Electronic device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of reducing time and effort of a user for confirming an image.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a control unit configured to perform control to display an image stored in a storage unit on a display unit, wherein when a first user operation for switching the image displayed on the display unit is performed in a state where a still image is displayed on the display unit, the control unit switches the image displayed on the display unit from the still image to a moving image, and when the first user operation is performed in a state where the moving image is displayed on the display unit, the control unit switches the image displayed on the display unit from the moving image to the still image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to content display control. [Background technology]

[0002] With improvements in camera shutter speeds and increases in the capacity of recording media, the number of images taken (recorded) has increased, and there are more situations in which users need to select and view an arbitrary image from the many captured images. Selecting an arbitrary image from the many images is a time-consuming task for users. To reduce this time-consuming task, functions have been proposed, such as a function to switch the displayed image to the next image by a predetermined number, or a function to switch the displayed image among multiple images that satisfy predetermined conditions. Patent Document 1 discloses a function to switch the displayed image to the first image in a folder other than the folder containing the image currently being displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-53414 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional functions described above may not reduce the burden on the user. For example, the function disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not reduce the burden on the user when capturing either a still image or a video and then capturing the other, and checking both the still image and the video.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can reduce the effort required by the user to check an image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electronic device of the present invention has a control means for controlling the display unit to display an image stored in a memory unit, and when a first user operation is performed to switch the image to be displayed on the display unit while a still image is displayed on the display unit, the control means switches the image to be displayed on the display unit from the still image to a video, and when a video is displayed on the display unit and the first user operation is performed, the control means switches the image to be displayed on the display unit from the video to a still image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the effort required by the user to check an image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a screen in a single display mode and a screen in a multi-display mode. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of stored data. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of catalog data. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of catalog data processing. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a shooting mode process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a playback mode process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a transition of a current image. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a transition of a current image. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a transition of a current image. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a transition of a current image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 1(A) and 1(B) are external views of a digital camera 100 (image capture device) as an example of an electronic device to which the present invention can be applied. Figure 1(A) is a front perspective view of the digital camera 100, and Figure 1(B) is a rear perspective view of the digital camera 100.

[0010] The display unit 28 is a display unit provided on the back of the digital camera 100, and displays images and various information. The touch panel 70a can detect touch operations on the display surface (touch operation surface) of the display unit 28. The outside-finder display unit 43 is a display unit provided on the top surface of the digital camera 100, and displays various setting values ​​of the digital camera 100, including shutter speed and aperture. The shutter button 61 is an operation member for issuing shooting instructions. The shooting mode selection button 60 is an operation button for switching the set shooting mode between multiple shooting modes in shooting mode. The terminal cover 40 is a cover that protects a connector (not shown) for a connection cable or the like that connects the digital camera 100 to an external device.

[0011] The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary operation member, and by turning the main electronic dial 71, settings such as shutter speed and aperture can be changed. The power switch 72 is an operation member that switches the power of the digital camera 100 on and off. The sub electronic dial 73 is a rotary operation member, and by turning the sub electronic dial 73, the selection frame (cursor) can be moved, images can be forwarded, and the like. The four-way key 74 is configured so that the up, down, left, and right portions can each be pressed, and processing can be performed according to the portion of the four-way key 74 that is pressed. The four-way key 74 has up, down, left, and right buttons that correspond to the up, down, left, and right portions, respectively. The SET button 75 is a push button that is mainly used to confirm a selection item, etc.

[0012] The video button 76 is used to start or stop video shooting (recording). The AE lock button 77 is a push button; pressing the AE lock button 77 in shooting standby mode fixes the exposure. The enlarge button 78 is an operation button for switching the enlargement mode on and off in the live view display (LV display) in shooting mode. By turning the enlargement mode on and operating the main electronic dial 71, the live view image (LV image) can be enlarged or reduced. In playback mode, the enlargement button 78 functions as an operation button for enlarging the playback image or increasing its magnification. The playback button 79 is an operation button for switching between shooting mode and playback mode. Pressing the playback button 79 in shooting mode transitions to playback mode, and the most recent image recorded on the recording medium 200 (described below) can be displayed on the display unit 28. In playback mode, operating the shutter button 61 (halfway or fully) switches to shooting mode. The operating mode may be switched between shooting mode and playback mode by operating a mode selector switch (not shown).

[0013] Menu button 81 is a push button used to perform an instruction operation to display a menu screen, and when menu button 81 is pressed, a menu screen on which various settings can be made is displayed on display unit 28. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on display unit 28, four-way key 74, and SET button 75.

[0014] The communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal through which the digital camera 100 communicates with the lens unit 150 (described later; detachable). The eyepiece 16 is the eyepiece of the eyepiece finder 17 (a peer-in type finder), and the user can access the internal EVF 29 ( The user can view the image displayed on the electronic viewfinder (described later). The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects whether the user (photographer) has placed their eye on the eyepiece 16. The lid 202 is a lid for a slot that stores a recording medium 200 (described later). The grip unit 90 is a holding unit shaped to be easily gripped with the user's right hand when holding the digital camera 100. When the digital camera 100 is held by gripping the grip unit 90 with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand, the shutter button 61 and main electronic dial 71 are positioned so that they can be operated with the index finger of the right hand. In the same state, the sub electronic dial 73 is positioned so that it can be operated with the thumb of the right hand. The thumb rest unit 91 (thumb standby position) is a grip member provided on the back side of the digital camera 100, in a position where it is easy to place the thumb of the right hand when holding the grip unit 90 without operating any of the operation members. The thumb rest unit 91 is made of a rubber member or the like to enhance holding strength (grip feeling).

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a digital camera 100. The lens unit 150 is a lens unit equipped with an interchangeable photographic lens. The lens 103 is usually composed of multiple lenses, but FIG. 2 shows only one lens for simplicity's sake. The communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal through which the lens unit 150 communicates with the digital camera 100, and the communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal through which the digital camera 100 communicates with the lens unit 150. The lens unit 150 communicates with the system controller 50 via these communication terminals 6 and 10. The lens unit 150 controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2 by the internal lens system control circuit 4. The lens unit 150 also adjusts the focus by displacing the position of the lens 103 via the AF drive circuit 3 by the lens system control circuit 4.

[0016] The shutter 101 is a focal plane shutter that can freely control the exposure time of the imaging unit 22 under the control of the system control unit 50.

[0017] The imaging unit 22 is an imaging element (image sensor) configured with a CCD, CMOS element, or the like that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The imaging unit 22 may have an imaging surface phase difference sensor that outputs defocus amount information to the system control unit 50. The A / D converter 23 converts the analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal.

[0018] The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined processing (pixel interpolation, resizing such as reduction, color conversion, etc.) on data from the A / D converter 23 or data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the arithmetic results obtained by the image processing unit 24. This allows for TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, etc. to be performed. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and performs TTL type AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the arithmetic results obtained.

[0019] The memory control unit 15 controls the transmission and reception of data between the A / D converter 23, the image processing unit 24, and the memory 32. The output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15. Alternatively, the output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the memory control unit 15 without going through the image processing unit 24. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, as well as image data to be displayed on the display unit 28 and the EVF 29. The memory 32 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined period of moving images and audio.

