JP2009037282A - Image browsing device - Google Patents

Abstract

An image browsing device that displays a list of images classified into each category selection item together with a plurality of category selection items, and that allows a user to easily find a desired image.
A plurality of pieces of image information associated with classification selection items, which are items for grouping the whole into a plurality of items, are extracted, and the extracted image information is a row or column arrangement for each of the plurality of classification selection items. If thumbnails are displayed in the layout, and one category selection item is selected from among the plurality of category selection items, and all of the image information associated with the selected category selection item is not displayed in thumbnails, The present invention proposes an image browsing apparatus that scrolls and displays image information that is not displayed.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a display method for displaying a list of images classified into each category selection item together with a plurality of category selection items.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to manage images taken with a digital camera or the like or images obtained from the Internet or the like, a method of classifying and managing images according to shooting date / time, shooting theme, and the like has been performed. In order to confirm the images managed in this way, for example, in Patent Document 1, first, a screen for selecting a desired category from a plurality of existing categories is displayed, and a desired category is selected. An image data filing system that displays a list of images belonging to a selected category is disclosed. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 15A, on the screen (1501) for selecting a desired category (category), the name (1503) of each category (category) and a representative image (1502) are displayed. When the user selects a desired category by operating the selection frame 1504 with a mouse, a key, or the like, a list screen (1505) of images (1506) classified into the selected category as illustrated in FIG. 15B. ) May be displayed. Further, on the screen (1501) for selecting a desired category, images classified in each category as well as the representative screen (1502) are sequentially displayed together with the name of each category (1503) (slide show display). There is also something like this.
JP 7-93520 A

  In such a conventional image list display method, the user has to analogize the images included in the classification only from the classification name and the representative image. Also, images belonging to each category could not be confirmed unless a category was selected. For example, in FIG. 15A, there are a classification of “Travel 20060213” and a classification of “Travel 20060425”, but if a similar classification name is given in this way, the time will elapse. Since the user's memory also fades, it may be impossible to immediately remember what the content was. Further, in the method of sequentially displaying images classified into the respective categories (slide show display), there is a problem that the user has to wait while the images are displayed.

  Therefore, in the present invention, a plurality of pieces of image information associated with classification selection items that are items for grouping the whole into a plurality of items are extracted, and the extracted image information is arranged in rows or columns for each of the plurality of classification selection items. When thumbnails are displayed in a single row, one category selection item is selected from a plurality of category selection items, and all of the image information associated with the selected category selection item is not displayed in thumbnails Proposes an image browsing apparatus characterized by scrolling and displaying image information that is not displayed. In addition, it may be possible to select one thumbnail from thumbnails of image information associated with the selected category selection item. Further, a cross key operation unit that acquires one or more input signals of selection reception, scroll display, and thumbnail selection may be provided.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a screen display in the image browsing apparatus according to the present invention. In the image browsing apparatus according to the present invention, as long as thumbnails (0101a, 0101b, 0101c) of image information classified into each category selection item can be displayed together with a category selection item (0102) for grouping images into a plurality of groups. Displayed in a single row. Arrows 0103a and 0103b indicate that there is other classified image information. For example, when the user selects one classification selection item in the selection frame 0104, the scrolling is automatically performed in the left direction or the right direction. It is displayed or scrolled when the user operates the cross key operation unit or the like. Thereby, the user can confirm at a glance the whole thumbnails of the image information classified in each category selection item together with the category selection item (0102). Furthermore, after determining the category selection item, one of the thumbnails belonging to the selected category selection item may be selected with another selection frame 0105 or the like while the list display screen is maintained. In addition to the selection frame 0104, the thumbnail selection frame 0105 is also displayed on the screen from before the selection of the classification selection item, and the thumbnail selection frame 0105 can be moved up and down by operating the cross key up / down operation unit or the like. Thus, the category may be selected by moving the selection frame 104 to the category selection item to which the destination thumbnail belongs in conjunction with the thumbnail selection frame 0105. In this case, the thumbnail selection frame 0105 is moved to the left and right by operating the left / right operation unit or the like on the cross key to move the thumbnail to be selected within the category selection item, reach the thumbnail at the edge of the screen, and further enter the screen. When there is a thumbnail that is not displayed, the display is scrolled by further left and right operations, the next thumbnail in the return direction is displayed from the left end by the left direction operation, and the forward direction is displayed by the right direction operation from the right end, and the thumbnail selection frame 0105 is displayed. Move to the displayed thumbnail.

