Electronic device

The electronic device adjusts image layouts based on the number of vertically oriented images to maintain optimal display size, addressing the issue of reduced image size in orientation changes.

JP2026028415APending Publication Date: 2026-02-20CANON KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024130803
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-07
Publication Date
2026-02-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional image display technologies fail to adjust the layout according to the display orientation change, resulting in reduced image size when switching between landscape and portrait orientations.

Method used

An electronic device that acquires images and sets individual display orientations, controlling the layout based on the number of images in vertical orientation to prevent size reduction.

Benefits of technology

Prevents reduction in image display size due to orientation changes by dynamically adjusting the layout based on the number of vertically oriented images.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2026028415000001_ABST
    Figure 2026028415000001_ABST
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Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing reduction in a display size of an acquired image due to a change in a display direction of the image.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire one or more images, a setting unit configured to individually set a display direction of each of the one or more images acquired by the acquisition unit, the display direction being a portrait direction or a landscape direction, and a control unit configured to perform control to display the one or more images acquired by the acquisition unit in the display direction set by the setting unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to a technique for displaying a plurality of images side by side. [Background technology]

[0002] There are applications that allow users to connect to multiple cameras wirelessly and remotely control them. These applications run on remote devices such as smartphones, tablet devices, and personal computers, and are useful when users want to remotely control cameras.

[0003] Furthermore, such application software may acquire live view images (LV images) from multiple cameras and display them on the screen of a remote device. At this time, LV images may be acquired in landscape orientation to suit horizontal devices such as televisions, or in portrait orientation to suit vertical devices such as smartphones and tablet devices.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for selecting in advance a layout for displaying a plurality of acquired LV images. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for determining a layout for displaying acquired images based on the number of acquired images, aspect ratio, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-162409 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-128778 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in conventional technology, even if the display orientation of an image is changed on the application side, the layout is not changed, and an image is displayed in portrait orientation in a display area for landscape images, or in landscape orientation in a display area for portrait images. When an image is displayed in portrait orientation in a display area for landscape images, the image may be displayed in a smaller size than when the image is displayed in landscape orientation. Similarly, when an image is displayed in landscape orientation in a display area for portrait images, the image may be displayed in a smaller size than when the image is displayed in portrait orientation.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can prevent a reduction in the display size of an acquired image due to a change in the display orientation of the image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The electronic device of the present invention comprises an acquisition means for acquiring one or more images, a setting means for individually setting the display orientation, either vertical or horizontal, for the one or more images acquired by the acquisition means, and a control means for controlling the one or more images acquired by the acquisition means to be displayed in the display orientation set by the setting means, and is characterized in that the control means determines the layout of the one or more images based on the number of images whose display orientation is vertical. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a reduction in the display size of an acquired image due to a change in the display orientation of the image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a camera and a smartphone. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a camera control application. [Figure 3B]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a camera control application. [Figure 3C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a camera control application. [Figure 3D] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a camera control application. [Figure 3E] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a camera control application. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7D] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7E] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7F] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the first embodiment, the layout of acquired images is determined based on the number of images whose display direction is vertical.

[0012] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to the first embodiment. In the system of FIG. 1, multiple cameras 100 and a smartphone 200 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Although FIG. 1 shows four cameras 100, the number of cameras 100 is not particularly limited, and one camera 100 may be connected to the smartphone 200. The communication method (standard) is also not particularly limited, and may be, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a manufacturer-specific wireless communication method. Communication between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 does not have to be wireless communication, and may be wired communication. The communication method in the case of wired communication is also not particularly limited, and may be, for example, RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet (registered trademark). Any communication method that allows transmission and reception of video and camera setting values ​​is applicable.

[0013] (Camera configuration) 2A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a camera 100 (video camera) which is an example of a data processing device according to the first embodiment. Note that the data processing device is not limited to the camera 100. For example, the data processing device may be an electronic device such as a tablet device or a personal computer.

[0014] The control unit 101 controls each unit of the camera 100 in accordance with input signals and a program described below. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire camera 100, the entire camera 100 may be controlled by having multiple pieces of hardware share the processing.

[0015] The image capturing unit 102 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the image capturing unit 102 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs image data that is digital data. The captured image data is stored in a buffer memory, and then undergoes predetermined processing by the control unit 101 and is recorded on the recording medium 110 .

