ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electronic apparatuses, and specifically relates to an electronic apparatus and a display control method for displaying in list form index images for allowing selection of content to be reproduced, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, imaging apparatuses, such as digital still cameras, for generating images by capturing subjects such as people and recording the images have become widespread. Also, there is suggested a reproducing apparatus capable of causing a user operation to select each of the recorded images and reproducing the selected image.
For example, there is suggested a reproducing apparatus that displays in list form thumbnail images corresponding to moving images in a matrix pattern and that reproduces a desired moving image by allowing a user to select a desired thumbnail image from among the thumbnail images displayed in list form (e.g., see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-139846 (Fig. 1)).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the foregoing related art, a desired
moving image can be reproduced with the moving image being
displayed on an entire reproduction screen by selecting a
i
desired thumbnail image from among thumbnail images displayed in list form. In such a case where a moving image is reproduced through selection of a desired thumbnail image, a display status of a display unit is switched from a list screen for displaying in list form thumbnail images to a reproduction screen for reproducing a moving image. In such a case where a display screen is switched, an arrangement position of a thumbnail image on the list screen is different from a reproduction position of a moving image on the reproduction screen, and thus the correspondence between the thumbnail image selected by a user and the moving image reproduced through this selection may be unclear. Therefore, it is assumed that it is difficult to determine whether the moving image intended by the user has been correctly selected.
Also, assume a case of switching the display status of the display unit from the reproduction screen to the list screen in order to reproduce a moving image other than a moving image that has been reproduced on the reproduction screen. In such a case of switching the display screen, too, the correspondence between the moving image reproduced on
the reproduction screen and the thumbnail image displayed on the list screen may be unclear. Thus, for example, it is assumed that it is difficult to identify the thumbnail image corresponding to the moving image that was being reproduced immediately previously.
Accordingly, it is desirable to easily recognize the correspondence between index images displayed in list form and content to be reproduced.
According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there are provided an electronic apparatus, a display control method therefor, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method. The electronic apparatus includes an operation receiving unit configured to receive a selection operation for selecting, in a case where index images for allowing selection of content to be reproduced are displayed in list form on a display unit, an index image from among the index images displayed in list form, an image processing unit configured to seguentially scale up an image related to content corresponding to the selected index image from a size of the selected index image to a certain size, and a control unit configured to cause the display unit to display the image that is being seguentially scaled up, with an arrangement position of the selected index image serving as a reference position, and cause the display unit to display the content corresponding to the selected index
image when a size of the image that is being sequentially scaled up reaches the certain size. Accordingly, when a selection operation for selecting an index image from among index images displayed in list form is received, an image related to content corresponding to the selected index image is sequentially scaled up from a size of the selected index image to a certain size, the image that is being sequentially scaled up is displayed with an arrangement position of the selected index image serving as a reference position, and the content corresponding to the selected index image is displayed when a size of the image that is being sequentially scaled up reaches the certain size.
In the first embodiment, the content may be moving-image content, the electronic apparatus may further include a content management information storage unit configured to store content management information including resume information about a frame obtained at the end of an immediately-preceding reproduction of the moving-image content, and the image processing unit may sequentially scale up, along a time axis, images corresponding to individual frames from a first frame to a frame specified by the resume information among individual frames constituting moving-image content corresponding to the selected index image. Accordingly, among individual frames constituting moving-image content corresponding to a selected index image.
images corresponding to individual frames from a first frame to a frame specified by resume information are sequentially-scaled up along a time axis.
In the first embodiment, the content may be moving-image content, the index image may be an image corresponding to a representative frame among individual frames constituting the moving-image content, and the image processing unit may sequentially scale up images corresponding to individual frames from the representative frame to a first frame among individual frames constituting moving-image content corresponding to the selected index image from the representative frame toward the first frame. Accordingly, among individual frames constituting moving-image content corresponding to a selected index image, images corresponding to individual frames from a representative frame to a first frame are sequentially scaled up from the representative frame toward the first frame.
In the first embodiment, the image processing unit may sequentially scale up the image related to the content corresponding to the selected index image and perform a fade-out process on the image in accordance with the scaling up. Accordingly, an image related to content corresponding to a selected index image is sequentially scaled up and a fade-out process is performed on an image in accordance with
the scaling up.
In the first embodiment, the image processing unit may sequentially scale up the image related to the content corresponding to the selected index image while decreasing a scale-up rate per unit time of the image. Accordingly, an image related to content corresponding to a selected index image is sequentially scaled up while decreasing a scale-up rate per unit time of the image.
In the first embodiment, the certain size may be a size of a reproduction screen configured to display the content corresponding to the selected index image, and the control unit may cause the display unit to display the image that is being sequentially scaled up so that the image is sequentially enlarged from the reference position so as to fill a content display area of the reproduction screen. Accordingly, an image that is being sequentially scaled up is displayed so that the image is sequentially enlarged from a reference position so as to fill a content display area of a reproduction screen.
According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there are provided an electronic apparatus, a display control method therefor, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method. The electronic apparatus includes an operation receiving unit configured to receive a selection operation for selecting, in a case where index
images for allowing selection of content to be reproduced are displayed in list form on a display unit, an index image from among the index images displayed in list form, an image processing unit configured to sequentially scale up an image related to content corresponding to the selected index image from a size of the selected index image to a certain size, and a control unit configured to cause the display unit to display the image that is being sequentially scaled up to the certain size, with an arrangement position of the selected index image serving as a reference position. Accordingly, when a selection operation for selecting an index image from among index images displayed in list form is received, an image related to content corresponding to the selected index image is sequentially scaled up from a size of the selected index image to a certain size, and the image that is being sequentially scaled up to the certain size is displayed, with an arrangement position of the selected index image serving as a reference position.