[0020] The memory 32 also serves as a memory for displaying images (video memory). The D / A converter 19 converts image data for display stored in memory 32 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 28 or EVF 29. In this way, the image data for display written to memory 32 is displayed on the display unit 28 or EVF 29 via the D / A converter 19. The display unit 28 and EVF 29 are each a display such as an LCD or organic EL, and perform display according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 19. A digital signal that has been A / D converted by the A / D converter 23 and stored in memory 32 is converted into an analog signal in the D / A converter 19, and this is sequentially transferred to and displayed on the display unit 28 or EVF 29, thereby performing a live view display (LV). Hereinafter, an image displayed in live view display will be referred to as a live view image (LV image).

[0021] The system control unit 50 is a control unit made up of at least one processor and / or at least one circuit, and controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 50 is both a processor and a circuit. The system control unit 50 executes programs recorded in nonvolatile memory 56 to realize each process of this embodiment, which will be described later. The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, D / A converter 19, display unit 28, EVF 29, etc.

[0022] The system memory 52 is, for example, a RAM, and the system control unit 50 loads constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 56, and the like into the system memory 52.

[0023] The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as an EEPROM. Constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the system control unit 50 are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56. The programs referred to here are programs for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0024] The system timer 53 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

[0025] The communication unit 54 transmits and receives video signals and audio signals to and from external devices connected wirelessly or via a wired cable. The communication unit 54 can also be connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication unit 54 can also communicate with external devices via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Bluetooth Low Energy. The communication unit 54 can transmit images (including LV images) captured by the imaging unit 22 and images recorded on the recording medium 200, and can receive image data and various other information from external devices.

[0026] The orientation detection unit 55 detects the orientation of the digital camera 100 with respect to the direction of gravity. Based on the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit 55, it is possible to determine whether an image captured by the imaging unit 22 was captured with the digital camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 50 can add orientation information corresponding to the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit 55 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 22, or rotate and record the image. An acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like can be used as the orientation detection unit 55. The acceleration sensor or gyro sensor of the orientation detection unit 55 can also be used to detect movement of the digital camera 100 (panning, tilting, lifting, whether the digital camera 100 is stationary, etc.).

[0027] The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects (approach detection) whether the eye (object) 161 is approaching (approaching) or moving away (moving away) from the eyepiece unit 16 of the eyepiece finder 17 (hereinafter simply referred to as "finder"). The display unit 28 and the EVF 29 are switched between displayed (display state) and hidden (hidden state) depending on the state of the viewfinder 17. More specifically, at least in the shooting standby state and when the display destination switching setting is automatic switching, when the eye is not in focus, the display is turned on as the display unit 28, and the EVF 29 is hidden. Also, when the eye is in focus, the display is turned on as the display unit 28, and the display is hidden as the display unit 29. The eyepiece detection unit 57 can be, for example, an infrared proximity sensor, which can detect the approach of an object to the eyepiece 16 of the viewfinder 17 incorporating the EVF 29. When an object approaches, infrared light emitted from a light-emitting unit (not shown) of the eyepiece detection unit 57 is reflected by the object and received by a light-receiving unit (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. The amount of received infrared light can also be used to determine the distance the object is approaching the eyepiece 16 (eyepiece distance). In this way, the eyepiece detection unit 57 performs eyepiece detection, which detects the proximity of an object to the eyepiece 16. When an object is detected approaching within a predetermined distance from the eyepiece unit 16 from a non-eyepiece state (non-approaching state), it is detected that the eye has been placed in contact with the object. When an object that was detected as approaching from the eyepiece state (approaching state) moves away by more than a predetermined distance, it is detected that the eye has been removed. The threshold for detecting eye placement and the threshold for detecting eye removal may be different, for example, by providing hysteresis. Furthermore, after detecting eye placement, the eye placement state is maintained until eye removal is detected. After detecting eye removal, the eye placement state is maintained until eye placement is detected. Note that the infrared proximity sensor is just one example, and other sensors that can detect a state that can be considered as eye placement may be used for the eye placement detection unit 57.

[0028] Various camera settings such as shutter speed and aperture are displayed on the outside viewfinder display 43 via an outside viewfinder display drive circuit 44 .

[0029] The power supply control unit 80 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching between powered blocks, etc., and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery power. The power supply control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, and supplies the required voltage for the required period to each unit, including the recording medium 200. The power supply unit 30 is composed of primary batteries such as alkaline batteries or lithium batteries, secondary batteries such as NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries, or lithium-ion batteries, an AC adapter, etc.

[0030] The recording medium I / F 18 is an interface with a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0031] The operation unit 70 is an input unit that accepts operations from the user (user operations) and is used to input various operational instructions to the system control unit 50. As shown in Fig. 2, the operation unit 70 includes a shutter button 61, a shooting mode selection button 60, a power switch 72, a touch panel 70a, other operation members 70b, etc. The other operation members 70b include a main electronic dial 71, a sub electronic dial 73, a four-way key 74, a SET button 75, a video button 76, an AE lock button 77, a magnification button 78, a playback button 79, a menu button 81, etc.

[0032] The shutter button 61 is equipped with a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter switch 64. The first shutter switch 62 is turned on when the shutter button 61 is pressed halfway (a shooting preparation command) during operation, and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The system control unit 50 starts shooting preparation operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1. The second shutter switch 64 is turned on when the shutter button 61 is pressed fully (a shooting command) and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. The system control unit 50 starts shooting preparation operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1. The second shutter switch 64 is turned on when the shutter button 61 is pressed fully (a shooting command) during operation, and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. By turning on signal SW2, a series of operations for the photographing process, from reading out a signal from the image pickup unit 22 to writing the photographed image to the recording medium 200 as an image file, is started.

[0033] The shooting mode selection button 60 can switch the shooting mode of the digital camera 100 in shooting mode. In shooting mode, the system control unit 50 sequentially switches the set shooting mode among multiple shooting modes each time the shooting mode selection button 60 is operated (depressed). The multiple shooting modes include auto shooting mode, auto scene determination mode, manual mode, aperture priority mode (Av mode), shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and program AE mode (P mode). There are also various scene modes and custom modes that provide shooting settings for specific shooting scenes. The shooting mode selection button 60 allows the user to directly switch to one of these modes. Alternatively, after switching to a shooting mode list screen using the shooting mode selection button 60, the user may selectively switch to one of the displayed multiple modes using other operating members. Furthermore, the set shooting mode may be switched between still image shooting mode and video shooting mode in response to operation of the shooting mode selection button 60. In still image shooting mode, a still image is recorded in response to operation of the shutter button 61, and in video shooting mode, video recording is started or stopped in response to operation of the shutter button 61.

[0034] The touch panel 70a is a touch sensor that detects various touch operations on the display surface of the display unit 28 (the operation surface of the touch panel 70a). The touch panel 70a and the display unit 28 can be configured as an integrated unit. For example, the touch panel 70a is configured so that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 28, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 28. Input coordinates on the touch panel 70a are associated with display coordinates on the display surface of the display unit 28. This makes it possible to provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows the user to directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 28.