[0016] The nonvolatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory, and stores programs executed by the control unit 101, which will be described later.

[0017] The work memory 104 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the image capturing unit 102, as an image display memory for the display unit 106, as a work area for the control unit 101, and the like.

[0018] The operation unit 105 is used to accept instructions for the camera 100 from the user. The operation unit 105 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button used by the user to turn the power of the camera 100 on / off, a release switch used to instruct shooting, and a playback button used to instruct playback of image data. The operation unit 105 also includes a touch panel formed on the display unit 106. The release switch includes switches SW1 and SW2. When the release switch is pressed halfway, switch SW1 turns ON. This allows instructions to perform shooting preparations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing to be accepted. When the release switch is pressed fully, switch SW2 turns ON. This allows instructions to perform shooting preparations.

[0019] The display unit 106 displays live view images (LV images) that are captured images showing a subject in almost real time, captured (recorded) captured images, characters for interactive operation, etc. The camera 100 does not necessarily have to incorporate the display unit 106. The camera 100 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 106, and it is sufficient that the camera 100 has at least a display control function for controlling the display on the display unit 106.

[0020] The recording medium 110 can store image data output from the imaging unit 102. The recording medium 110 may be detachable from the camera 100, or may be built into the camera 100. The camera 100 only needs to have at least the function of accessing the recording medium 110.

[0021] The connection unit 111 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The camera 100 can exchange data with the external device via the connection unit 111. The connection unit 111 includes, for example, an interface for communicating with the external device via wireless LAN. The control unit 101 controls the connection unit 111 to realize wireless communication with the external device.

[0022] The camera 100 can operate as a slave device in infrastructure mode of wireless LAN communication. When operating as a slave device, it can connect to a nearby access point (hereinafter referred to as AP) and participate in a network formed by the AP. Although the camera 100 is a type of AP, it can also operate as a simple AP (hereinafter referred to as simple AP) with more limited functions. An AP is an example of a relay device. When the camera 100 operates as a simple AP, the camera 100 forms a network by itself. Devices around the camera 100 recognize the camera 100 as an AP and can participate in the network formed by the camera 100. A program for operating the camera 100 in this manner is stored in non-volatile memory 103. Although the camera 100 is a type of AP, it is a simple AP that does not have a gateway function for forwarding data received from a slave device to an Internet provider, etc. Therefore, even if the camera 100 receives data from other devices participating in the network it has formed, it does not forward that data. It cannot be transmitted over a network such as the Internet.

[0023] As mentioned above, the communication method with the external device is not particularly limited. The connection unit 111 may be an interface for performing wired communication using methods such as RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0024] (Smartphone configuration) 2B is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smartphone 200, which is an example of a control device according to the first embodiment. Note that the control device is not limited to the smartphone 200. For example, the control device may be an electronic device such as a digital camera, a portable media player, a tablet device, a personal computer, or a mobile phone.

[0025] The control unit 201 controls each unit of the smartphone 200 in accordance with input signals and a program described below. Note that instead of the control unit 201 controlling the entire smartphone 200, the entire smartphone 200 may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

[0026] The imaging unit 202 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 202 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs the digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in a buffer memory, then undergoes predetermined processing by the control unit 201, and is recorded on the recording medium 210.

[0027] The nonvolatile memory 203 is an electrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory, and stores an OS (operating system), which is basic software executed by the control unit 201, and various programs. A program for communicating with the camera 100 is also held in the nonvolatile memory 203 and installed as a camera control application. Note that processing by the smartphone 200 is realized by loading the camera control application program. The camera control application has functions for using basic functions of the OS installed in the smartphone 200 (e.g., wireless LAN functions, Bluetooth functions, and functions for calling other applications). The camera control application also has a remote shooting function for remotely controlling the camera 100 from the smartphone 200 to shoot images while viewing LV images obtained from the camera 100 on the smartphone 200. The camera control application also has a remote viewing function for remotely viewing image data stored on a recording medium attached to the camera 100 and receiving the image data. Note that the OS of the smartphone 200 may have the functions in the first embodiment (e.g., the camera control application functions).

[0028] The working memory 204 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the imaging unit 202, as an image display memory for the display unit 206, as a working area for the control unit 201, and the like.