According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there are provided an electronic apparatus, a display control method therefor, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method. The electronic apparatus includes an operation receiving unit configured to receive a switching operation for a display unit from a reproduction screen configured to display content to an index-image-list
display screen configured to display in list form index images for allowing selection of the content, an image processing unit configured to sequentially scale down, from a size of the content on the reproduction screen to a certain size, an image related to content that is displayed on the reproduction screen when the switching operation is received, and a control unit configured to cause the display unit to display the image that is being sequentially scaled down, with an arrangement position of an index image corresponding to the content that is displayed on the reproduction screen when the switching operation is received serving as a reference position, and cause the display unit to display the index image at the arrangement position of the display unit when a size of the image that is being sequentially scaled down reaches the certain size. Accordingly, when a switching operation for a display unit from a reproduction screen to an index-image-list display screen is received, an image related to content that is displayed on the reproduction screen when the switching operation is received is sequentially scaled down from a size of the content on the reproduction screen to a certain size, the image that is being sequentially scaled down is displayed, with an arrangement position of an index image corresponding to the content that is displayed on the reproduction screen when the switching operation is received
serving as a reference position, and the index image is displayed at the arrangement position when a size of the image that is being sequentially scaled down reaches the certain size.
In the third embodiment, the content may be moving-image content, the index image may be an image corresponding to a representative frame among individual frames constituting the moving-image content, and the image processing unit may sequentially scale down individual frames from the representative frame to a current frame that is displayed on the reproduction screen when the switching operation is received among individual frames constituting moving-image content that is displayed on the reproduction screen when the switching operation is received from the current frame toward the representative frame. Accordingly, among individual frames constituting moving-image content that is displayed on a reproduction screen when a switching operation is received, individual frames from a representative frame to a current frame are sequentially scaled down from the current frame toward the representative frame.
In the third embodiment, the image processing unit may sequentially scale down the image related to the content that is displayed on the reproduction screen when the switching operation is received while decreasing a scale-
down rate per unit time of the image. Accordingly, an image related to content that is displayed on a reproduction screen when a switching operation is received is sequentially scaled down while decreasing a scale-down rate per unit time of the image.
According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, there are provided an electronic apparatus, a display control method therefor, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method. The electronic apparatus includes an operation receiving unit configured to receive a switching operation for a display unit from a reproduction screen configured to display content to an index-image-list display screen configured to display in list form index images for allowing selection of the content, an image processing unit configured to sequentially scale down, from a size of the content on the reproduction screen to a certain size, an image related to content that is displayed on the reproduction screen when the switching operation is received, and a control unit configured to cause the display unit to display the image that is being sequentially scaled down to the certain size, with an arrangement position of an index image corresponding to the content that is displayed on the reproduction screen when the switching operation is received serving as a reference position. Accordingly, when a switching operation for a display unit from a reproduction
screen to an index-image-list display screen is received, an image related to content that is displayed on the reproduction screen when the switching operation is received is sequentially scaled down from a size of the content on the reproduction screen to a certain size, and the image that is being sequentially scaled down to the certain size is displayed, with an arrangement position of an index image corresponding to the content that is displayed on the reproduction screen when the switching operation is received serving as a reference position.
According to the embodiments of the present invention, an excellent effect of easily recognizing the correspondence between index images displayed in list form and content to be reproduced can be obtained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 3A and 3B are diagrams schematically illustrating the relationship between images stored in a content management information storage unit and a content selection
screen displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content selection screen and a content reproduction screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between an image to be scaled up or down by an image processing unit and a display screen on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between an image to be scaled up or down by the image processing unit and a display screen on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a time axis and a parameter "a" that is used to scale up or down an image by the image processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according to
the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating transition of a content reproduction screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating a fade-out method for fading out an image to be scaled up or down by the image processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a fade-out method for fading out an image to be scaled up or down by the image processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating transition of a
display screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present inventions-Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present inventions-Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according' to the first embodiment of the present inventions-Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process procedure of a display control process performed by the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present inventions-Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an animation process for reproducing content in the process procedure of the display control process performed by the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present inventions-Fig. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an animation process for ending reproducing content in the process procedure of the display control process performed by the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 24A and 24B are diagrams schematically illustrating the relationship between moving-image content stored in a content storage unit and thumbnail images stored in a content management information storage unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 25 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of moving-image content stored in the content storage unit and a thumbnail image stored in the content management information storage unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 26 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 27 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 28 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of moving-image content stored in the content storage unit and a thumbnail image stored in the content management information storage unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 29 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an animation
process for reproducing content in a process procedure of a display control process performed by the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an animation process for ending reproducing content in the process procedure of the display control process performed by the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an animation process for reproducing content in the process procedure of the display control process performed by the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described. The description will be given in the following order.
1. First embodiment (display control: an example of performing animation display while scaling up or down an image related to content at switching between a content selection screen and a content reproduction screen)
2. Second embodiment (display control: an example of performing animation display while scaling up or down a
plurality of frames constituting moving-image content)
1. First embodiment
Configuration example of imaging apparatus
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an imaging apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The imaging apparatus 100 includes an optical block 111, an imaging device 112, a camera signal processing circuit 113, a key input circuit 114, a power supply circuit 115, a power supply control circuit 116, a battery 117, and an alternating current (AC) cable 118. Also, the imaging apparatus 100 includes a microprocessor 120, a recording/reproduction signal processing circuit 130, a recording medium 140, an image processing circuit 150, an on-screen display (OSD) image generating circuit 160, a superimposing circuit 170, and an input/output panel 180. For example, the imaging apparatus 100 can be realized by a digital video camera capable of capturing an image of a subject to generate image data and performing various image processes on the image data.