[0035] The gaze detection block 160 (eye tracking unit, eye tracker) is a block for detecting the gaze of a user who has placed their eye in the eyepiece unit 16, whether they are looking at the EVF 29, and if so, where they are looking. The gaze detection block 160 includes a dichroic mirror 162, an imaging lens 163, a gaze detection sensor 164, an infrared light emitting diode 166, and a gaze detection circuit 165.

[0036] The infrared light emitting diode 166 is a light emitting element that emits infrared light onto the user's eyeball (eye) 161 placed in the eyepiece 16. The infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting diode 166 is reflected by the eyeball (eye) 161, and the reflected infrared light reaches the dichroic mirror 162. The dichroic mirror 162 reflects only the infrared light and transmits visible light. The reflected infrared light, whose optical path has been changed, forms an image on the imaging surface of the line of sight detection sensor 164 via the imaging lens 163. The imaging lens 163 is an optical component that constitutes the line of sight detection optical system. The line of sight detection sensor 164 is composed of an imaging device such as a CCD image sensor. The line of sight detection sensor 164 photoelectrically converts the incident reflected infrared light into an electrical signal and outputs it to the line of sight detection circuit 165. The gaze detection circuit 165 includes at least one processor, and detects the gaze position of the user from the image or movement of the user's eyeball (eye) 161 based on the output signal of the gaze detection sensor 164, and outputs the detected information to the system control unit 50.

[0037] In this embodiment, the gaze detection block 160 is used to detect the gaze by a method called the corneal reflex method. The corneal reflex method is a method for detecting the direction and position of the gaze from the positional relationship between the light reflected by the eyeball (eye) 161 (particularly the cornea) of infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting diode 166 and the pupil of the eyeball (eye) 161. In addition to this, there are various other methods for detecting the direction and position of the gaze, such as a method called the scleral reflex method, which utilizes the difference in light reflectance between the black and white of the eye. Note that gaze detection methods other than those mentioned above may be used as long as they can detect the direction and position of the gaze. In the present embodiment, the light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit of eye proximity detection unit 57 have been described as being separate devices from the infrared light-emitting diode 166 and the line-of-sight detection sensor 164. However, this is not limitative, and the infrared light-emitting diode 166 may also serve as the light-emitting unit of eye proximity detection unit 57, and the line-of-sight detection sensor 164 may also serve as the light-receiving unit.

[0038] The system control unit 50 can detect the following operations or states based on the output from the line-of-sight detection block 160. The gaze of the user who has placed his / her eye on the eyepiece unit 16 is newly input (detected). In other words, gaze input has started. A state in which there is gaze input from a user who has placed an eyepiece 16 in front of the eye. A state in which a user is gazing at the eyepiece 16. The user who has placed his / her eye on the eyepiece unit 16 moves his / her gaze away from the eyepiece unit 16. In other words, the end of the gaze input. A state in which the user has placed their eye on the eyepiece 16 but is not inputting any gaze.

[0039] The term "gazing" as used herein means that the user continues to look at approximately the same position for a certain period of time. In determining whether or not a user is gazing, for example, a determination is made that the user is gazing if the user's gaze position does not exceed a predetermined amount of movement for a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 0.5 seconds). The predetermined period of time may be user-settable, a fixed period of time, or a period that varies depending on the distance between the previous and current gaze positions. For example, the system control unit 50 determines that the user is gazing if the duration of a state in which the user's gaze is detected at approximately the same position (no gaze movement state) exceeds a predetermined period of time (threshold period) based on detection information acquired from the gaze detection circuit 165. Furthermore, the system control unit 50 determines that the user is gazing if, for example, the average position of the gaze detection position over a short period of time (≦the aforementioned threshold period) including the most recent detection timing falls within a predetermined range and the variance (dispersion) is less than a predetermined value.

[0040] In this embodiment, the set playback mode can be switched between multiple playback modes, including single-display mode and multi-display mode, in response to an operation on the operation unit 70 (for example, an operation on the shooting mode selection button 60 in playback mode). FIGS. 3A and 3B show an example of a screen in single-display mode, and FIGS. 3C and 3D show an example of a screen in multi-display mode. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in single-display mode, only one image is displayed on the display unit 28 as the current image. FIG. 3A shows a case where a moving image is displayed, and FIG. 3B shows a case where a still image is displayed. As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, in multi-display mode, multiple images are displayed on the display unit 28 at the same time. In multi-display mode, both still images and moving images are displayed at the same time, only still images are displayed, or only moving images are displayed. FIG. 3C shows a case where both still images and moving images are displayed, and FIG. 3D shows a case where only still images are displayed. One of the multiple displayed images is selected as the current image, and a selection frame 300 is displayed around the current image. Although four images are displayed in FIGS. 3(C) and 3(D), the number of images that can be displayed at one time in the multi-display mode is not particularly limited.

[0041] Fig. 4 shows an example of data stored on the recording medium 200 of the digital camera 100. Note that the file names and file formats shown in Fig. 4 are merely examples, and the file names and file formats of the stored images are not particularly limited.

[0042] 4, a DCIM folder is stored in the recording medium 200. The DCIM folder contains a 100CANON folder, a 101CANON folder, and a 102CANON folder, and still images can be stored in these folders. Even if the still images stored in the ON folder, 101CANON folder, and 102CANON folder have the same file name, they are treated as separate images (separate files). For example, IMG_0001.JPG stored in the 100CANON folder is treated as 100-IMG_0001.JPG. IMG_0001.JPG stored in the 101CANON folder is treated as 101-IMG_0001.JPG. And IMG_0001.JPG stored in the 102CANON folder is treated as 102-IMG_0001.JPG. Note that the number of folders that can store still images can be increased or decreased. For example, a folder with a name combining a three-digit number and the string "CANON" is created in the DCIM folder to store still images.

[0043] The DCIM folder also contains the CANONMSC folder. The CANONMSC folder within the DCIM folder contains 100CANON.CTG, 101CANON.CTG, and 102CANON.CTG. 100CANON.CTG is the catalog data for the 100CANON folder, 101CANON.CTG is the catalog data for the 101CANON folder, and 102CANON.CTG is the catalog data for the 102CANON folder. The catalog data is list data that manages the images stored in the corresponding folder and includes information about those images.

[0044] The recording medium 200 also stores an XFVC folder. The XFVC folder contains a REEL_0001 folder and a REEL_0002 folder, and these folders can store MP4 videos. The XFVC folder also contains a CANONMSC folder. The CANONMSC folder in the XFVC folder stores XFVC.CTG, which is catalog data for the XFVC folder. XFVC.CTG may include information about videos stored in all REEL folders in the XFVC folder, or may include information about videos stored only in some of the REEL folders in the XFVC folder. For example, XFVC.CTG may include information about videos stored in both the REEL_0001 folder in the XFVC folder and the REEL_0002 folder in the XFVC folder. XFVC.CTG may include information about videos stored in only one of the REEL_0001 folder in the XFVC folder and the REEL_0002 folder in the XFVC folder. The number of folders that can store MP4 videos can be increased or decreased.