[0029] The operation unit 205 is used to receive instructions from the user for the smartphone 200. The operation unit 205 includes, for example, an operation member such as a power button that the user uses to instruct the smartphone 200 to power on / off, and a touch panel formed on the display unit 206.

[0030] The display unit 206 displays images, characters for interactive operations, etc. Note that the smartphone 200 does not necessarily have to have a built-in display unit 206. The smartphone 200 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 206, and it is sufficient that the smartphone 200 has at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 206.

[0031] The recording medium 210 can store image data output from the imaging unit 202, image data received from the camera 100, etc. The recording medium 210 may be detachable from the smartphone 200, or may be built into the smartphone 200. The smartphone 200 only needs to have at least a function to access the recording medium 210.

[0032] The connection unit 211 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The smartphone 200 can exchange data with the external device via the connection unit 211. The connection unit 211 includes, for example, an interface for communicating with the external device via a wireless LAN. The control unit 201 controls the connection unit 211 to realize wireless communication with the external device.

[0033] The smartphone 200 can operate as a slave device in infrastructure mode of wireless LAN communication and can participate in a network formed by surrounding APs. The camera 100 may operate as a simple AP, and the smartphone 200 may participate in the network formed by the camera 100.

[0034] The public network connection unit 212 is an interface used when performing public wireless communication. The smartphone 200 connects to other devices via the public network connection unit 212, enabling data communication with the other devices and telephone calls with users of the other devices. During telephone calls, the control unit 201 acquires audio signals via a microphone 213 and outputs audio signals via a speaker 214. The public network connection unit 212 includes an interface for communication using, for example, 3G, 4G, or 5G. The communication method is not particularly limited and may be, for example, LTE, WiMAX, ADSL, or FTTH. The connection unit 211 and the public network connection unit 212 do not necessarily need to be configured as independent hardware; for example, a single antenna may serve as both the connection unit 211 and the public network connection unit 212.

[0035] In the following description, the smartphone 200 may be described as being the subject of processing, but in reality, the control unit 201 reads and executes programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 203 to realize various processes. Similarly, the camera 100 may be described as being the subject of processing, but in reality, the control unit 101 reads and executes programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 to realize various processes.

[0036] 3A to 3E are schematic diagrams showing example screens of a camera control application displayed on display unit 206 of smartphone 200. The camera control application connects to multiple cameras simultaneously and enables operation of each camera. The camera control application also communicates with the cameras to receive LV images and various data from the cameras and display them on display unit 206. Display unit 206 is assumed to be a display unit capable of receiving touch operations, such as a display unit with a touch panel formed thereon.

[0037] 3A to 3E show an example of a multi-screen. In Fig. 3A to 3E, the control unit 201 is connected to the camera by a camera control application, receives an LV image and various current setting values ​​of the camera from the camera, and displays them on the multi-screen 300.

[0038] The control unit 201 displays a header section 310 for changing various settings at the top of the multi-screen 300. For example, the control unit 201 displays a single-screen button 311, a multi-screen button 312, a full-screen button 313, and a display direction switching button 314 in the header section 310. When the user touches the single-screen button 311, the multi-screen button 312, or the full-screen button 313, the control unit 201 switches the display screen to the screen corresponding to the touched button. In FIGS. 3A to 3E, a cursor surrounding the multi-screen button 312 This indicates that the display screen is a multi-screen. The display direction switching button 314 is a button for switching the display direction of the LV image between vertical and horizontal. The method for switching the display direction will be described later.

[0039] The control unit 201 also displays an LV area 320 on the multi-screen 300. The control unit 201 displays all LV images acquired from the connected cameras in the LV area 320. In FIGS. 3A to 3C and 3E, four cameras (Cameras 1 to 4) are connected, and four LV images 321 to 324 acquired from the four cameras respectively are displayed side by side in the LV area 320. In FIG. 3D, two cameras (Cameras 1 and 2) are connected, and two LV images 321 and 322 acquired from the two cameras respectively are displayed side by side in the LV area 320. When the user touches any of the LV images 321 to 324, the control unit 201 selects the camera corresponding to the touched LV image as the operation target. In FIGS. 3A to 3E, the LV image 321 (Camera 1) is selected. The control unit 201 displays a cursor surrounding the LV image 321 to indicate that the LV image 321 is selected.