The optical block 111 collects external light and outputs the collected light to the imaging device 112. In the optical block 111, focus control, adjustment of an aperture value, and the like are performed on the basis of a
control signal output from the microprocessor 120.
The imaging device 112 is an imaging device for converting an optical signal input via the optical block 111 into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal generated through the conversion to the camera signal processing circuit 113. As the imaging device 112, a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) may be used, for example.
The camera signal processing circuit 113 performs an appropriate signal process on an electric signal output from the imaging device 112 on the basis of a control signal output from the microprocessor 120. Then, the camera signal processing circuit 113 outputs, to the
recording/reproduction signal processing circuit 130 and the superimposing circuit 170, the electric signal on which the signal process has been performed, the electric signal serving as a video signal.
The key input circuit 114 is a circuit that includes one or a plurality of external operation members and that outputs an electric signal corresponding to an operation performed on the external operation member to the microprocessor 120. The external operation member is a hardware key provided on the imaging apparatus 100, for example.
The power supply circuit 115 is a power supply circuit
for supplying power to the microprocessor 120 and other circuits. The source of the power is the battery 117 or the AC cable 118.
The power supply control circuit 116 operates power supply to other circuits on the basis of a control signal output from the microprocessor 120.
The battery 117 is a battery for supplying electricity to the power supply circuit 115. The battery 117 is charged by the power supply circuit 115 with electricity supplied through the AC cable 118. The AC cable 118 is an AC cable for supplying electricity to the power supply circuit 115.
The microprocessor 120 is a microprocessor for controlling the individual units of the imaging apparatus 100 on the basis of a control program stored in a memory (not illustrated). Also, the microprocessor 120 determines a press state of the input/output panel 180 or the key input circuit 114 on the basis of an electric signal output from the input/output panel 180 or the key input circuit 114. Then, on the basis of a determination result, the microprocessor 120 outputs a command to the recording/reproduction signal processing circuit 130, the image processing circuit 150, the OSD image generating circuit 160, or the like.
The recording/reproduction signal processing circuit 130 performs recording or reading on/from the recording
medium 140 on the basis of a control signal output from the microprocessor 120. Specifically, during recording of a moving image, the recording/reproduction signal processing circuit 130 encodes a video signal output from the camera signal processing circuit 113 and records it as a moving-image file (moving-image content) on the recording medium 140. Also, when an instruction to record a still image is-provided (a so-called shutter operation is performed), the recording/reproduction signal processing circuit 130 encodes a video signal output from the camera signal processing circuit 113 and records it as a still-image file (still-image content) on the recording medium 140. Also, content management information for managing the moving-image content or still-image content is recorded on the recording medium 140 while being associated with the content. When a content reproduction mode is set, the recording/reproduction signal processing circuit 130 reads and decodes the moving-image file or still-image file stored in the recording medium 140 and outputs the file to the image processing circuit 150. When an instruction operation for displaying a content selection screen is performed, the recording/reproduction signal processing circuit 130 reads content management information stored in the recording medium 140 and outputs the information to the image processing circuit 150.
The image processing circuit 150 performs various image
processes, such as scale-up and scale-down processes of an image corresponding to content output from the recording/reproduction signal processing circuit 130, on the basis of a control signal output from the microprocessor 120. Then, the image processing circuit 150 outputs a video signal on which those image processes have been performed to the superimposing circuit 170.
The OSD image generating circuit 160 includes a video random access memory (VRAM) for holding various images to be displayed on the input/output panel 180 and generates various images to be displayed on the input/output panel 180. The OSD image generating circuit 160 outputs a display signal corresponding to a generated image to the superimposing circuit 170. For example, the OSD image generating circuit 160 generates individual operation members to be displayed on a content selection screen (e.g., operation buttons 301 to 304 and a scroll bar 305 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4). Also, for example, the OSD image generating circuit 160 generates individual operation buttons to be displayed on a content reproduction screen (e.g., operation buttons 331 to 333 illustrated in part (b) of Fig, 4).
The superimposing circuit 170 is a superimposing circuit for superimposing individual signals output from the camera signal processing circuit 113, the OSD image
generating circuit 160, or the image processing circuit 150 to generate an image signal, and outputs the superimposed image signal to the input/output panel 180. For example, when a monitoring mode is set, the superimposing circuit 170 superimposes a video signal output from the camera signal processing circuit 113 and a display signal output from the OSD image generating circuit 160 to generate an image signal for displaying a captured image. Also, for example, when a content reproduction mode is set, the superimposing circuit 170 superimposes a display signal output from the OSD image generating circuit 160 and a video signal output from the image processing circuit 150 to generate an image signal for displaying a content selection screen or a content reproduction screen.
The input/output panel 180 displays individual images on its display surface and receives an operation-input from a user, and outputs information about the received operation to the microprocessor 120. Specifically, the input/output panel 180 displays an image corresponding to an image signal output from the superimposing circuit 1.70 on a display panel (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel). Also, when detecting an object that is close to or in contact with the display panel, the input/output panel 180 converts this detection state into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal generated through the conversion to the
microprocessor 120. The input/output panel 180 is realized by a touch panel, for example.