[0045] The recording medium 200 also stores a CRM folder. The CRM folder stores a REEL_0001 folder and a REEL_0002 folder, and these folders can store CRM videos. The CRM folder also stores a CANONMSC folder. The CANONMSC folder within the CRM folder stores CRM.CTG, which is catalog data for the CRM folder. CRM.CTG may contain information about videos stored in all REEL folders within the CRM folder, or may contain information about videos stored only in some of the REEL folders within the CRM folder. Note that the number of folders that can store CRM videos can be increased or decreased.

[0046] 5 shows an example of catalog data. For example, the system control unit 50 obtains information about images (still images or videos) in a folder and creates or updates a CTG file, which is catalog data. The system control unit 50 can obtain information about the images in the folder by reading the CTG file.

[0047] The catalog data stores information such as the file number (FileNo), the file creation date and time (Data), the file recording format (FileFormat), etc. Note that the information stored in the catalog data is not particularly limited.

[0048] Figure 5 shows XFVC.CTG 501, CRM.CTG 502, 100CANON.CTG 503, 101CANON.CTG 504, and 102CANON.CTG 505. For example, in CRM.CTG 502, the information for File No. 200 is the information for CANON_200.CRM stored in REEL_0002 in the CRM folder in Figure 4. In 100CANON.CTG 503, the information for File No. 1 is the information for 100-IMG_0001.JPG (IMG_0001.JPG stored in the 100CANON folder).

[0049] Fig. 6(A) is a flowchart showing an example of catalog data processing performed in digital camera 100. The catalog data processing of Fig. 6(A) is realized by system control unit 50 expanding a program stored in non-volatile memory 56 into system memory 52 and executing it. The timing for executing the catalog data processing of Fig. 6(A) will be described later.

[0050] In S601, the system control unit 50 performs a catalog data creation process. In S602, the system control unit 50 performs a catalog data reading process. In S603, the system control unit 50 performs a catalog data update process.

[0051] FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing an example of the catalog data creation process performed in S601 of FIG. 6A.

[0052] In S611, if still images are stored in the DCIM folder, the system control unit 50 creates one or more catalog data corresponding to one or more still image folders (folders capable of storing still images) stored in the DCIM folder. For example, 100CANON.CTG503, 101CANON.CTG504, and 102CANON.CTG505 in FIG. 5 are created.

[0053] In S612, if a video is stored in the XFVC folder, the system control unit 50 creates catalog data for the XFVC folder. For example, XFVC.CTG501 in FIG. 5 is created.

[0054] In S613, if a video is stored in the CRM folder, the system control unit 50 creates catalog data for the CRM folder. For example, CRM.CTG502 in FIG. 5 is created.

[0055] In steps S611 and S612, if catalog data with the same name as the catalog data to be created exists, the creation of the catalog data is not executed.

[0056] FIG. 6C is a flowchart showing an example of the catalog data reading process performed in S602 of FIG. 6A.

[0057] In S621, the system control unit 50 reads all catalog data stored in the DCIM folder (the CANONMSC folder within the DCIM folder) and expands it as one still image group catalog data in the memory 32. This results in, for example, catalog data 512 in Fig. 5 being obtained. Catalog data 512 has a configuration in which 100CANON.CTG 503, 101CANON.CTG 504, and 102CANON.CTG 505 are connected in that order.

[0058] In S622, the system control unit 50 reads the XFVC folder (the CA It reads the catalog data stored in the NONMSC folder and expands it to memory 32.

[0059] In S623, the system control unit 50 reads the catalog data stored in the CRM folder (the CANONMSC folder in the CRM folder) and expands it in the memory 32.

[0060] In S624, the system control unit 50 combines the two catalog data expanded in S622 and S623 into one video group catalog data. Videos are stored in the XFVC folder and CRM folder so that file names (File No.) do not overlap. In S624, catalog data in which video information is sorted in File No. order is obtained. For example, catalog data 511 in FIG. 5 is obtained.

[0061] FIG. 6D is a flowchart showing an example of the catalog data update process performed in S603 of FIG. 6A.

[0062] In S631, the system control unit 50 determines whether there is a difference between the still image indicated by the catalog data stored in the DCIM folder and the still image stored in the DCIM folder. If there is a difference, the process proceeds to S532; if not, the process proceeds to S633.

[0063] In S632, the system control unit 50 updates the catalog data extracted in S621 of FIG. 6C with the catalog data stored in the DCIM folder for which a difference was detected in S631.

[0064] In S633, the system control unit 50 determines whether there is a difference between the MP4 video indicated by the catalog data stored in the XFVC folder and the MP4 video stored in the XFVC folder. If there is a difference, proceed to S634; if not, proceed to S635.

[0065] In S634, the system control unit 50 updates the catalog data expanded in S622 of FIG. 6C and the catalog data stored in the XFVC folder.

[0066] In S635, the system control unit 50 determines whether there is a difference between the CRM video indicated by the catalog data stored in the CRM folder and the MP4 video stored in the CRM folder. If there is a difference, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S636; if not, the system control unit 50 ends the catalog data update process of FIG. 6(D).

[0067] In S636, the system control unit 50 updates the catalog data expanded in S623 of FIG. 6C and the catalog data stored in the CRM folder.

[0068] Fig. 7(A) is a flowchart showing an example of the shooting mode processing performed in the digital camera 100. The shooting mode processing of Fig. 7(A) is realized by the system control unit 50 loading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. For example, when the shooting mode is set, the system control unit 50 starts the shooting mode processing of Fig. 7(A).

[0069] In S701, system control unit 50 executes the catalog data processing shown in Fig. 6A. Note that the timing for executing catalog data processing is not limited to this, and for example, catalog data processing may be executed when the playback mode is set or when digital camera 100 is started up.

[0070] In S702, the system control unit 50 receives a command to shoot a still image when the shutter button 61 is operated. If an instruction to perform still image shooting has been issued, the process proceeds to S703, and if not, the process proceeds to S704.

[0071] In S703, the system control unit 50 performs a still image capturing process, the details of which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0072] In S704, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the video button 76 has been operated to instruct execution of video shooting. If execution of video shooting has been instructed, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S705, and if not, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S706.

[0073] In S705, the system control unit 50 performs a moving image shooting process, the details of which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0074] In S706, the system control unit 50 determines whether the termination condition for the shooting mode process in Fig. 7A has been met. If the termination condition has been met, the shooting mode process ends; if not, the process proceeds to S702. The termination condition is, for example, a condition in which an instruction to turn off the power to the digital camera 100 has been issued, or a condition in which an instruction to cancel the shooting mode setting (switch to another mode such as playback mode) has been issued.

[0075] FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing an example of the still image capturing process performed in S703 of FIG.

[0076] In S711, the system control unit 50 controls the imaging unit 22, the image processing unit 24, etc. to capture and develop a still image. Note that image processing other than development may also be performed.

[0077] In S712, the system control unit 50 performs a still image saving process to save the still image obtained in S711. Details of the still image saving process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0078] In S713, the system control unit 50 performs the catalog data update process shown in FIG. 6(D).