[0040] The control unit 201 sets the display orientation (vertical or horizontal) for one or more acquired LV images individually, and displays the one or more LV images in the set display orientation. When the user touches the display orientation switch button 314, the control unit 201 switches the display orientation of the LV images acquired from the camera to be operated.

[0041] The control unit 201 also displays a recording information area 330 on the multi-screen 300. In the recording information area 330, the control unit 201 displays the image recording status of the camera being operated, and a recording start / stop button for instructing the camera to start or stop recording. For example, the recording status may include the remaining media time, time code, and REC (recording) / STBY (standby) status. When the user touches the recording start / stop button in the center, the control unit 201 instructs the camera being operated to start or stop recording images.

[0042] The control unit 201 also displays an operation area 340 on the multi-screen 300. The control unit 201 displays a group of operation buttons in the operation area 340. The current setting value that can be changed by the operation button is displayed on the operation button. When the user touches an operation button, the control unit 201 instructs the camera to be operated to change the setting value corresponding to the touched operation button, or transitions the display screen to a setting screen for changing the setting value corresponding to the touched operation button. Furthermore, when the user touches the operation area 340 and performs a slide operation (touch move) to move the touch position, the control unit 201 scrolls the group of operation buttons to display operation buttons that do not fit in the operation area 340.

[0043] The layout of the LV images differs in Figures 3A to 3E.

[0044] Fig. 3A shows a layout in which four LV images are acquired from four cameras and all four LV images are displayed vertically. Hereinafter, the layout in Fig. 3A will be referred to as layout 1.

[0045] Figure 3B shows a layout in which four LV images are acquired from four cameras, two of which are displayed horizontally, and the remaining two are displayed vertically. Hereinafter, the layout in Figure 3B will be referred to as layout 2.

[0046] FIG. 3C shows a layout in which four LV images are acquired from four cameras and all four LV images are displayed horizontally. Hereinafter, the layout in FIG. 3C will be referred to as the layout. It should be written as No. 3.

[0047] Fig. 3D shows a layout in which two LV images are acquired from two cameras, one of which is displayed horizontally and the other vertically. Hereinafter, the layout in Fig. 3D will be referred to as layout 4.

[0048] Fig. 3E shows a layout in which four LV images are acquired from four cameras, two of which are displayed horizontally, and the remaining two are displayed vertically. Hereinafter, the layout in Fig. 3E will be referred to as layout 5.

[0049] In this way, in the first embodiment, the layout is changed depending on the number of images whose display direction is vertical (and the number of images to be displayed). In the first embodiment, the layout is switched between layouts 1 to 4. Layout 5 is used in the second embodiment.

[0050] (Smartphone operation) Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of smartphone 200. The operation in Fig. 4 is realized by control unit 201 expanding a program (for example, a camera control application program) recorded in nonvolatile memory 203 into working memory 204 and executing it. For example, when an instruction is given to start the camera control application and an instruction is given to display a multi-screen, the operation in Fig. 4 starts.

[0051] In S401, the control unit 201 displays a multi-screen on the display unit 206. Thereafter, the processes of S402 to S419 are performed for all cameras connected to the smartphone 200 individually.

[0052] In S402, the control unit 201 acquires an LV image from the camera 100 (the camera to be processed).

[0053] In S403, the control unit 201 sets (registers) portrait or landscape as the display orientation of the LV image acquired in S402. Note that the default display orientation is landscape.

[0054] In S404, the control unit 201 determines whether the current display orientation set in S403 is different from the previous display orientation (whether the display orientation has changed). If the current display orientation is different from the previous display orientation (if the display orientation has changed), the process proceeds to S406; otherwise, the process proceeds to S405. As described above, the user can change the display orientation by touching the display orientation switch button 314.

[0055] In S405, the control unit 201 determines whether the number of set display directions (number of registrations) has changed. If the number of set display directions has changed, the process proceeds to S406; if not, the process proceeds to S419. The number of set display directions is the number of set display directions, and may be interpreted as the number of LV images to be displayed on the multi-screen. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that LV images of all cameras connected to the smartphone 200 are displayed on the multi-screen. Therefore, the number of set display directions may be interpreted as the number of cameras connected to the smartphone 200. Note that only some of the LV images from multiple cameras connected to the smartphone 200 may be displayed on the multi-screen.