Fig, 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The imaging apparatus 100 includes a content storage unit 141, a content management information storage unit 142, a display unit 181, an operation receiving unit 210, a data obtaining unit 220, an image holding unit 230, an image processing unit 240, a display control unit 250, and a control unit 260.
The content storage unit 141 stores still-image content or moving-image content, and supplies the still-image content or moving-image content stored therein to the data obtaining unit 220. The content storage unit 141 corresponds to the recording medium 140 illustrated in Fig. 1.
The content management information storage unit 142 stores content management information for managing pieces of content stored in the content storage unit 141 by associating the information with each piece of content. Also, content management information storage unit 142 supplies the content management information stored therein to the data obtaining unit 220. The content management information includes a thumbnail image representing still-image content or moving-image content. In a case where
content corresponding to this index image is moving-image content, the thumbnail image of a representative frame of the moving-image content (e.g., the first frame) is recorded. In a case where corresponding content is still-image content, the thumbnail image of the still-image content is recorded, for example. The content management information storage unit 142 corresponds to the recording medium 140 illustrated in Fig. 1.
The display unit 181 is a display unit for displaying various images on the basis of control by the display control unit 250. The display unit 181 corresponds to the input/output panel 180 illustrated in Fig. 1.
The operation receiving unit 210 is an operation receiving unit for receiving an operation-input from a user and outputs information about the operation corresponding to the received operation-input to the control unit 260. The operation receiving unit 210 corresponds to the key input circuit 114 or the input/output panel 180 illustrated in Fig. 1.
The data obtaining unit 220 obtains data stored in the content storage unit 141 or the content management information storage unit 142 and supplies the obtained data to individual units on the basis of control by the control unit 260. Also, the data obtaining unit 220 causes the image holding unit 230 to hold part of obtained data (e.g..
an image to be scaled up or down by the image processing unit 240). The data obtaining unit 220 corresponds to the recording/reproduction signal processing circuit 130 illustrated in Fig. 1.
The image holding unit 230 holds images output from the data obtaining unit 220 and supplies the images held therein to the image processing unit 240. The image holding unit 230 corresponds to the recording/reproduction signal processing circuit 130 illustrated in Fig. 1.
The image processing unit 240 performs an image process on an image output from the data obtaining unit 220 or an image held in the image holding unit 230 on the basis of control by the control unit 2 60, and outputs the image on which the image process has been performed to the display control unit 250. For example, the image processing unit 240 draws thumbnail images to be displayed on a.content selection screen (e.g., the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4) on the basis of content management information output from the data obtaining unit 220. Also, the image processing unit 240 draws content output from the data obtaining unit 220 on a content reproduction screen (e.g., the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (b) of Fig. 4). Also, the image processing unit 240 draws an image output from the data obtaining unit 220 or an image held in the image holding
unit 230 by scaling up or down the image. Those image processes will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 3A to 7.
The display control unit 250 causes the display unit 181 to display an image output from the image processing unit 240 on the basis of control by the control unit 260. Display examples will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4 and Figs. 8 to 14. The display control unit 250 corresponds to the OSD image generating circuit 160 and the superimposing circuit 170 illustrated in Fig. 1.
The control unit 260 controls the entire imaging apparatus 100. For example, the control unit 260 performs control in accordance with an operation-input from a user received by the operation receiving unit 210. In a case where an instruction operation for displaying a content selection screen is received by the operation receiving unit 210, the control unit 260 causes the display unit 181 to display the content selection screen. Also, for example, in a case where a selection operation for selecting an index image is received on the content selection screen, the control unit 260 causes the selected index image to be scaled up, and causes the display unit 181 to perform animation display of the index image that is being scaled up. When the size of the index image that is being scaled up reaches the size of a content display area of a content
reproduction screen, the control unit 260 causes the display unit 181 to display the content corresponding to the selected index image. Also, for example, when a switching operation of the display unit 181 from the content reproduction screen to the content selection screen is received, the control unit 260 causes the image displayed on the content reproduction screen to be scaled down. Then, the control unit 260 causes the display unit 181 to perform animation display of the image that is being scaled down. When the size of the image that is being scaled down reaches the size of the index image on the content selection screen, the control unit 260 causes the display unit 181 to display the corresponding index image. The foregoing switching operation includes, for example, an instruction operation for providing an instruction to stop reproduction while still-image content is being reproduced, or an instruction operation for providing an instruction to return to the content selection screen while moving-image content is being reproduced. The control unit 2 60 corresponds to the microprocessor 120 illustrated in Fig. 1.
Display example of content selection screen and content reproduction screen
Figs. 3A and 3B are diagrams schematically illustrating the relationship between images stored in the content
management information storage unit 142 and the content selection screen displayed on the display unit 181 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B, still-image content is used as the content stored in the content storage unit 141.
Fig. 3A schematically illustrates the relationship between the content (pieces of still-image content (#1 to #16)) stored in the content storage unit 141 and the thumbnail images (#1 to #16) stored in the content management information storage unit 142. The thumbnail, images (#1 to #16) are thumbnail images generated for the corresponding pieces of content and are included in the content management information of the corresponding pieces of content. In Fig. 3A, the correspondence between the pieces of content stored in the content storage unit 141 and the thumbnail images stored in the content management information storage unit 142 is indicated by arrows, and the pieces of content and the thumbnail images corresponding to each other are denoted by the same numbers (#1 to #16).
Fig. 3B illustrates the content selection screen (index-image-list display screen) 300 used for selecting content to be reproduced. The content selection screen 300 is provided with operation buttons 301 to 304, a scroll bar 305, and a thumbnail image display area 310.
