a first case, control is performed to display the separator image without displaying the display item; In the second case, control is performed to display the display item without displaying the separator image. 3. The electronic device according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) The first case is a case where one image is displayed, The second case is a case where a plurality of images are displayed in the plurality of image display areas, respectively. 4. The electronic device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 5) The first case is a case where the number of the plurality of image display areas is less than a predetermined number, The second case is when the number of the plurality of image display areas is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. 4. The electronic device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 6) the predetermined number is a value corresponding to the physical size of a display surface on which the plurality of image display areas are displayed. 6. The electronic device according to configuration 5. (Configuration 7) The delimited image is not a photographed image but an image containing text. 7. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 8) When the display item is displayed outside the plurality of image display areas, the control means controls the display of the characters outside the plurality of image display areas. 8. The electronic device according to configuration 7. (Configuration 9) The second case is when the delimited image does not contain any characters. 4. The electronic device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 10) The image capturing device further includes a determination unit for determining a similarity between two captured images separated by the separation image, The first case is when the similarity determined by the determination means is higher than a certain standard. 4. The electronic device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 11) The delimiter image has a level set thereto, The second case is when the level of the segmentation image is below a specific level. 4. The electronic device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 12) The plurality of image display areas are M rectangular areas of a fixed shape that are not in contact with each other. 12. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11. (Configuration 13) The number M can be changed by user operation. 13. The electronic device according to configuration 12. (method) an acquisition step of acquiring a captured image; a control step of controlling the plurality of photographed images acquired in the acquisition step to be arranged and displayed in a plurality of image display areas in accordance with the order in which they were photographed; and In the control step, if the images acquired in the acquisition step include a separator image indicating a separator in the photographing order, the separator image is displayed in the plurality of image display areas. and controlling the display item representing the division not to be displayed in the area, but to be displayed in an area outside the plurality of image display areas. A method for controlling an electronic device. (program) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 100: Digital cameras (electronic devices), 101: System control unit

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring a photographed image; a control means for controlling the display of the plurality of photographed images acquired by the acquisition means in a plurality of image display areas in accordance with the order in which the images were taken; and When the images acquired by the acquisition means include a separator image indicating a separator in the shooting order, the control means controls so that the separator image is not displayed in the image display areas, and a display item indicating the separator is displayed in an area outside the image display areas. An electronic device characterized by:

2. the control means controls to display the display item between image display areas where images before and after the separator image in the shooting order are displayed, in front of an image display area where an image after the separator image in the shooting order is displayed, or in back of an image display area where an image before the separator image in the shooting order is displayed.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

3. The control means In a first case, the display item is not displayed, and the separator image is displayed; In the second case, the display item is displayed without displaying the separator image.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

4. The first case is a case where one image is displayed, The second case is a case where a plurality of images are displayed in the plurality of image display areas, respectively.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

5. The first case is a case where the number of the plurality of image display areas is less than a predetermined number, The second case is a case where the number of the plurality of image display areas is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

6. the predetermined number is a value corresponding to the physical size of a display surface on which the plurality of image display areas are displayed.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5,

7. The delimited image is not a photographed image but an image containing text.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

8. When the display item is displayed outside the plurality of image display areas, the control means controls the display of the characters outside the plurality of image display areas.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7,

9. The second case is when the delimiter image does not contain any characters.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

10. The image capturing apparatus further includes a determining unit for determining a similarity between two captured images separated by the separating image, The first case is when the similarity determined by the determination means is higher than a certain standard.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

11. The delimiter image has a level set thereto, The second case is when the level of the segmentation image is below a specific level.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

12. The plurality of image display areas are M rectangular areas of a fixed shape that are not in contact with each other.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

13. The number M can be changed by a user operation.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12.

14. an acquisition step of acquiring a captured image; a control step of controlling the plurality of photographed images acquired in the acquisition step to be arranged and displayed in a plurality of image display areas in accordance with the order in which they were photographed; and In the control step, if the images acquired in the acquisition step include a separator image indicating a separator in the shooting order, the separator image is not displayed in the plurality of image display areas, and a display item indicating the separator is displayed in an area outside the plurality of image display areas. A method for controlling an electronic device.

15. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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