[0056] In S406, the control unit 201 determines whether the number of set display directions (the number of LV images to be displayed) is 4. If the number of set display directions is 4, the process proceeds to S407, and if not, the process proceeds to S412.

[0057] In S407, the control unit 201 determines whether the number of settings in the vertical direction is 4. If the number of settings in the vertical direction is 4, the process proceeds to S408, and if not, the process proceeds to S409.

[0058] In S408, the control unit 201 sets layout 1 as the layout of the LV images. This process may be interpreted as a process of determining four vertically long display areas as four display areas for displaying four LV images. By using a vertically long display area as the display area for an LV image to be displayed vertically, the LV image can be displayed in a relatively large size. Similarly, by using a horizontally long display area as the display area for an LV image to be displayed horizontally, the LV image can be displayed in a relatively large size.

[0059] In S409, the control unit 201 determines whether the number of settings in the vertical direction is 2 or more (2 or 3). If the number of settings in the vertical direction is 2 or more, the process proceeds to S410, and if not, the process proceeds to S411.

[0060] In S410, the control unit 201 sets the layout of the LV images to layout 2. This process may be interpreted as a process of determining two horizontally long display areas as two display areas for displaying two LV images to be displayed vertically among the four LV images, and determining two vertically long display areas as two display areas for displaying the remaining two LV images.

[0061] The processes of S408 and S410 may be interpreted as processes for determining four display areas, including a vertically elongated display area, as four display areas for displaying four LV images.

[0062] In S411, the control unit 201 sets the layout of the LV images to layout 3. This process may be interpreted as a process of determining four landscape-oriented display areas as four display areas for displaying four LV images.

[0063] In S412, the control unit 201 determines whether the number of set display directions (the number of LV images to be displayed) is 3. If the number of set display directions is 3, the process proceeds to S413, and if not, the process proceeds to S418.

[0064] In S413, the control unit 201 determines whether the number of settings in the vertical direction is 3. If the number of settings in the vertical direction is 3, the process proceeds to S414, and if not, the process proceeds to S415.

[0065] In S414, the control unit 201 sets the layout of the LV images to layout 1. This process may be interpreted as a process of determining three vertically long display areas as three display areas for displaying three LV images.

[0066] In S415, the control unit 201 determines whether the number of settings in the vertical direction is 1 or more (1 or 2). If the number of settings in the vertical direction is 1 or more, the process proceeds to S416, and if not, the process proceeds to S417.

[0067] In S416, the control unit 201 sets layout 2 as the layout of the LV image.

[0068] In S417, the control unit 201 sets the layout of the LV image to layout 3. This processing may be interpreted as processing for determining three landscape-oriented display areas as three display areas for displaying three LV images.

[0069] The processes of S414 and S416 may be interpreted as processes for determining three display areas, including a vertically long display area, as three display areas for displaying three LV images. The processing of S16 and S417 may be interpreted as processing for determining a vertically long display area as the display area for the LV image to be displayed vertically among the three LV images, and for determining a horizontally long display area as the display area for the LV image to be displayed horizontally.

[0070] In S418, the control unit 201 sets layout 4 as the layout of the LV image. This process may be interpreted as a process of determining two display areas. At this time, the display areas may be vertically or horizontally elongated display areas. Because the number of display areas is small, a relatively large area can be determined as the display area, and the LV image can be displayed in a relatively large size even if the display direction of the LV image and the longitudinal direction of the display area do not match.

[0071] In S419, the control unit 201 displays the acquired LV images on the multi-screen in the set layout.

[0072] In S420, the control unit 201 determines whether or not a user operation (screen switching operation) to switch the display screen to a screen different from the multi-screen has been performed. If a screen switching operation has been performed, the operation in FIG. 4 ends; if not, the process proceeds to S402.

[0073] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams showing an example of the correspondence between the number of display direction settings, the number of vertical direction settings, and the layout. In Figures 5A to 5C, multiple (two or four) display areas are determined, each of which includes one or more display areas displaying one or more LV images and which constitutes an area of ​​a predetermined size.