The operation buttons 301 to 304 and the scroll bar 305 are used to perform a scroll operation for displaying other thumbnail images by moving the thumbnail images displayed in the thumbnail image display area 310 upward or downward.
The thumbnail image display area 310 is an area for displaying thumbnail images stored in the content management information storage unit 142, and the thumbnail images (#1 to #16) are displayed in list form in a matrix pattern of 4x4, for example. In the example illustrated in Fig. 3B, the same characters as those in the individual thumbnail images illustrated in Fig. 3A are shown in the rectangles indicating the individual thumbnail images for easy explanation. A display example of the thumbnail images displayed on the content selection screen 300 is illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4.
Fig. 4 is a diagram, illustrating an example of the content selection screen and the content reproduction screen displayed on the display unit 181 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4, thumbnail images of actually-recorded still-image content are arranged in the positions of the thumbnail images (#1 to #16) in the thumbnail image display area 310 illustrated in Fig. 3B. That is, the example illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4 is the same as the example illustrated in Fig. 3B
except that thumbnail images of actually-recorded still-image content are arranged. Thus, the parts common to those in the example illustrated in Fig. 3B are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. In the example illustrated in Fig. 4, still-image content is used as the content stored in the content storage unit 141.
As illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4, on the content selection screen 320, thumbnail images for allowing selection of content stored in the content storage unit 141 are displayed in list form in the thumbnail image display area 310. By selecting a thumbnail image displayed in list form in the thumbnail image display area 310, the content corresponding to the selected thumbnail image can be reproduced. Here, a selection operation for selecting a thumbnail image may be performed using a touch operation in the input/output panel 180 or may be performed using an operation-input from the key input circuit 114. For example, in a case where a selection operation is performed on the input/output panel 180, the selection operation is performed with a finger touch on a display area of a desired thumbnail image among the thumbnail images displayed in list form in the thumbnail image display area 310. Also, for example, in a case where a selection operation is performed using an operation-input from the key input circuit 114, a selection
operation using a cross key or a set key is performed.
Part (b) of Fig. 4 illustrates the content reproduction screen 330 for reproducing the content corresponding to the thumbnail image selected on the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4. For example, when a thumbnail image 321 is selected on the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4, the content reproduction screen 330 for reproducing the content corresponding to the thumbnail image 321 is displayed. The content reproduction screen 330 is a screen for displaying the still-image content corresponding to the selected thumbnail image 321 (a captured image in which a train is a main subject) on the entire display surface of the display unit 181. In addition, the still-image content to be reproduced is displayed on the content reproduction screen 330, and operation buttons 331 to 333 are provided on the still-image content. The operation button 331 is a button that is pressed to display the preceding content of the still-image content that is being displayed (e.g., the still-image content corresponding to a thumbnail image 322 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4). The operation button 332 is a button that is pressed to display the next content of the still-image content that is being displayed (e.g., the still-image content corresponding to a thumbnail image 323 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4). The operation
button 333 is a button that is pressed to stop reproduction of content and return to the content selection screen. That is, when the operation button 333 is pressed on the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (b) of Fig. 4, the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4 is displayed.
Here, for example, assume a case where the content reproduction screen 330 is displayed immediately after the thumbnail image 321 is selected on the content selection screen 320. In this case, the content corresponding to the thumbnail image 321 is displayed on the content reproduction screen 330 regardless of an arrangement position of the selected thumbnail image 321. Thus, it is assumed that it is difficult to intuitively recognize the correspondence between the thumbnail image 321 and the content corresponding thereto. Also, for example, assume a case where the content selection screen 320 is displayed immediately after the operation button 333 is pressed on the content reproduction screen 330. In this case, the content selection screen 320 is displayed regardless of the arrangement position of the thumbnail image 321 corresponding to the content that was displayed on the content reproduction screen 330. Thus, it is assumed that it is difficult to intuitively recognize the correspondence between the thumbnail image 321 and the content
corresponding thereto. Accordingly, in the first embodiment of the present invention, an image related to content to be reproduced is displayed by animation while being scaled up or down at the switching between the content selection screen and the content reproduction screen.
Example of scaling up or down an image related to content to be reproduced
Figs. 5A to 6B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between an image to be scaled up or down by the image processing unit 240 and the display screen in the displayunit 181 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example illustrated in Figs. 5A to 6B, a description will be given about a case of scaling up or down an image in an xy coordinate system in which the upper-left corner of a rectangle of the content selection screen on the display unit 181 serves as the origin (0, 0), the horizontal axis serves as an x-axis, and the vertical axis serves as a y-axis.
Fig. 5A illustrates a rectangle 340 corresponding to a content selection screen. In the rectangle 340, thumbnail images, operation buttons, and a scroll bar arranged on the content selection screen (e.g., the content selection screen 300 illustrated in Fig. 3B) are indicated with broken lines (however, only a rectangle 350 is indicated with a solid
line). Here, the length in the x-axis direction of the rectangle 340 is represented by Wl and the length in the y-axis direction is represented by HI. In this example, a description will be given about a case where an image arranged at the position of the rectangle 350 indicated with a bold solid line is scaled up to the size of the rectangle 340 and a case where an image having the size of the rectangle 340 is scaled down to arrange the image at the position of the rectangle 350.
Fig. 5B illustrates the rectangle 340 in a case where the broken lines indicating thumbnail images and the like are erased and where only the rectangle 350 is arranged in the rectangle 340 illustrated in Fig. 5A. In the rectangle 340 illustrated in Fig. 5B, the point at the upper-left corner of the rectangle 350 has coordinates (xt, yt), the length of one side in the x-axis. direction of the rectangle 350 is represented by wt, and the length of one side in the y-axis direction is represented by ht. Also, Fig. 5B illustrates a case where the vertices of the rectangle 340 and the vertices of the rectangle 350 are connected by broken lines, respectively.
