Imaging device, display control device, image display system, and imaging system for displaying reduced images based on aspect ratio

• US 8,305,478 B2
• Filed: 12/06/2006
• Issued: 11/06/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Godo Kaisha IP Bridge 1 (IP Bridge, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Ito, Daisuke
• Primary Examiner(s): Villecco, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): GEBRIEL, SELAM T
• Application Number:
  US12/162,544
• Publication Number:
  US 20100302408A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,162 Days
• Field of Search: 348/231.2, 348/231, 348/3, 348/231.6, 348/333.05, 348/333.11, 348/333.12
• US Class Current: 348/333.12
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0035 User-machine interface; Control console input or output arrangements for computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00453 arranged in a two dimensional array
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2112 using still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32112 in a separate computer file, document page or paper sheet, e.g. a fax cover sheet H04N1/32122 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32128 attached to the image data, e.g. file header, transmitted message header, information on the same page or in the same computer file as the image for information embedded in the image H04N1/32144
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42202 environmental sensors, e.g. for detecting temperature, luminosity, pressure, earthquakes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4223 Cameras H04N23/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4334 Recording operations recording of a television signal H04N5/76; arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/27
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/482 End-user interface for program selection broadcast systems using EPGs H04H60/72
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4858 for modifying screen layout parameters, e.g. fonts, size of the windows
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8153 comprising still images, e.g. texture, background image
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/325 Modified version of the image, e.g. part of the image, image reduced in size or resolution, thumbnail or screennail
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3252 Image capture parameters, e.g. resolution, illumination conditions, orientation of the image capture device H04N2201/3256 and subgroups take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3254 Orientation, e.g. landscape or portrait; Location or order of the image data, e.g. in memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/631 Graphical user interfaces [GUI] specially adapted for controlling image capture or setting capture parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/772 the recording apparatus and the television camera being placed in the same enclosure
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/84 using optical recording H04N5/80, H04N5/89, H04N5/91 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/7921 : for more than one processing mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8042 : involving data reduction

Abstract

An imaging device is capable of recording images having various aspect ratios and of realizing an easily viewable and convenient thumbnail display. The imaging device includes: an imaging optical system; an imaging sensor for outputting image signals of optical image of object; an aspect ratio switching section for switching aspect ratios of shot images; an image recording section for interrelating and recording the image signals and aspect ratio information; a display section for displaying reduced images; a specification section for receiving a specification made by a user with respect to the aspect ratio information of reduced images to be displayed on the display section; and an image display control section for determining a location and a display size of each of the reduced images on the display section, and the number of the reduced images displayed on the display section in accordance with the specified aspect ratio information.

Claims

1. An imaging device for outputting optical images of objects as electrical image signals, the imaging device comprising:

an imaging optical system for forming the optical images of the objects;

an imaging sensor for receiving the optical images of the objects formed by the imaging optical system, for converting the optical images into the electrical image signals, and for outputting the electrical image signals;

an aspect ratio switching section for switching aspect ratios of shot images based on the outputted image signals;

an image recording section for interrelating and recording the outputted image signals and aspect ratio information indicative of the aspect ratios;

a display section for displaying reduced images based on the recorded image signals;

a specification section for receiving a specification made by a user with respect to the aspect ratio information of the reduced images to be displayed on the display section; and

an image display control section for determining a location and a display size of each of the reduced images on the display section, and the number of the reduced images displayed on the display section in accordance with the specified aspect ratio information, and for causing the reduced images to be displayed on the display section,

wherein, when reduced images in which the aspect ratio information is different are displayed on the display section in a mixed manner, the image display control section causes reduced images, in which the aspect ratio information is common, to be displayed in clusters in a predetermined area on the display section.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising

an attitude detection section for detecting an attitude of the imaging device at the time of shooting, wherein

the image recording section interrelates and records the image signals, the aspect ratio information, and attitude information indicative of the detected attitude,

the specification section specifies at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information on the reduced images to be displayed on the display section, and

the image display control section determines the location and the display size of each of the reduced images, and the number of the display reduced images in accordance with the specified at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information, restores an orientation of each of the reduced images so as to correspond to the attitude of the imaging device at the time of the shooting in accordance with the attitude information, and causes the restored reduced images to be displayed on the display section.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein when reduced images in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is different are displayed on the display section in a mixed manner, the image display control section causes reduced images, in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is common, to be displayed in clusters in a predetermined area on the display section.

4. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the image display control section extracts image signals corresponding to the at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information which is specified by the specification section, from the image signals recorded in the image recording section, and causes reduced images to be displayed on the display section based on the extracted image signals.