[0074] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the image layout is determined based on the number of images whose display orientation is vertical. This makes it possible to prevent a reduction in the display size of acquired images due to a change in the display orientation of the images. Although the number of images whose display orientation is vertical and the number of images to be displayed are taken into consideration, the number of images to be displayed does not have to be taken into consideration. For example, the number of vertically elongated display areas may be increased in accordance with an increase in the number of images whose display orientation is vertical, without changing the number of display areas.

[0075] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the layout of acquired images is determined by further considering the setting order (registration order) of the display orientation. Note that, hereinafter, a description of the same configuration and processing as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the configuration and processing different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0076] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the smartphone 200 according to the second embodiment. The operation of Fig. 6 is realized by the control unit 201 expanding a program (for example, a camera control application program) recorded in the nonvolatile memory 203 into the work memory 204 and executing the program. For example, when an instruction is given to start the camera control application and an instruction is given to display a multi-screen, the operation of Fig. 6 starts.

[0077] S601 to S609 are the same as S401 to S409 in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment.

[0078] In S610, the control unit 201 determines whether the initially set display orientation (for example, the display orientation of the LV image of the first connected camera or the display orientation of the first acquired LV image) is portrait. If the initially set display orientation is portrait, the process proceeds to S611; if not, the process proceeds to S612.

[0079] In S611, the control unit 201 sets layout 5 as the layout of the LV image.

[0080] Steps S612 to S617 are the same as steps S410 to S415 in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment.

[0081] In S618, the control unit 201 determines whether the initially set display orientation (for example, the display orientation of the LV image of the first connected camera or the display orientation of the first acquired LV image) is portrait. If the initially set display orientation is portrait, the process proceeds to S619; if not, the process proceeds to S620.

[0082] In S619, the control unit 201 sets layout 5 as the layout of the LV image.

[0083] S620 to S624 are the same as S416 to S420 in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment.

[0084] 7A to 7F are schematic diagrams showing an example of the correspondence between the number of display direction settings, the number of vertical direction settings, the order of display direction settings, and the layout. In Figures 7A to 7F, multiple (two or four) display areas are determined, each of which includes one or more display areas displaying one or more LV images and which constitutes an area of ​​a predetermined size.

[0085] Both layout 2 and layout 5 include two horizontally long display areas and two vertically long display areas. In layout 2, the two horizontally long display areas are arranged to the left of the two vertically long display areas, and in layout 5, the two vertically long display areas are arranged to the left of the two horizontally long display areas. According to the above-described operation, a layout in which the longitudinal display area that matches the initially set display orientation is arranged on the left is selected. This makes it possible to display multiple LV images in an order that corresponds to the set order of the display orientation, thereby reducing the sense of incongruity that would be caused by multiple LV images not matching the set order of the display orientation.

[0086] Although an example has been described in which the display direction set first is taken into consideration, the setting order to be considered is not limited to this. For example, the last display direction set may be taken into consideration, or all of the display direction setting orders may be taken into consideration.

[0087] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress reduction in the display size of an acquired image due to a change in the display orientation of the image, as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, by determining the layout of the images by further taking into consideration the setting order of the display orientation, it is possible to display multiple images in an order that suits the user's taste.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The 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) and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Programmable logic devices include FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices).

[0090] 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 represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0091] For example, although an example in which the present invention is applied to a case in which LV images from multiple cameras are checked has been described, the present invention can also be applied to various other cases. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a case in which multiple images are read from a storage medium and checked or edited. The images may be images obtained by a camera, or may be CG (Computer Graphics), etc.

[0092] <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.