  According to the image browsing apparatus of the present invention, since it is possible to confirm at a glance the entire thumbnail of the image information classified into each category selection item together with the category selection item, the category item as in the conventional display method. There is an effect that it is easy to find a desired image without selecting images one by one and confirming the images. Therefore, a desired image can be found with fewer operation steps than in the conventional method.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The first embodiment will mainly describe claims 1 and 4. The second embodiment will mainly describe claim 2 and the like. The third embodiment will mainly describe claim 3 and the like.
(Embodiment 1)

  (Embodiment 1: Overview) In this embodiment, a plurality of pieces of image information associated with classification selection items, which are items for grouping the whole into a plurality, are extracted, and the extracted image information is extracted for each of a plurality of classification selection items. Thumbnail display in a single row arrangement, which is a row or column arrangement, accepts the selection of one category selection item from among a plurality of category selection items, and all of the image information associated with the selected category selection item is a thumbnail An image browsing apparatus that scrolls and displays image information that is not displayed when it is not displayed will be described.

  (Embodiment 1: Configuration) FIG. 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of an image browsing apparatus according to this embodiment. The image browsing device (0200) includes an “image information holding unit” (0201), an “extracting unit” (0202), a “single-line thumbnail display unit” (0203), a “selection receiving unit” (0204), Scroll display portion "(0205).

  Note that each unit, which is a component of the present invention described in detail below, is configured by either hardware, software, or both hardware and software. For example, as an example for realizing these, when a computer is used, there are hardware constituted by a CPU, a bus, a memory, an interface, a peripheral device, and the like, and software that can be executed on the hardware. As software, the functions of each unit are realized by sequentially executing a program developed on the memory, and processing, storing, and outputting data on the memory and data input via the interface. (The same applies throughout the specification.)

  The “image information holding unit” (0201) can hold a plurality of pieces of image information in which classification selection items that are items for grouping the whole into a plurality of items are associated with each other. “Whole” refers to the entire image information held in the image information holding unit. “Possible to hold a plurality of pieces of image information” is intended to include cases where a plurality of pieces of image information are not actually held but have a function of holding a plurality of pieces of image information. The “image information” refers to image data constituting an image. The “image” may be a still image or a moving image. Further, since the “classification selection item” is an item for classifying image information, for example, image creation date / time (shooting date / time), theme (birthday, travel, anniversary, event, etc.), user, etc. Items are assumed.

  In addition, it is assumed that the image information holding unit holds information as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in order to hold the classification selection item and the image information in association with each other. FIG. 3A shows information for associating the image information with the classification selection item, “Image ID” is an identifier for uniquely identifying the image information, and “File Name” is the image file name. The image file corresponds to image information. The “classification ID” is an ID representing a classification selection item associated with each image information, and the classification ID shown in FIG. FIG. 3B shows information on the category selection item, “classification ID” is an identifier for uniquely identifying the category selection item, and “classification name” is the name of the category selection item. In the case of FIG. 3B, the image creation date (shooting date) is the classification selection item. According to the information in FIG. 3, the image information with the image IDs “1” and “2” is classified as “April 2007”, and the images with the image IDs “3”, “4”, and “5”. The information is shown to be classified as 'May 2007'. It is assumed that the image information holding unit stores information as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B together with the image file (image information) in a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory in the form of a database or the like. Is done.