[0079] FIG. 7C is a flowchart showing an example of the moving image shooting process performed in S705 of FIG. 7A.

[0080] In S721, the system control unit 50 controls the imaging unit 22, the image processing unit 24, etc. to capture and develop a moving image. Note that image processing other than development may also be performed.

[0081] In S722, the system control unit 50 performs a moving image saving process to save the moving image obtained in S721. Details of the moving image saving process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0082] In S723, the system control unit 50 performs the catalog data update process of FIG. 6(D).

[0083] FIG. 7D is a flowchart showing an example of the still image saving process performed in S712 of FIG. 7B.

[0084] In S731, the system control unit 50 acquires a number that can uniquely identify the recording medium (e.g., recording medium 200) on which the still image is recorded (saved). In this embodiment, multiple recording media can be connected to the digital camera 100, and the still image is recorded on the recording medium with the number acquired in S731.

[0085] In S732, the system control unit 50 selects a folder for recording still images (DCIM folder The system control unit 50 acquires information about the current folder, which is a still image folder (a folder in which still images can be stored) within the current folder. The information about the current folder is the folder number, which is the number used in the name of the current folder. The system control unit 50 selects, for example, the most recent still image folder or a still image folder selected by the user as the current folder. There is an upper limit to the number of still images that can be stored in a still image folder, and if the number of still images stored in the current folder has reached this limit, the system control unit 50 creates a new still image folder and selects it as the current folder.

[0086] In S733, the system control unit 50 determines the file number of the still image to be recorded. For example, the system control unit 50 determines the file number of the still image to be recorded to be a number obtained by adding 1 to the file number of the most recent still image stored in the current folder.

[0087] In S734, the system control unit 50 records the still image in the current folder in the recording medium (in this embodiment, recording medium 200) corresponding to the information obtained in S731, with the file name having the file number determined in S733.

[0088] In S735, the system control unit 50 sets the still image recorded in S734 as the image to be displayed first in the playback mode. If an image to be displayed first in the playback mode has been set, the image to be displayed first in the playback mode is updated.

[0089] FIG. 7E is a flowchart showing an example of the video saving process performed in S722 of FIG. 7C.

[0090] In S741, the system control unit 50 acquires a number that can uniquely identify the recording medium (for example, the recording medium 200) that records (saves) the moving image.

[0091] In S742, the system control unit 50 determines the file number of the video to be recorded. For example, the system control unit 50 determines the file number of the video to be recorded to be a number obtained by adding 1 to the file number of the newest video among the group of videos that includes the video stored in the CRM folder and the video stored in the XFVC folder.

[0092] In S743, the system control unit 50 determines the number of the REEL folder (the REEL folder in the CRM folder or XFVC folder) in which to record the video. The REEL folder number is the folder number (REEL number) used in the name of the REEL folder. The system control unit 50 selects, for example, the most recent REEL folder in the CRM folder or XFVC folder to be used, or a REEL folder selected by the user, as the REEL folder in which to record the video.

[0093] In S744, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not to record a CRM video. If a CRM video is to be recorded, the process proceeds to S745; if not (if an MP4 video is to be recorded), the process proceeds to S746. For example, the system control unit 50 selects (switches) the video file format in response to an instruction from the user, and records the video in the selected file format.

[0094] In S745, the system control unit 50 determines the REEL folder in the CRM folder with the number acquired in S743 as the REEL folder in which to record the video.

[0095] In S746, the system control unit 50 determines the REEL folder in the XFVC folder with the number acquired in S743 as the REEL folder in which to record the moving image.

[0096] In S747, the system control unit 50 transfers the moving image to the file with the file number determined in S742. The file name is stored in the REEL folder determined in S745 or S746 in the recording medium (recording medium 200 in this embodiment) corresponding to the information acquired in S741.

[0097] In S748, the system control unit 50 sets the video recorded in S747 as the image to be displayed first in the playback mode. If an image to be displayed first in the playback mode has been set, the image to be displayed first in the playback mode is updated.

[0098] Fig. 8(A) is a flowchart showing an example of playback mode processing performed in digital camera 100. The playback mode processing of Fig. 8(A) is realized by system control unit 50 loading a program stored in nonvolatile memory 56 into system memory 52 and executing it. For example, when playback mode is set, system control unit 50 starts the playback mode processing of Fig. 8(A).

[0099] In S801, the system control unit 50 executes the catalog data processing of FIG. 6(A).

[0100] In S802, the system control unit 50 combines the still image group catalog data and the moving image group catalog data expanded in the memory 32 into one piece of playback catalog data. The playback catalog data indicates information about images in a predetermined playback order in the digital camera 100. Note that the timing for executing the process of S802 is not limited to this; for example, the process of S802 may be executed when the digital camera 100 is started up.

[0101] In S802, for example, catalog data 520 in FIG. 5 is obtained as playback catalog data. Catalog data 520 has a configuration in which moving image group catalog data is connected to still image group catalog data. Therefore, in catalog data 520, information on moving image groups stored in multiple moving image folders is arranged in a certain order, followed by information on still image groups stored in multiple still image folders, also in a certain order. The moving image folders are folders that can store moving images, such as the REEL folder described above. The still image folders are folders that can store still images, such as the 100CANON folder, 101CANON folder, and 102CANON folder described above.

[0102] Note that catalog data 520 may have a configuration in which still image group catalog data is linked before moving image group catalog data. In other words, in catalog data 520, information on image groups (moving images) stored in multiple moving image folders may be arranged in a certain order, and information on image groups (still images) stored in multiple still image folders may be arranged in a certain order before that.

[0103] In S803, the system control unit 50 determines whether an image to be displayed first in playback mode has been set. If an image to be displayed first in playback mode has been set, the process proceeds to S804; if not, the process proceeds to S805. If a still image or video is captured, the image to be displayed first in playback mode is set in S735 of FIG. 7(D) or S748 of FIG. 7(E). Thereafter, unless the image to be displayed first in playback mode is deleted, it is determined that the image to be displayed first in playback mode has been set. The setting of the image to be displayed first in playback mode may be canceled by initialization processing when the digital camera 100 is started up.

[0104] In S804, the system control unit 50 obtains from the recording medium 200 the image that has been set as the image to be displayed first in the playback mode as the current image.

[0105] In S805, the system control unit 50 acquires from the recording medium 200 the image that was last shown in the playback catalog data obtained in S802 as the current image.

[0106] In S806, the system control unit 50 determines whether the set playback mode is the multi-display mode. If it is the multi-display mode, the process proceeds to S807, and if not (if it is the single-display mode), the process proceeds to S808.

[0107] In S807, the system control unit 50 displays a screen in multi-display mode on which multiple images including the current image acquired in S804 or S805 are arranged on the display unit 28. Of the multiple images to be displayed, images other than the current image may be acquired in S804 or S805, or may be acquired in S807.

[0108] In S808, the system control unit 50 displays on the display unit 28 a screen in single display mode on which the current image acquired in S804 or S805 is arranged.