[0093] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, program, and medium. (Configuration 1) acquisition means for acquiring one or more images; a setting means for individually setting a vertical or horizontal display direction for the one or more images acquired by the acquisition means; a control means for controlling the one or more images acquired by the acquisition means to be displayed in the display direction set by the setting means; and The control means determines a layout of the one or more images based on the number of images whose display orientation is the portrait orientation. An electronic device characterized by: (Configuration 2) The control means determines a layout of the one or more images based on the number of images to be displayed and the number of images whose display orientation is the portrait orientation. 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1. (Configuration 3) when four images are to be displayed and one of the four images is to be displayed in the vertical direction, or when four images are to be displayed and all of the four images are to be displayed in the horizontal direction, the control means determines four horizontally long display areas as four display areas for displaying the four images; When four images are displayed and two or more of the four images are displayed in the vertical direction, the control means determines four display areas including a vertically long display area as four display areas for displaying the four images. 3. The electronic device according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) When four images are to be displayed and two or three of the four images are to be displayed in the vertical direction, the control means determines two horizontally long display areas as two display areas for displaying two of the four images to be displayed in the vertical direction, and determines two horizontally long display areas as two display areas for displaying the remaining images. Two vertically long display areas are determined as two display areas for displaying two images. 4. The electronic device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 5) When four images are to be displayed and all of the four images are to be displayed in the vertical direction, the control means determines four vertically long display areas as the four display areas for displaying the four images. 5. The electronic device according to configuration 3 or 4. (Configuration 6) When three images are to be displayed and all of the three images are to be displayed in the horizontal direction, the control means determines three horizontally long display areas as three display areas for displaying the three images; When three images are displayed and one or more of the three images are displayed in the vertical direction, the control means determines three display areas including a vertically long display area as three display areas for displaying the three images. 6. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) When three images are displayed, the control means determines a vertically long display area as the display area for the image to be displayed in the vertical direction, and determines a horizontally long display area as the display area for the image to be displayed in the horizontal direction. 7. The electronic device according to configuration 6. (Configuration 8) The control means determines a layout of the one or more images based on the number of images whose display orientation is the portrait orientation and the setting order of the display orientation. 8. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 9) The control means determines a plurality of display areas that include one or more display areas for displaying the one or more images and that form an area of ​​a predetermined size. 9. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. (method) an acquisition step of acquiring one or more images; a setting step of individually setting a vertical or horizontal display direction for the one or more images acquired in the acquisition step; a control step of controlling the one or more images acquired in the acquisition step so as to be displayed in the display direction set in the setting step; and In the control step, a layout of the one or more images is determined based on the number of images whose display direction is the portrait direction. 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 9. (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 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 200: Smartphone 201: Control unit

Claims

1. acquisition means for acquiring one or more images; a setting means for individually setting a display direction, either vertical or horizontal, for the one or more images acquired by the acquisition means; a control means for controlling the one or more images acquired by the acquisition means to be displayed in the display direction set by the setting means; and The control means determines a layout of the one or more images based on the number of images whose display direction is the portrait direction. An electronic device characterized by:

2. The control means determines a layout of the one or more images based on the number of images to be displayed and the number of images whose display direction is the portrait direction.

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

3. when four images are to be displayed and one of the four images is to be displayed in the vertical direction, or when four images are to be displayed and all of the four images are to be displayed in the horizontal direction, the control means determines four horizontally long display areas as the four display areas for displaying the four images; When four images are to be displayed and two or more of the four images are to be displayed in the vertical direction, the control means determines four display areas including a vertically long display area as four display areas for displaying the four images.

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

4. When four images are to be displayed and two or three of the four images are to be displayed in the vertical direction, the control means determines two horizontally long display areas as two display areas for displaying two of the four images to be displayed in the vertical direction, and determines two vertically long display areas as two display areas for displaying the remaining two images.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

5. When four images are to be displayed and all of the four images are to be displayed in the vertical direction, the control means determines four vertically long display areas as the four display areas for displaying the four images.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

6. When three images are to be displayed and all of the three images are to be displayed in the horizontal direction, the control means determines three horizontally long display areas as three display areas for displaying the three images; When three images are displayed and one or more of the three images are displayed in the vertical direction, the control means determines three display areas including a vertically long display area as three display areas for displaying the three images.

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

7. When three images are displayed, the control means determines a vertically long display area as the display area for the image to be displayed in the vertical direction, and determines a horizontally long display area as the display area for the image to be displayed in the horizontal direction.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

8. The control means determines the number of images whose display direction is the vertical direction and the setting order of the display direction. determining a layout of the one or more images based on the 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

9. The control means determines a plurality of display areas that include one or more display areas for displaying the one or more images and that form an area of ​​a predetermined size.

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

10. an acquisition step of acquiring one or more images; a setting step of individually setting a vertical or horizontal display direction for the one or more images acquired in the acquisition step; a control step of controlling the one or more images acquired in the acquisition step so as to be displayed in the display direction set in the setting step; and In the control step, a layout of the one or more images is determined based on the number of images whose display direction is the portrait direction. A method for controlling an electronic device.

11. 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 9.

12. 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 9.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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