  The “extraction unit” (0202) can extract a plurality of pieces of image information associated with the classification selection item from the image information holding unit. The “multiple extraction” may be a case where a part of image information held in the image information holding unit is extracted or a case where all are extracted. In the case of extracting a part, the image information extracted by the extraction unit is displayed as a thumbnail together with a plurality of classification selection items in the one-line thumbnail display unit (0203) described later, but is displayed in the one-line thumbnail display unit. This is the case when only the image information associated with the selected category selection item is extracted. If all the image information associated with the displayed category selection item cannot be displayed (not displayed) in the single-line thumbnail display section, the thumbnails that are not displayed are scroll-displayed in the scroll display section (0205). However, it also serves to extract the image information.

  The “one-line thumbnail display unit” (0203) displays thumbnails of the image information extracted by the extraction unit in a one-row arrangement that is an arrangement of rows or columns for each of a plurality of classification selection items. “Multiple category selection items” usually assume that there are two or more category selection items, but if there is only one category selection item, it is only one category selection item. There may be. “Image information is displayed as thumbnails in a single row arrangement that is a row or column arrangement for each of a plurality of category selection items” means that thumbnail images corresponding to the image information associated with each category selection item are classified and selected. This means that the image information is displayed in a line with the item, but if the size of the image information is about the size of a thumbnail image, the image information itself is displayed together with the classification selection item instead of the thumbnail image. May be. As a method for “displaying thumbnails of (image information)”, it is assumed that image information of thumbnail images corresponding to each image information is held in advance. Alternatively, it is possible to generate thumbnail images by processing the image information when displaying thumbnails in the single-line thumbnail display section, but it takes time to display thumbnails, so the user has to wait, so prepare in advance. It seems to be preferable. Further, “one-line arrangement” means an arrangement in which thumbnails associated with the classification selection items are arranged in the row direction or the column direction. When there are two or more classification selection items, the entire thumbnail is arranged in a grid pattern as shown in FIG. The advantage of this arrangement is that the user can see the entire thumbnail for each category selection item, so that it is easy to check the image information associated with each category selection item.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a display method in the one-line thumbnail display unit. On the display screen (0400), the single-line thumbnail display unit simultaneously displays a plurality of category selection items (0401) and thumbnail images (0402) of image information associated with the category selection items in a single-line arrangement. Arrows 0403a and 0403b indicate that there are thumbnails to be displayed in addition to the currently displayed thumbnails. That is, this is a case where thumbnails cannot be arranged on the screen because there is much image information associated with the classification selection item. For example, in the category selection item “May 07”, not only the thumbnails of the displayed images “4” to “10” but also the images “1”, “2”, “3”, “11”, “11”, “ There is also a thumbnail of “12” (0404). Although these thumbnails are also shown in FIG. 4, they are not displayed on the actual display screen (0400). These thumbnails are scroll-displayed by a scroll display unit described later.

  FIG. 5 illustrates another display method. Also in FIG. 5, a plurality of category selection items (0501) and thumbnails of image information associated with each category selection item are displayed in a single row on the display screen (0500). However, the thumbnails that are always displayed in association with each category selection item are only the thumbnails displayed in the area 0502. In the area 0503, the category selection item in which the user puts the selection frame 0504 (in FIG. The thumbnails in “June”) that are not displayed in the area 0502 are displayed. An arrow 0506 indicates that there is a thumbnail (0507) associated with the classification selection item in addition to the thumbnail displayed in the area 0503. When the user operates the left / right key or the like, the column 0506 is displayed. Thumbnail images are scrolled. For example, when the user presses the right arrow key once in the state shown in FIG. 5, the thumbnail image displayed in the area 0503 is shifted to the left as a whole, and the column of the image “4” is displayed in the area 0503. The thumbnails from the column of the image “5” to the column of the image “8” are displayed. In addition, the user may be able to select a thumbnail with a selection frame 0505.