First, a description will be given about a case where the position of the rectangle 350 serves as a reference position and where an animation process is performed by sequentially scaling up an image from the reference position.
Here, the point at the upper-left corner of the rectangle corresponding to an image as a target of the animation process has coordinates (x, y), the length of one side in the X-axis direction of this rectangle is represented by w, and the length of one side in the y-axis direction is represented by h. In this case, the position and size of the image as a target of the animation process are calculated using the following equations 1 to 4.
x = xt-xtxa ••• equation 1
y = yt-ytxa ••• equation 2
w = wt+(Wl-wt)xa ■•■ equation 3
h = ht+(Hl-ht)xa ••■ equation 4
Here, "a" is a parameter that varies over time. For example, the parameter "a" is sequentially determined in accordance with the curve in the graph illustrated in Fig. 7.
Fig. 7 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a time axis and the parameter "a" that is used when an image is scaled up or down by the image processing unit 240 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the graph illustrated in Fig. 7, the horizontal axis serves as a time axis (t) and the vertical axis serves as an axis indicating the parameter "a". For example, in the graph illustrated in Fig. 7, a start time of an image scale-up process is represented by t = 0, whereas an end time of the image scale-up process is represented by t = tl. As
illustrated in Fig. 7, in the first embodiment of the present invention, an image significantly changes first during scaling up, but the change rate of the image decreases over time. That is, a scale-up process is performed while decreasing a scale-up rate per unit time. Accordingly, a user-friendly animation display based on a human visual characteristic can be realized at switching between the content selection screen and the content reproduction screen.
Fig. 6A schematically illustrates an example of transition of an image that is scaled up using equations 1 to 4. For example, the individual thumbnail images displayed in the thumbnail image display area 310 of the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4 are held in the image holding unit 230. When a selection operation for selecting the thumbnail image 321 on the content selection screen 320 is received by the operation receiving unit 210, the image processing unit 240 performs a sequential scale-up process on the thumbnail image 321 held in the image holding unit 230. The display control unit 250 causes the display, unit 181 to display the thumbnail image that is being sequentially scaled up in the scale-up process. That is, the thumbnail image 321 corresponding to the rectangle 350 is sequentially scaled up to the size of the rectangle 340. For example, images that are scaled up to
the sizes of rectangles 351, 352, 353, and 340 are sequentially displayed on the display unit 181. In this case, for example, the individual vertices of the image that is being scaled up shift along the lines connecting the vertices of the rectangle 350 and the vertices of the rectangle 340. After the thumbnail image 321 corresponding to the rectangle 350 has been scaled up to the size of the rectangle 340, the display control unit 250 causes the display unit 181 to display the still-image content corresponding to the thumbnail image 321. Display examples of this case are illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10. In this example, only four rectangles* are illustrated as representative for transition of an image from the rectangle 350 to the rectangle 340 for easy explanation. However, a scale-up process can be performed in five steps or more in accordance with the curve illustrated in Fig. 7 so as to display images.
Next, a description will be given about a case of performing an animation process while sequentially scaling down an image from the position of the rectangle 340. Here, the position of the rectangle 350 serves as a reference position. Here, the point at the upper-left corner of the rectangle of the thumbnail image corresponding to an image as a target of the animation process has coordinates (x, y), the length of one side in the x-axis direction of this
rectangle is represented by w, and the length of one side in the y-axis direction is represented by h. In this case, the position and size of the image as a target of the animation process are calculated using the following equations 5 to 8,
X = xtxa ■•• equation 5
y = ytxa ••• equation 6
w = Wl+(wt-Wl)xa ••" equation 7
h = Hl+(ht-Hl)xa ••• equation 8
Here, "a" is a parameter that varies over time, as in the case of a scale-up process. For example, the parameter "a" is sequentially determined in accordance with the curve in the graph illustrated in Fig. 7.
Fig. 6B schematically illustrates an example of transition of an image that is scaled down using equations 5 to 8. For example, the still-image content displayed on the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (b) of Fig. 4 is held in the image holding unit 230. When a press operation for pressing the operation button 333 on the content reproduction screen 330 is received by the operation receiving unit 210, the image processing unit 240 performs a sequential scale-down process on the still-image content held in the image holding unit 230. The display control unit 250 causes the display unit 181 to display the still-image content that is being sequentially scaled down in the scale-down process. That is, the still-image content
corresponding to the rectangle 340 is sequentially scaled down to the size of the rectangle 350. For example, images that are scaled down to the sizes of rectangles 361, 362, 363, and 350 are sequentially displayed on the display unit 181. In this case, for example, the individual vertices of the image that is being scaled down shift along the lines connecting the vertices of the rectangle 350 and the vertices of the rectangle 340. After the still-image content corresponding to the rectangle 340 has been scaled down to the size of the rectangle 350, the display control unit 250 causes the display unit 181 to display the thumbnail image 321. Display examples of this case are illustrated in Figs. 12 to 14. In this example, only four rectangles are illustrated as representative for transition of an image from the rectangle 340 to the rectangle 350 for easy explanation. However, a scale-down process can be performed in five steps or more in accordance with the curve illustrated in Fig. 7 so as to display images.