[0109] In S809, the system control unit 50 determines whether the main electronic dial 71 has been operated to instruct image jump forward. If image jump forward has been instructed, the process proceeds to S810; if not, the process proceeds to S811. Image jump forward is a function that switches the current image to an image that satisfies a specific condition. The specific condition may be a condition predetermined by the manufacturer or a condition specified by the user. The specific condition may be, for example, a condition that the image is in a folder other than the folder containing the currently displayed current image, as in the condition described in Patent Document 1. The condition may be such that the current image is switched only between multiple still images, or such that the current image is switched only between multiple moving images.

[0110] In S810, the system control unit 50 performs image jump forward processing, the details of which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0111] In S811, the system control unit 50 determines whether the shooting mode selection button 60 has been operated to instruct switching between still images and videos. Switching between still images and videos means switching the current image from a still image to a video, or from a video to a still image. If switching between a still image and a video has been instructed, the process proceeds to S812; otherwise, the process proceeds to S813. The shooting mode selection button 60 is a button for switching between shooting modes. However, since switching between shooting modes is not necessary in playback mode, in this embodiment, the shooting mode selection button 60 functions as a button for instructing switching between still images and videos in playback mode.

[0112] In S812, the system control unit 50 performs a process of switching between still images and moving images. Details of the process of switching between still images and moving images will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0113] In S813, the system control unit 50 determines whether the right button or the left button of the four-way key 74 has been operated to instruct moving forward one image or moving back one image. Moving forward one image is instructed by operating the right button, and moving back one image is instructed by operating the left button. If moving forward one image or moving back one image has been instructed, the process proceeds to S814; otherwise, the process proceeds to S815.

[0114] In S814, the system control unit 50 acquires from the recording medium 200 the image immediately following or immediately preceding the current image displayed on the display unit 28 in the playback order indicated by the playback catalog data as the new current image. In the case of one image forward, the image immediately following the current image displayed on the display unit 28 is acquired as the new current image, and in the case of one image backward, the image immediately preceding the current image displayed on the display unit 28 is acquired as the new current image. When one image forward or one image backward is repeatedly instructed, the current image is switched in the playback order indicated by the playback catalog data. Note that playback The image immediately following the last image shown in the raw catalog data is the first image shown in the reproduced catalog data, and the image immediately preceding the first image shown in the reproduced catalog data is the last image shown in the reproduced catalog data.

[0115] In S815, the system control unit 50 displays the current image acquired in S814 on the display unit 28. In the multi-display mode, images other than the current image to be displayed may also be switched in response to switching of the current image.

[0116] In S816, the system control unit 50 determines whether the termination condition for the playback mode process in Fig. 8A has been met. If the termination condition has been met, the playback mode process ends; if not, the process proceeds to S806. The termination condition is, for example, a condition that an instruction to turn off the power to the digital camera 100 has been issued, or a condition that an instruction to cancel the playback mode setting (switch to another mode such as shooting mode) has been issued.

[0117] FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing an example of the image jump process performed in S810 of FIG. 8A.

[0118] In S821, the system control unit 50 determines whether catalog data is being expanded (written) into the memory 32 or whether the catalog data expanded in the memory 32 is being updated. If catalog data is being expanded or updated, the image jump process of FIG. 8B ends; otherwise, the process proceeds to S822.

[0119] In S822, the system control unit 50 acquires a setting value for image jump forwarding. The setting value is, for example, a value designated by the user to specify the conditions for image jump forwarding.

[0120] In S823, the system control unit 50 sets a condition (filtering condition) for searching for a new current in accordance with the setting value acquired in S822.

[0121] In S824, the system control unit 50 refers to the playback catalog data and acquires from the recording medium 200 an image that satisfies the filter conditions set in S823 as a new current image.

[0122] In S825, the system control unit 50 displays the current image acquired in S824 on the display unit .

[0123] In S826, the system control unit 50 displays notification information indicating the completion of image jump forwarding on the display unit 28 for a predetermined period of time.

[0124] FIG. 8C is a flowchart showing an example of the still image / moving image switching process performed in S812 of FIG. 8A.

[0125] In S831, the system control unit 50 determines whether the current image displayed on the display unit 28 is a still image in the DCIM folder. If the current image is a still image, the process proceeds to S832, and if not (if the current image is a moving image), the process proceeds to S833.

[0126] In S832, the system control unit 50 performs a process of switching from a still image to a moving image. Details of the process of switching from a still image to a moving image will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0127] In S833, the system control unit 50 performs a process of switching from a moving image to a still image. The process of switching to a still image will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

[0128] FIG. 8D is a flowchart showing an example of the still image to video switching process performed in S832 of FIG. 8C.

[0129] In S841, the system control unit 50 refers to the playback catalog data and determines whether or not a video is stored on the recording medium 200. If a video is stored, the process proceeds to S842; if not, the process proceeds to S846.

[0130] In S842, the system control unit 50 determines whether catalog data is being expanded (written) into the memory 32 or whether the catalog data expanded in the memory 32 is being updated. If catalog data is being expanded or updated, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S846, and if not, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S843.

[0131] In S843, the system control unit 50 sets a condition (filtering condition) that the video is the last video shown in the group of videos shown in the playback catalog data. Note that the filtering condition is not limited to this. Other examples of filtering conditions will be described later.

[0132] In S844, the system control unit 50 refers to the playback catalog data and acquires a video that satisfies the filter conditions set in S843 as a new current image from the recording medium 200. When referring to the catalog data 520 in Fig. 5, CANON_200.CRM is acquired as the new current image.

[0133] In S845, the system control unit 50 displays the current image acquired in S844 on the display unit .

[0134] In S846, the system control unit 50 displays predetermined notification information for a predetermined time on the display unit 28. If the processes of S843 to S845 have been performed, notification information indicating that the current image has been switched is displayed; otherwise, notification information indicating that the current image could not be switched is displayed.

[0135] FIG. 8E is a flowchart showing an example of the process of switching from a moving image to a still image performed in S833 of FIG. 8C.

[0136] In S851, the system control unit 50 refers to the playback catalog data and determines whether or not a still image is stored on the recording medium 200. If a still image is stored, the process proceeds to S852; if not, the process proceeds to S856.

[0137] In S852, the system control unit 50 determines whether catalog data is being expanded (written) into the memory 32 or whether the catalog data expanded in the memory 32 is being updated. If catalog data is being expanded or updated, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S856, and if not, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S853.

[0138] In S853, the system control unit 50 sets a condition (filtering condition) that the still image is the last one of the still images shown in the playback catalog data. Note that the filtering condition is not limited to this. Other examples of filtering conditions will be described later. Filtering conditions for switching from a video to a still image may be set differently from filtering conditions for switching from a still image to a video.

[0139] In S854, the system control unit 50 refers to the playback catalog data and A still image that satisfies the specified filter conditions is acquired as a new current image from the recording medium 200. When the catalog data 520 in Fig. 5 is referenced, 102-IMG_0003.JPG is acquired as the new current image.

[0140] In S855, the system control unit 50 displays the current image acquired in S854 on the display unit .

[0141] In S856, the system control unit 50 displays predetermined notification information for a predetermined time on the display unit 28. If the processes of S853 to S855 have been performed, notification information indicating that the current image has been switched is displayed; otherwise, notification information indicating that the current image could not be switched is displayed.