  The “selection accepting unit” (0204) accepts selection of one category selection item from among a plurality of category selection items. The “plurality of classification selection items” includes not only the case where there are two or more classification selection items, but also the case where there is only one, as described in the one-line thumbnail display section (0203). “Selection of one category selection item” means, for example, when the user selects the selection frame 0104 according to the desired category selection item in FIG. 1 or when the user selects the selection frame 0504 according to the desired category selection item in FIG. Applicable when selecting. The selection frame may be determined to have been selected when it is matched with one category selection item, or selected when the selection frame is aligned with one category selection item and a decision button or the like is further pressed. You may decide that In addition, when there are many classification selection items to be displayed and not all can be displayed in one screen, the user can operate the selection frame 0104 and the selection frame 0504 up and down with the up and down keys or the like to display the screen vertically. The image information associated with the classification selection item that has not been displayed may be displayed. In addition, the operation in the selection reception unit is eight direction keys such as a cross key, an arrow key, a joystick, a mouse, a jog dial, a jog shuttle, a track pad, a track ball, a touch panel, an optical pointing device, an operation acceleration / operation direction detection, etc. The case where it is made by a sensor or the like can be considered. Note that these input devices are not limited to these as long as it is possible to instruct inputs in four or more directions. In addition, “accepting selection” specifically means that it is recognized that the classification selection item has been selected by obtaining an operation signal from these input devices.

  The “scroll display unit” (0205) displays image information that is not displayed when all of the image information associated with the classification selection item selected and received by the selection receiving unit is not displayed by the one-line thumbnail display unit. Has a function for scrolling and displaying. That is, it plays the role of controlling the single-line thumbnail display portion (0203) to execute scroll display. “When all of the image information associated with the selected category selection item is not displayed by the one-line thumbnail display portion” refers to the images “1”, “2”, “3”, and “11” in FIG. , “12” or a thumbnail that is not displayed on the display screen, such as the image 0507 in FIG. In addition, the “scroll display” may be a scroll display automatically triggered by the selection received by the selection receiving unit, or may be scrolled according to a user key operation or the like. It may be. Further, when the scroll display is automatically performed, it is convenient that the user can arbitrarily set the speed and the number of times of the scroll display. This is because it seems that the speed of recognizing images differs depending on the user. In addition, when scrolling is displayed according to user key operations, etc., eight-way keys such as a cross key, arrow key, joystick, mouse, jog dial, jog shuttle, track pad, trackball, touch panel, optical pointing device, operation The case where it is made by a user motion detection sensor by acceleration / operation direction detection or the like is conceivable. Note that these input devices are not limited to these as long as it is possible to instruct inputs in four or more directions.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a display method in the scroll display unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, if the category selection item “May 07” is selected by the selection frame 0601 on the display screen 0600 in the one-line thumbnail display unit, for example, the image is shifted to the left. Is scrolled. In other words, images “4” to “10” are displayed by default, but images “5” to “11” are displayed by scroll display, and images “6” to “12” are further displayed. It may be. Various display methods for scroll display are conceivable. For example, after displaying the image “6” from the image “6”, the display may return to the first image “1”, and the image “1” to the image “7” may be displayed. As shown in (b), the images are conceptually connected in a ring shape, and the image “12” and the image “1” may be adjacent to each other. That is, after the images “6” to “12” are displayed, the images “7” to “12” and the image “1” are displayed.

  In addition, the thumbnails displayed in the one-line thumbnail display section are normally displayed expanded in a memory such as a video RAM (hereinafter referred to as “VRAM”). However, in order to perform scroll display smoothly, scroll display is performed. It is assumed that thumbnails displayed by the above are also expanded in advance in a memory such as a VRAM. This point will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the display screen in the single-line thumbnail display unit. If the area 0701 represents the inside of the display screen, the image displayed by the single-line thumbnail display part is the image of the area 0701. The images in the wavy line areas 0702 and 0703 are images that are displayed by scrolling the screen display in the vertical direction by operating the up and down keys or the like, and the images in the wavy line areas 0704 and 0705 represent images that are scrolled and displayed by the scroll display unit. . In this case, not only the image of the area 0701 but also the thumbnail images of the areas 0702, 0703, 0704, and 0705 are not yet displayed in the screen (0701), but are displayed in advance in a VRAM or the like for smooth scrolling display. Expand in memory.