Example of display control on content selection screen and content reproduction screen
Figs. 8 to 10 are diagrams illustrating transition of a display screen displayed on the display unit 181 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 illustrates transition of the display screen in a case where
a selection operation is performed on the content selection screen 300 illustrated in Fig. 3B. Fig. 9 illustrates transition of the display screen in a case where a selection operation is performed on the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4. Fig. 10 illustrates a modification of the transition of the display screen illustrated in Fig. 9.
Part (a) of Fig. 8 illustrates the content selection screen 300 that is the same as the content selection screen 300 illustrated in Fig. 3B. In part (a) of Fig. 8, some of the characters and reference numerals on the content selection screen 300 illustrated in Fig. 3B are omitted. As illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 8, when a selection operation for selecting a thumbnail image (#11) 401 is performed on the content selection screen 300, for example, the selected thumbnail image (#11) is displayed while being sequentially scaled up in accordance with equations 1 to 4. For example, as illustrated in parts (b) to (e) of Fig. 8, thumbnail images (#11) 402 to 405 obtained through sequential scaling-up according to equations 1 to 4 are displayed while being overlaid on the content selection screen 300. Subsequently, as illustrated in part (e) of Fig. 8, when the thumbnail image (#11) 405 having the same size as that of the content reproduction screen is obtained through scaling-up according to equations 1 to 4, the scale-
up process of the thumbnail image (#11) ends.
Part (f) of Fig. 8 illustrates the content reproduction screen 330 that displays the still-image content (#11) corresponding to the thumbnail image (#11). The operation buttons 331 to 333 provided on the content reproduction screen 330 are the same as the operation buttons 331 to 333 illustrated in part (b) of Fig. 4, and thus are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted here. As illustrated in part (f) of Fig. 8, after the scale-up process of the thumbnail image (#11) has ended, the display control unit 250 causes the still-image content (#11) corresponding to the thumbnail image (#11) to be displayed.
Part (a) of Fig. 9 illustrates the content selection screen 320 that is the same as the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4. In part (a) of Fig. 9, some of the reference numerals on the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4 are omitted. As illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 9, when a selection operation for selecting a thumbnail image 411 is performed on the content selection screen 320, for example, the selected thumbnail image 411 is displayed while being sequentially scaled up in accordance with equations 1 to 4. Here, in the example illustrated in Fig. 9, when a selection operation is performed on the content selection screen 320,
the content selection screen 320 is changed to a solid-black screen, and thumbnail images 412 to 415 obtained through sequential scaling-up are overlaid on the solid-black screen. For example, as illustrated in parts (b) to (e) of Fig. 9, the thumbnail images 412 to 415 obtained through sequential scaling-up according to equations 1 to 4 are displayed while being overlaid on the solid-black screen. Subsequently, as illustrated in part (e) of Fig. 9, when the thumbnail image 415 having the same size as that of the content reproduction screen is obtained through scaling-up according to equations 1 to 4, the scale-up process of the thumbnail image ends.
Part (f) of Fig. 9 illustrates the content reproduction screen 330 for displaying the still-image content corresponding to the thumbnail image 411. The content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (f) of Fig. 9 is the same as the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated. in part (b) of Fig. 4, and thus the description thereof is omitted here. In part (f) of Fig. 9, some of the reference numerals on the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (b) of Fig. 4 are omitted. As illustrated in part (f) of Fig. 9, after the scale-up process of the thumbnail image has ended, the display control unit 250 causes the still-image content corresponding to the thumbnail image 411 to be displayed.
The example illustrated in Fig. 10 is a modification of
the example illustrated in Fig. 9. In this modification, when a selection operation is performed on the content selection screen 320, the thumbnail images 412 to 415 obtained through sequential scaling-up are overlaid without changing the content selection screen 320 to a solid-black screen. This modification is the same as the example illustrated in Fig. 9 except that the thumbnail images 412 to 415 obtained through sequential scaling-up are overlaid without changing the content selection screen 320 to a solid-black screen, and thus the corresponding description . is omitted. The display forms illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 can be changed by a user operation.
Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating transition of the content reproduction screen on the display unit 181 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 11 is the same as the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (b) of Fig. 4.
Part (b) of Fig. 11 illustrates a display example in a case where a press operation of the operation button 332 is performed on the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 11. That is, on the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (b) of Fig. 11, the still-image content corresponding to the thumbnail image 323 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4 is displayed.
Part (c) of Fig. 11 illustrates a display example in a case where a press operation of the operation button 332 is performed on the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (b) of Fig. 11. That is, on the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (c) of Fig. 11, the still-image content corresponding to a thumbnail image 324 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4 is displayed. In this way, by performing press operations of the operation buttons 331 and 332 on the content reproduction screen 330, a user can display desired content.
Here, when a press operation of the operation button 333 is performed on the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (c) of Fig. 11, the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4 is displayed, for example. An image scale-down process is performed at the switching from the content reproductions screen 330 to the content selection screen 320. This scale-down process will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 12 to 14.
Figs. 12 to 14 are diagrams illustrating transition of the display screen displayed on the display unit 181 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 illustrates transition of the display screen in a case where a press operation of the operation button 333 is performed on the content reproduction screen 330. Fig. 13 illustrates transition of the display screen in a case where
a press operation of the operation button 333 is performed on the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part
(c) of Fig. 11. Fig. 14 illustrates a modification of the transition of the display screen illustrated in Fig. 13.