[0142] FIG. 9A shows an example of switching the current image from a still image to a video when the filter condition set in S832 of FIG. 8C (S843 of FIG. 8D) is that the current image is the last video displayed among the group of videos displayed in the playback catalog data. In FIG. 9A, the last video displayed is CANON_200.CRM. Therefore, as shown by the arrow, if the current image is 102-IMG_0002.JPG, the processing of S832 of FIG. 8C (S844 of FIG. 8D) switches the current image to CANON_200.CRM. Note that regardless of which of the group of still images surrounded by dashed lines is the current image, the processing of S832 of FIG. 8C switches the current image to CANON_200.CRM.

[0143] FIG. 9B shows an example of switching the current image from a video to a still image when the filter condition set in S833 of FIG. 8C (S853 of FIG. 8E) is that the current image must be the last still image in the group of still images shown in the playback catalog data. In FIG. 9B, the last still image is 102-IMG_0003.JPG. Therefore, as indicated by the arrow, if the current image is CANON_099.MP4, the current image is switched to 102-IMG_0003.JPG by the processing in S833 of FIG. 8C (S854 of FIG. 8E). Note that regardless of which of the video images surrounded by the dashed line is the current image, the current image is switched to 102-IMG_0003.JPG by the processing in S833 of FIG. 8C.

[0144] FIG. 10A shows an example of switching the current image from a still image to a video when the filter condition set in S832 of FIG. 8C (S843 of FIG. 8D) is that the video is the most recently generated video among the videos listed in the playback catalog data. The most recently generated video may be interpreted as the video with the most recent shooting date and time. In FIG. 10A, the most recently generated video is CANON_200.CRM. Therefore, as indicated by the arrow, if the current image is 102-IMG_0001.JPG, the processing in S832 of FIG. 8C (S844 of FIG. 8D) switches the current image to CANON_200.CRM. Note that regardless of which of the still images surrounded by the dashed line is the current image, the processing in S832 of FIG. 8C switches the current image to CANON_200.CRM.

[0145] FIG. 10B shows an example of switching the current image from a video to a still image when the filter condition set in S833 of FIG. 8C (S853 of FIG. 8E) is that the current image is the most recently generated still image among the still images listed in the playback catalog data. The most recently generated still image may be interpreted as the still image with the most recent shooting date and time. In FIG. 10B, the most recently generated still image is 101-IMG_0100.JPG. Therefore, as shown by the arrow, if the current image is CANON_002.CRM, the current image will be 101-IMG_0100 by the processing in S833 of FIG. 8C (S854 of FIG. 8E). It should be noted that, regardless of which of the moving images surrounded by the dashed lines is the current image, the current image is switched to 101-IMG_0100.JPG by the processing of S833 in FIG.

[0146] FIG. 11 shows an example of switching the current image from a video to a still image when the filter condition set in S833 of FIG. 8C (S853 of FIG. 8E) is that the current image is the most recently generated still image among the group of still images stored in the current folder. In FIG. 11, the current folder is the 100CANON folder, and the most recently generated still image among the group of still images stored in the current folder is 100-IMG_9999.JPG. Therefore, as indicated by the arrow, if the current image is CANON_002.CRM, the processing in S833 of FIG. 8C (S854 of FIG. 8E) switches the current image to 100-IMG_9999.JPG. Note that regardless of which of the video images surrounded by the dashed line is the current image, the processing in S833 of FIG. 8C switches the current image to 100-IMG_9999.JPG.

[0147] In this embodiment, one of the multiple still image folders is selected as the current folder, but one of the multiple video folders may also be selected as the current folder. In that case, the filter condition set in S833 of Fig. 8(C) (S853 of Fig. 8(E)) may be that the video is the last generated video among the group of videos stored in the current folder.

[0148] Figure 12 shows an example of the transition of the current image. In Figure 12, the filter condition set in S832 of Figure 8(C) (S843 of Figure 8(D)) is that the current image is the last displayed moving image among the moving images shown in the playback catalog data. The filter condition set in S833 of Figure 8(C) (S853 of Figure 8(E)) is that the current image is the last displayed still image among the still images shown in the playback catalog data. The last displayed still image is 102-IMG_0003.JPG.

[0149] Suppose the shooting mode selection button 60 is pressed when the current image is CANON_004.MP4. In this case, as indicated by arrow 1201, the current image is switched to 102-IMG_0003.JPG by the processing of S833 in FIG. 8C (S854 in FIG. 8E). At this time, the system control unit 50 stores information about CANON_004.MP4, which is the current image before the switch (the last displayed moving image), in the memory 32.

[0150] Next, assume that the shooting mode selection button 60 is pressed when the current image is 102-IMG_0003.JPG. In this case, the information stored in memory 32 is referenced by the processing of S832 in FIG. 8C (S844 in FIG. 8D), and the current image is switched to CANON_004.MP4, as indicated by arrow 1202. Note that regardless of which of the still images surrounded by the dashed line is the current image, the current image is switched to CANON_004.MP4 by the processing of S832 in FIG. 8C.

[0151] Next, suppose that when the current image is CANON_004.MP4, the left button of the four-way key 74 is pressed, switching the current image to CANON_003.MP4 (going back one image), as indicated by arrow 1203. Thereafter, suppose that when the current image is CANON_003.MP4, the shooting mode selection button 60 is pressed. In this case, as indicated by arrow 1204, the current image is switched to 102-IMG_0003.JPG by the processing of S833 in FIG. 8C (S854 in FIG. 8E). At this time, the system control unit 50 stores in the memory 32 information about CANON_003.MP4, which is the current image before the switch (the last displayed moving image).

[0152] The process of switching the current image to another moving image before the shooting mode selection button 60 is pressed may be a process of advancing one image at a time, or a process of jumping between images.

[0153] Next, assume that the shooting mode selection button 60 is pressed when the current image is 102-IMG_0003.JPG. In this case, the information stored in memory 32 is referenced by the processing of S832 in FIG. 8C (S844 in FIG. 8D), and the current image is switched to CANON_003.MP4, as indicated by arrow 1205. Note that regardless of which of the still images surrounded by the dashed line is the current image, the current image is switched to CANON_003.MP4 by the processing of S832 in FIG. 8C.

[0154] The filter condition set in S833 of FIG. 8C (S853 of FIG. 8E) may be that the still image is the last displayed still image among the still images shown in the playback catalog data.

[0155] 9(A) to 12 can be used in both single display mode and multi-display mode. In multi-display mode, under the condition that the image is the last image (moving image or still image) displayed, the last image displayed may or may not be the current image before switching.

[0156] As described above, according to this embodiment, the image to be displayed can be switched between a still image and a video in response to a predetermined user operation. This reduces the effort required by the user to check the image. For example, if videos and still images are managed in different folders, after shooting one of a still image and a video and then the other, both the still image and the video can be easily checked.

[0157] The various controls described above may or may not be performed by a single piece of hardware (e.g., a processor or circuit). The entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors, multiple circuits, or a combination of one or more processors and one or more circuits) sharing the processing.