  (Embodiment 1: Processing on Hardware) FIG. 8 shows a specific example of processing on hardware of an image browsing apparatus according to this embodiment. First, it is assumed that image information (0801) and an image browsing program (image browsing P) (0802) are held in a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. The image information (0801) and the image browsing program (0802) are expanded in the main memory, and when the image browsing program is started, drawing data (0805) for displaying thumbnails is generated in the VRAM, and the display (0806) is displayed. Is displayed as a thumbnail. Here, it is assumed that the classification selection signal (0803) is acquired by the user selecting one classification selection item with an input device such as a keyboard. The acquired classification selection signal is stored in the main memory, and thereby scroll display is executed by the image browsing program (0804). That is, drawing data (0805) for scroll display is generated in the VRAM, and scroll display is performed on the display (0806).

  Note that the processing on the hardware described with reference to FIG. 8 is merely an overview of the processing. (The same applies throughout the specification.)

  (Embodiment 1: Process Flow) FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart showing a process flow in the image browsing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  First, a plurality of pieces of image information associated with classification selection items are extracted from the image information holding unit (S0901). Next, the extracted image information is displayed as a thumbnail in association with each of the plurality of classification selection items (S0902). Next, the selection of one category selection item from the plurality of category selection items is accepted (S0903). Next, it is determined whether all of the image information associated with the selected category selection item is displayed as a thumbnail (S0904). If it is determined that all of the image information is not displayed as thumbnails, it is determined whether to perform scroll display (S0905). However, this step is not necessary when scroll display is automatically executed. If it is determined that the scroll display is to be executed, the image information that is not displayed is scroll-displayed (S0906).

  Note that the flowchart of FIG. 9 can also be regarded as a processing flowchart of a program executed by a computer. Further, such a program can be recorded on a medium such as a flexible disk. (The same applies throughout the specification.)

(Embodiment 1: Effect) According to the image browsing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the image information classified into each category selection item is displayed together with the category selection item in a single line arrangement, so that the user can select the category selection item. It is possible to confirm the entire thumbnail at a glance, and it is easy to find a desired image.
(Embodiment 2)

  (Embodiment 2: Overview) In this embodiment, an image browsing apparatus capable of selecting one thumbnail from thumbnails of image information associated with a selected category selection item will be described.

  (Embodiment 2: Configuration) FIG. 10 illustrates a functional block diagram of an image browsing apparatus according to this embodiment. The image browsing apparatus (1000) includes an “image information holding unit” (1001), an “extracting unit” (1002), a “one-line thumbnail display unit” (1003), a “selection receiving unit” (1004), A “scroll display portion” (1005) and a “thumbnail selection portion” (1006). Since the configuration other than the “thumbnail selection unit” (1006) is as described above, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The “thumbnail selection unit” (1006) selects one thumbnail from among the thumbnails of the image information associated with the selected category selection item. “Selected category selection item” refers to the category selection item selected and received by the selection reception unit (1004). FIG. 11 shows a specific example of the thumbnail selection unit. FIG. 11A shows a thumbnail display screen (1100), in which a category selection item and thumbnails of image information associated with each category selection item are displayed. First, the user performs a selection operation on this screen by matching the selection frame 1101 with a desired category selection item. In FIG. 11A, the classification selection item “May 07” is selected. Here, when the user clicks the “selection switching” button (1103), etc., as shown in FIG. 11B, one thumbnail is selected from the thumbnails of the image information associated with the currently selected category selection item. A selection frame 1102 is displayed, and the user can select one thumbnail from the thumbnails associated with “May 2007” by matching the selection frame 1102 with a desired thumbnail. Further, when the user clicks the “selection switching” button (1103) in the state of FIG. 11B, the state is again switched to the state of FIG. 11A (the state for selecting the classification selection item). It is convenient to be there. The determination that the thumbnail has been selected may be determined that the selection frame 1102 has been set to one thumbnail, or may be determined that the selection frame 1102 has been selected after a predetermined time has passed. The selection frame 1102 may be determined to be selected when the thumbnail is aligned with one thumbnail and the determination button or the like is further pressed. Further, the screen for selecting the classification selection item and the screen for selecting the image information may be separate screens, but as shown in FIG. 11, the image information in the classification selection item selected on the screen of the list display. Can be selected and it is easy to use. That is, it is possible to take advantage of the advantage of displaying the classification selection item and a plurality of thumbnails in association with each other on one screen. User operation in the thumbnail selection unit is 8 direction keys such as cross key, arrow key, joystick, mouse, jog dial, jog shuttle, track pad, track ball, touch panel, optical pointing device, operation acceleration / operation direction detection, etc. The case where it is made by a sensor or the like can be considered. Note that these input devices are not limited to these as long as it is possible to instruct inputs in four or more directions. Further, “selecting (thumbnail)” specifically means that the user has recognized that a thumbnail has been selected by obtaining an operation signal from these input devices. In addition, the image information indicated by the selected thumbnail is triggered by the selection of the thumbnail, execution of enlarged display, deletion of the image file, launch of the editing screen, and playback of a movie if the image information is a movie file. It is convenient if the display is automatically executed.