5. The imaging device according to claim 2, further comprising:

a layout storage section for storing layouts indicative of the location and the display size of each of the reduced images on the display section, and the number of the reduced images displayed on the display section; and

a priority receiving section for receiving a specification made by the user with respect to whether the display size of each of the reduced images on the display section or the number of the reduced images displayed on the display section is given a priority, wherein

the layouts include a number-of-display-images priority layout in which the number of the reduced images displayed on the display section is given the priority, and a display size priority layout in which the display size of each of the reduced images is given the priority, and

the image display control section selects a layout in accordance with the specification which is made by the user and which is received by the priority receiving section, and causes the respective reduced images to be displayed on the display section in accordance with the selected layout.

6. The imaging device according to claim 2, further comprising an image recording control section for recording image signals, in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is common, in a common folder in the image recording section.

7. An imaging device which outputs optical images of objects as electrical image signals, and which is connectable to a display device, the imaging device comprising:

an imaging optical system for forming the optical images of the objects;

an imaging sensor for receiving the optical images of the objects formed by the imaging optical system, for converting the optical images into the electrical image signals, and for outputting the electrical image signals;

an aspect ratio switching section for switching aspect ratios of shot images based on the outputted image signals;

an image recording section for interrelating and recording the outputted image signals and aspect ratio information indicative of the aspect ratios;

a specification section for receiving a specification made by a user with respect to the aspect ratio information of reduced images to be displayed on the display device; and

a display control signal output section for determining a location and a display size of each of the reduced images on the display device, and the number of the reduced images displayed on the display device in accordance with the specified aspect ratio information, and for outputting a display control signal for causing the reduced images to be displayed on the display device,

wherein, when reduced images in which the aspect ratio information is different are displayed on the display section in a mixed manner, the display control signal output section outputs the display control signal for causing reduced images, in which the aspect ratio information is common, to be displayed in clusters in a predetermined area on the display section.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein, when reduced images in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is different are displayed on the display device in a mixed manner, the display control signal output section outputs the display control signal which causes reduced images, in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is common, to be displayed in clusters in a predetermined area on the display device.

9. The imaging device according to claim 7, further comprising an attitude detection section for detecting an attitude of the imaging device at the time of shooting, wherein:

the image recording section interrelates and records the image signal, the aspect ratio information and the attitude information indicative of the detected attitude,

the specification section specifies at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information of the reduced images to be displayed on the display device, and

the display control signal output section extracts image signals corresponding to the at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information which is specified by the specification section, from the image signals recorded in the image recording section, and outputs the display control signal which causes reduced images to be displayed on the display section based on the extracted image signals.

10. A display control device which is connectable to a display device having a display section, the display control device comprising:

a reading section for reading image signals recorded in a recording section, and aspect ratio information which correspond to the image signals;

a specification section for receiving a specification made by a user with respect to the aspect ratio information of reduced images to be displayed on the display device; and

a display control signal output section for determining a location and a display size of each of the reduced images on the display section, and the number of the reduced images displayed on the display section in accordance with the specified aspect ratio information, and for outputting a display control signal for causing the restored reduced images to be displayed on the display section,

wherein, when reduced images in which the aspect ratio information is different are displayed on the display section in a mixed manner, the display control signal output section outputs the display control signal for causing reduced images, in which the aspect ratio information is common, to be displayed in clusters in a predetermined area on the display section.

11. The display control device according to claim 10, wherein, when reduced images in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is different are displayed on the display section in a mixed manner, the display control signal output section outputs the display control signal which causes reduced images, in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is common, to be displayed in clusters in a predetermined area on the display section.

12. The display control device according to claim 10, wherein:

the reading section reads the image signal, the aspect ratio information and attitude information which correspond to the image signal,

the specification section specifies at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information of the reduced images to be displayed on the display section, and

the display control signal output section extracts image signals corresponding to at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information which is specified by the specification section, from the image signals recorded in the image recording section, and outputs the display control signal which causes reduced images based on the extracted image signals to be displayed on the display section.

13. The display control device according to claim 10, further comprising:

a layout storage section for storing layouts indicative of the location and the display size of each of the reduced images on the display section, and the number of the reduced images displayed on the display section; and

a priority receiving section for receiving a specification made by the user with respect to whether the display size of each of the reduced images on the display section or the number of the reduced images displayed on the display section is given a priority, wherein

the layouts include a number-of-display-images priority layout in which the number of the reduced images displayed on the display section is given the priority, and a display size priority layout in which the display size of each of the reduced images is given the priority, and

the display control signal output section selects a layout in accordance with the specification which is made by the user and which is received by the priority receiving section, and outputs the display control signal which causes the reduced images to be displayed on the display section in accordance with the selected layout.