[0158] The above processor is a processor in the broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors and dedicated processors. General-purpose processors include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). Dedicated processors include, for example, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices). Programmable logic devices include, for example, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices).

[0159] Furthermore, although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate. For example, although an example of displaying a captured image has been described, the present invention is also applicable to cases where other images such as CG (Computer Graphic) images are displayed. Furthermore, the operating members for various processes are not limited to those described above, and for example, an operating member for switching between still images and videos can be a specific member different from the shooting mode selection button 60. The specific operation unit may be a GUI (Graphical user interface) button displayed on the display unit 28.

[0160] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described with reference to a digital camera as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example and can be applied to any electronic device capable of controlling the display of images stored in a storage unit. For example, the present invention can be applied to personal computers, PDAs, mobile phone terminals, portable image viewers, printers, digital photo frames, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, etc. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to video players, display devices (including projection devices), tablet terminals, smartphones, AI speakers, home appliances, in-vehicle devices, etc.

[0161] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program, or by a circuit that realizes one or more functions.

[0162] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, program, and medium. (Configuration 1) A control means for controlling the display unit to display the image stored in the storage unit. and When a first user operation for switching the image displayed on the display unit is performed while a still image is displayed on the display unit, the control means switches the image displayed on the display unit from the still image to a moving image, When the first user operation is performed while a moving image is displayed on the display unit, the control means switches the image displayed on the display unit from the moving image to a still image. An electronic device characterized by: (Configuration 2) When the first user operation is performed while a still image is being displayed on the display unit, the control means switches the image to be displayed on the display unit from the still image to a moving image that satisfies a first condition; When the first user operation is performed while a moving image is displayed on the display unit, the control means switches the image displayed on the display unit from the moving image to a still image that satisfies a second condition. 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1. (Configuration 3) The images stored in the storage unit are managed in a list, The first condition is that the still image is the last one shown among the still images shown in the list. 3. The electronic device according to configuration 2. (Configuration 4) The first condition is that the still image is the most recently generated still image among the still images stored in the storage unit. 3. The electronic device according to configuration 2. (Configuration 5) The storage unit stores a plurality of folders capable of storing still images, The control means selects one of the plurality of folders, The first condition is that the still image is the most recently generated still image among the still images stored in the selected folder. 3. The electronic device according to configuration 2. (Configuration 6) The first condition is that the still image is the last displayed still image among the still images stored in the storage unit. 3. The electronic device according to configuration 2. (Configuration 7) The images stored in the storage unit are managed in a list, The second condition is that the video is the last video shown in the list. 7. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 2 to 6. (Configuration 8) The second condition is that the video is the most recently generated video among the videos stored in the storage unit. 7. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 2 to 6. (Configuration 9) The storage unit stores a plurality of folders capable of storing videos, The control means selects one of the plurality of folders, The second condition is that the video is the most recently generated video among the videos stored in the selected folder. 7. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 2 to 6. (Configuration 10) The second condition is that the video is the last video displayed among the videos stored in the storage unit. 7. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 2 to 6. (Configuration 11) The control means switches the images to be displayed on the display unit in a predetermined playback order in response to a second user operation for switching the images to be displayed on the display unit. 11. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Configuration 12) the storage unit stores a first plurality of folders capable of storing still images and a second plurality of folders capable of storing moving images; The electronic device described in configuration 11, wherein the predetermined playback order is a playback order in which the images in the first plurality of folders are arranged in a first order, and the images in the second plurality of folders are arranged before or after them in a second order. (Configuration 13) The first user operation is a pressing operation on a specific operation unit. 13. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12. (Configuration 14) the electronic device is an imaging device having a shooting mode and a playback mode, the specific operation unit is an operation unit for switching a set photographing mode among a plurality of photographing modes, The control means controls the image displayed on the display unit to be switched in response to a pressing operation on the specific operation unit in the playback mode. 14. The electronic device according to configuration 13. (method) a control step of controlling the image stored in the storage unit to be displayed on the display unit; and The control step switching the image displayed on the display unit from the still image to a moving image when a first user operation for switching the image displayed on the display unit is performed while the still image is displayed on the display unit; when the first user operation is performed while a moving image is being displayed on the display unit, switching an image displayed on the display unit from the moving image to a still image; Contains A method for controlling an electronic device. (program) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. (medium) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 100: Digital camera 50: System control unit

Claims

1. A control means for controlling the display unit to display the image stored in the storage unit. and When a first user operation for switching the image displayed on the display unit is performed while a still image is displayed on the display unit, the control means switches the image displayed on the display unit from the still image to a moving image, When the first user operation is performed while a moving image is displayed on the display unit, the control means switches the image displayed on the display unit from the moving image to a still image. An electronic device characterized by:

2. When the first user operation is performed while a still image is being displayed on the display unit, the control means switches the image to be displayed on the display unit from the still image to a moving image that satisfies a first condition; When the first user operation is performed while a moving image is displayed on the display unit, the control means switches the image displayed on the display unit from the moving image to a still image that satisfies a second condition.

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

3. The images stored in the storage unit are managed in a list, The first condition is that the still image is the last one shown among the still images shown in the list.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. The first condition is that the still image is the most recently generated still image among the still images stored in the storage unit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

5. The storage unit stores a plurality of folders capable of storing still images, The control means selects one of the plurality of folders, The first condition is that the still image is the most recently generated still image among the still images stored in the selected folder.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

6. The first condition is that the still image is the last one displayed among the still images stored in the storage unit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

7. The images stored in the storage unit are managed in a list, The second condition is that the video is the last video shown in the list.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

8. The second condition is that the moving image is the most recently generated moving image among the moving images stored in the storage unit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

9. The storage unit stores a plurality of folders capable of storing videos, The control means selects one of the plurality of folders, The second condition is that the most recently generated video among the videos stored in the selected folder is The condition is that the video must be 3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

10. The second condition is that the video is the last video displayed among the videos stored in the storage unit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

11. The control means switches the images to be displayed on the display unit in a predetermined playback order in response to a second user operation for switching the images to be displayed on the display unit.

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

12. the storage unit stores a first plurality of folders capable of storing still images and a second plurality of folders capable of storing moving images; 12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined playback order is a playback order in which the images in the first plurality of folders are arranged in a first order, and the images in the second plurality of folders are arranged before or after the first plurality of folders in a second order.

13. The first user operation is a pressing operation on a specific operation unit.

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

14. the electronic device is an imaging device having a shooting mode and a playback mode, the specific operation unit is an operation unit for switching a set photographing mode among a plurality of photographing modes, The control means controls the image displayed on the display unit to be switched in response to a pressing operation on the specific operation unit in the playback mode.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13.

15. a control step of controlling the image stored in the storage unit to be displayed on the display unit; and The control step switching the image displayed on the display unit from the still image to a moving image when a first user operation for switching the image displayed on the display unit is performed while the still image is displayed on the display unit; when the first user operation is performed while a moving image is being displayed on the display unit, switching an image displayed on the display unit from the moving image to a still image; Contains A method for controlling an electronic device.

16. 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 14.

17. A computer-readable storage medium storing 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 14.

Images