  (Embodiment 2: Processing on Hardware) FIG. 12 shows a specific example of processing on hardware of the image browsing apparatus according to this embodiment. First, it is assumed that a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory holds image information (1201) and an image browsing program (image browsing P) (1202). The image information (1201) and the image browsing program (1202) are expanded in the main memory, and when the image browsing program is started, drawing data (1205) for displaying thumbnails is generated in the VRAM, and the display (1206). Is displayed as a thumbnail. Here, it is assumed that the classification selection signal (1203) is acquired by the user selecting one classification selection item with an input device such as a keyboard. The acquired classification selection signal is stored in the main memory, whereby scroll display is executed by the image browsing program (1204). That is, drawing data (1205) for scroll display is generated in the VRAM, and scroll display is performed on the display (1206). The process so far is the same as the process described in FIG. In the image browsing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the thumbnail selection signal (1207) is acquired when the user further selects one thumbnail using an input device such as a keyboard. The acquired thumbnail selection signal is stored in the main memory, whereby, for example, a process for enlarging and displaying image information is executed. Specifically, the thumbnail selection signal (1207) is a signal indicating that, for example, the selection frame 1102 described with reference to FIG.

  (Embodiment 2: Process Flow) FIG. 13 exemplifies a flowchart showing a process flow in the image browsing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  First, a plurality of pieces of image information associated with classification selection items are extracted from the image information holding unit (S1301). Next, the extracted image information is displayed as a thumbnail in association with each of the plurality of classification selection items (S1302). Next, the selection of one category selection item from the plurality of category selection items is accepted (S1303). Next, it is determined whether all of the image information associated with the selected category selection item is displayed as a thumbnail (S1304). If it is determined that all of the image information is not displayed as thumbnails, it is determined whether to perform scroll display (S1305). However, this step is not necessary when scroll display is automatically executed. If it is determined that the scroll display is to be executed, the image information that is not displayed is scroll-displayed (S1306). Next, one thumbnail is selected from the thumbnails of the image information associated with the selected category selection item (S1307).

(Embodiment 2: Effect) According to the image browsing apparatus according to the present embodiment, after selecting a classification selection item on a list display screen, it is possible to further select image information.
(Embodiment 3)

  (Embodiment 3: Overview) In this embodiment, an image browsing apparatus having a cross key operation unit that acquires one or more input signals of a selection receiving unit, a scroll display unit, and a thumbnail selection unit will be described.