14. An image display system including an imaging device for outputting optical images of objects as electrical image signals and a display device for displaying shot images, wherein:

the imaging device comprises;

an imaging optical system for forming the optical images of the objects;

an imaging sensor for receiving the optical images of the objects formed by the imaging optical system, for converting the optical images into the electrical image signals, and for outputting the electrical image signals;

an aspect ratio switching section for switching aspect ratios of shot images based on the outputted image signals;

an image recording section for interrelating and recording the outputted image signals and aspect ratio information indicative of the aspect ratios;

a specification section for receiving a specification made by a user with respect to the aspect ratio information of reduced images to be displayed on the display device; and

a display control signal output section for determining a location and a display size of each of the reduced images on the display device, and the number of the reduced images displayed on the display device in accordance with the specified aspect ratio information, and for outputting a display control signal for causing the reduced images to be displayed on the display device,

the display device comprises;

a receiving section for receiving the recorded image signals and the outputted display control signal; and

a display section for displaying the reduced image based on the image signals in accordance with the display control signal, and

when reduced images in which the aspect ratio information is different are displayed on the display section in a mixed manner, the display control signal output section outputs the display control signal for causing reduced images, in which the aspect ratio information is common, to be displayed in clusters in a predetermined area on the display section.

15. The image display system according to claim 14, further comprising an attitude detection section for detecting an attitude of the imaging device at the time of shooting, wherein:

the image recording section interrelates and records the image signal, the aspect ratio information and the attitude information indicative of the detected attitude,

the specification section specifies at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information of the reduced images to be displayed on the display device, and

when reduced images in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is different are displayed on the display device in a mixed manner, the display control signal output section outputs the display control signal which causes reduced images, in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is common, to be displayed in clusters in a predetermined area on the display section.

16. The image display system according to claim 15, wherein the image display control section extracts image signals corresponding to the at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information which is specified by the specification section, from the image signals recorded in the image recording section, and outputs the display control signal which causes reduced images based on the extracted image signals to be displayed on the display section.

17. An imaging system including a lens barrel and an imaging device which is detachably fixed to the lens barrel, wherein:

the lens barrel comprises;

an imaging optical system for forming optical images of objects,

the imaging device comprises;

an imaging sensor for receiving the optical images of the objects formed by the imaging optical system connected thereto, for converting the optical images into the electrical image signals, and for outputting the electrical image signals;

an aspect ratio switching section for switching aspect ratios of shot images based on the outputted image signals;

an image recording section for interrelating and recording the outputted image signals and aspect ratio information indicative of the aspect ratios;

a display section for displaying reduced images based on the recorded image signals;

a specification section for receiving a specification made by a user with respect to the aspect ratio information of the reduced images to be displayed on the display section; and

an image display control section for determining a location and a display size of each of the reduced images on the display section, and the number of the reduced images on the display section in accordance with the specified aspect ratio information, and for causing the reduced images to be displayed on the display section,

when reduced images in which the aspect ratio information is different are displayed on the display section in a mixed manner, the image display control section causes reduced images, in which the aspect ratio information is common, to be displayed in clusters in a predetermined area on the display section.

18. The imaging system according to claim 17, wherein:

the imaging device further comprises an attitude detection section for detecting an attitude of the imaging device at the time of shooting,

the image recording section interrelates and records the image signal, the aspect ratio information and the attitude information indicative of the detected attitude,

the specification section specifies at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information of the reduced images to be displayed on the display device, and

when reduced images in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is different are displayed on the display section in a mixed manner, the image display control section causes reduced images, in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is common, to be displayed in clusters in a predetermined area on the display section.

19. The imaging system according to claim 18, wherein the image display control section extracts image signals corresponding to the at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information which is specified by the specification section, from the image signals recorded in the image recording section, and causes reduced images based on the extracted image signals to be displayed on the display section.

20. The imaging system according to claim 17, wherein:

the lens barrel further comprises an attitude detection section for detecting an attitude of the imaging device at the time of shooting,

the image recording section interrelates and records the image signal, the aspect ratio information and the attitude information indicative of the detected attitude,

the specification section specifies at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information of the reduced images to be displayed on the display device, and

when reduced images in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is different are displayed on the display section in a mixed manner, the image display control section causes reduced images, in which at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information is common, to be displayed in clusters in a predetermined area on the display section.

21. The imaging system according to claim 20, wherein the image display control section extracts image signals corresponding to the at least one of the aspect ratio information and the attitude information which is specified by the specification section, from the image signals recorded in the image recording section, and causes reduced images based on the extracted image signals to be displayed on the display section.