Part (a) of Fig. 12 illustrates the content reproduction screen 330 on which the still-image content
(#13) is displayed. As illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 12, when a press operation of the operation button 333 is performed on the content reproduction screen 330, for example, the still-image content (#13) that is displayed at the press operation is displayed while being sequentially scaled down in accordance with equations 5 to 8. For example, as illustrated-in parts (b) to (e) of Fig. 12, pieces of still-image content (#13) 451 to 454 obtained through sequential scaling-down according to equations 5 to 8 are displayed while being overlaid on the content selection screen 300. Subsequently, when the still-image content (#13) having the same size as that of the thumbnail image (#13) is obtained through scaling-down according to equations 5 to 8, the scale-down process of the still-image content (#13) ends.
Part (f) of Fig. 12 illustrates the content selection screen 300 that is the same as the content selection screen 300 illustrated in Fig. 3B. In part (f) of Fig. 12, some of the characters and reference numerals on the content
selection screen 300 illustrated in Fig. 3B are omitted. As illustrated in part (f) of Fig. 12, after the scale-down process of the still-image content (#13) has ended, the display control unit 250 causes a thumbnail image (#13) 455 corresponding to the still-image content (#13) to be displayed.
Part (a) of Fig. 13 illustrates the content reproduction screen 330 that is the same as the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (c) of Fig. 11. In part (a) of Fig. 13, some of the reference numerals on the content reproduction screen 330 illustrated in part (c) of Fig. 11 are omitted. As illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 13, vixen a press operation of the operation button 333-i-s , performed on the content reproduction screen 330, for example, the still-image content that is displayed at the press operation is displayed while being sequentially scaled down in accordance with equations 5 to 8. Here, in the example illustrated in Fig. 13, when a press operation of the operation button 333 is performed, the content selection screen 320 is changed to a solid-black screen, and pieces of still-image content 461 to 464 obtained through sequential scaling-down are overlaid on the solid-black screen. For example, as illustrated in parts (b) to (e) of Fig. 13, the pieces of still-image content 461 to 464 obtained through sequential scaling-down according to equations 5 to 8 are
displayed while being overlaid on the solid-black screen. Subsequently, when the still-image content having the same size as that of the thumbnail image on the content selection screen 320 is obtained through scaling-down according to equations 5 to 8, the scale-down process of the still-image content ends.
Part (f) of Fig. 13 illustrates the content selection screen 320 that is the same as the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4. In part (f) of Fig. 13, some of the reference numerals on the content selection screen 320 illustrated in part (a) of .Fig. 4 are omitted. As illustrated in part (f) of Fig. 13, after the scale-down process of the still-image content h&s ended, the display control unit 250 causes a thumbnail image 465 corresponding to the still-image content to be displayed.
The example illustrated in Fig. 14 is a modification of the example illustrated in Fig. 13. In this modification, when a press operation of the operation button 333 is performed on the content reproduction screen 330, the pieces of still-image content 4 61 to 4 64 obtained through sequential scaling-down are overlaid without changing the content selection screen 320 to a solid-black screen. This modification is the same as the example illustrated in Fig. 13 except that the pieces of still-image content 461 to 464 obtained through sequential scaling-down are overlaid
without changing the content selection screen 320 to a solid-black screen, and thus the corresponding description is omitted. The display forms illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14 can be changed by a user operation.
Modification of display control on content selection screen and content reproduction screen
A description has been given about examples of performing an animation process by scaling up or down still-image content or a thumbnail image. Here, for example, a thumbnail image and the still-image content corresponding to the thumbnail image often have different resolutions even if the subject is th- same. For this reason, a scaled-up thumbnail image just before still-image content is displayed may be seen as a rough image at the switching from the content selection screen.to the content reproduction screen, which may cause unnaturalness. Accordingly, hereinafter, a description will be given about an example of performing an animation process while performing a fade-out process on an image to be scaled up or down. Here, fade-out means a visual expression of sequentially changing a target image over time, for example. For example, a target image is gradually blackened over time, and eventually a solid-black image can be obtained.
Figs. 15 and 16 are diagrams schematically illustrating
a fade-out method for fading out an image that is to be scaled up or down by the image processing unit 240 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 15 illustrates, in time series, the relationship between an image 510, which is a target of scaling-up or -down performed by the image processing unit 240, and an a value used to fade out the image 510. The image 510 is, for example, a thumbnail image stored in the content management information storage unit 142 and is the same as the thumbnail image 321 illustrated in part (a) of Fig. 4. A target image drawing area 500 is an area where the image 510 is drawn.
Here, the a value is a value indicating transparency, and the transparency of RGB (red, green, and blue) is changed in the range of 0 to 1. For example, a target image is opaque when a = 0, and the transparency of the target image increases as the value increases. The target image is completely transparent when a = 1. That is, in a case of changing the transparency of an image, a desired transparency can be obtained by changing the a value. In this example, a description will be given about a fade-out method for performing fade-out by increasing the transparency of a target image over time and overlaying the image the transparency of which has been changed on a black image in a case of repeating scaling-up or -down of the
target image.
Part (a) of Fig. 15 illustrates the image 510 and the target image drawing area 500 before a fade-out process is performed. Here, in a case of performing a fade-out process, the image processing unit 240 changes the target image drawing area 500 to black, as illustrated in part (b) of Fig. 15. Subsequently, the image processing unit 240 overlays the image 510 in which a = 0 on the target image drawing area 500 that has been blackened. As can be understood, the image 510 is opaque when the a value is zero, and thus the image 510 drawn in the target image drawing area 500 is displayed as is on the display unit 181.
Subsequently, as illustrated in part (c) of Fig. 15, the image processing unit 240 blackens the target image drawing area 500, and the image processing unit 240 overlays the image 510 in which a = a(0