  (Embodiment 3: Configuration) FIG. 14 illustrates a functional block diagram of an image browsing apparatus according to this embodiment. The image browsing apparatus (1400) includes an “image information holding unit” (1401), an “extracting unit” (1402), a “one-line thumbnail display unit” (1403), a “selection receiving unit” (1404), It has a “scroll display portion” (1405), a “thumbnail selection portion” (1406), and a “cross key operation portion” (1407). Since the configuration other than the “cross key operation unit” (1407) is as described above, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The “cross key operation unit” (1407) acquires one or more input signals from the selection receiving unit, the scroll display unit, and the thumbnail selection unit. The “input signal of the selection receiving unit” is an input signal indicating selection of one classification selection item, and the “input signal of the scroll display unit” is a key operation (left / right key) performed by the user to scroll and display image information. The “thumbnail selection unit input signal” is an input signal indicating selection of one thumbnail. That is, the cross key operation unit serves to acquire an operation signal when the user operates a cross-shaped key (so-called cross key) indicating left, right, up and down. Since the user can perform all operations only with the cross key, there is an advantage that the operations are easy to understand and simple.

  (Embodiment 3: Processing on Hardware) Processing on hardware of the image browsing apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the processing described with reference to FIGS. However, the input device is a cross key.

  (Embodiment 3: Process Flow) The process flow in the image browsing apparatus according to this embodiment is the same as the process flow described with reference to FIGS. However, it is characterized in that one or more input signals of selection of classification selection items, execution of scroll display, and selection of thumbnails are acquired by the cross key operation unit.

  (Embodiment 3: Effects) According to the image browsing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the user performs one or more of the selection of the classification selection item, the execution of the scroll display, and the selection of the thumbnail using only the cross key. Therefore, there is an advantage that the operation is easy to understand and simple.

An example figure of the screen display in the image browsing apparatus which concerns on this invention Functional block diagram of the image browsing apparatus according to the first embodiment An example of information held in the image information holding unit Example of display method in single row thumbnail display section Example of display method in single row thumbnail display section Example of display method in scroll display Diagram explaining memory development of thumbnail images FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing on hardware of the image browsing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the image browsing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. Functional block diagram of an image browsing apparatus according to the second embodiment Specific example of thumbnail selection part FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing on hardware of the image browsing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the image browsing apparatus according to the second embodiment. Functional block diagram of an image browsing apparatus according to the third embodiment Example of conventional image display method

Explanation of symbols

0101a Thumbnail 0101b Thumbnail 0101c Thumbnail 0102 Classification selection item 0103a Arrow 0103b Arrow 0104 Selection frame of classification selection item 0105 Selection frame of thumbnail

Claims (4)

An image information holding unit capable of holding a plurality of pieces of image information in which classification selection items that are items for grouping the whole into a plurality of items are associated with each other;
An extraction unit capable of extracting a plurality of image information associated with the classification selection item from the image information holding unit;
A one-line thumbnail display unit that displays thumbnails of the image information extracted by the extraction unit in a one-row arrangement that is an arrangement of rows or columns for each of a plurality of classification selection items;
A selection accepting unit that accepts selection of one category selection item from among a plurality of category selection items;
A scroll display unit for scrolling and displaying image information that is not displayed when all of the image information associated with the classification selection item selected and received by the selection receiving unit is not displayed by the one-line thumbnail display unit; ,
An image browsing apparatus having   The image browsing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a thumbnail selection unit that selects one thumbnail from thumbnails of image information associated with the selected category selection item.   The image browsing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a cross key operation unit that acquires one or more input signals of a selection receiving unit, a scroll display unit, and a thumbnail selection unit. An operation method of an image browsing apparatus capable of holding a plurality of image information associated with each of classification selection items that are items for grouping the whole into a plurality of items,
An extraction step of extracting a plurality of image information associated with the classification selection item;
A one-line thumbnail display step for displaying thumbnails of the image information extracted in the extraction step in a one-row arrangement that is an arrangement of rows or columns for each of a plurality of classification selection items;
A selection receiving step for accepting selection of one category selection item from among a plurality of category selection items;
A scroll display step for scrolling and displaying image information that is not displayed when all of the image information associated with the classification selection item selected and received in the selection reception step is not displayed in a single row thumbnail;
A method of operating an image browsing apparatus having

Images