JP2000241871A - Recording device, place information converting device, and method and medium used for the devices - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record an image photographed by a camera on a film, and to record information on a photographing place in a desired recording form when recording the information on a magnetic recording layer of the film. SOLUTION: Latitude and longitude measured by a GPS at photographing are recorded on the magnetic recording layer of the film F on which the image is recorded, as the original information on the place information. The original information is reproduced through a magnetic head 19, and the reproduced original information is temporarily stored. Next, in the case character information or mark information is selected as the recording form by operating a selection switch 29, the original information is converted to the character information or the mark information by a conversion table 28, then, the converted information is recorded on the magnetic recording layer through the magnetic head 21 in place of the original information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a place information converting apparatus, and a method used for recording an image photographed by a camera and information indicating the photographing place on a recording medium. And a computer-readable medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art It is not possible to record information (including a location such as latitude and longitude, a place name such as an address, a building name, a place name such as a sightseeing place, etc.) about a place where a picture is taken together with an image taken by a camera. It is useful when the image is later viewed in various ways, and various proposals have been made regarding recording information about a place at the time of shooting.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 6-110117 discloses that a camera has a database relating to location information and selection means for selecting location information to be recorded together with an image from the database, and provides the photographer with desired location information at the time of photographing. It is disclosed that a selection operation is performed and the image is recorded on a photographic film together with an image. The place information here is a so-called place name, which is recorded on a photographic film as character information.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-70735 discloses that
GPS (Global Positionin)
g System) for detecting the positioning system;
A means for detecting information from a system that provides location information specific to a specific place or area by FM waves is provided, and one of the detection results of the two detection means is photographed according to a predetermined priority. A camera that records an image together with an image on a memory card is disclosed.

[0005] Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-36217 discloses that
A camera that encodes the detection means of the positioning system by GPS and the detected position information into the camera and records the image on the photographic file together with the image, and reproduces the coded position information from the photographic film after photographing, and stores it in the database. A device is disclosed that converts the information into human-understandable information such as a place name by collating the information with a user, prints the information on a photographic print, or displays the information on a TV monitor.

[0006]

As for information on a place attached to an image (hereinafter referred to as place information), various uses can be considered depending on the viewing form of the image. For example, it is conceivable to clarify the shooting location by printing the image together with the image on a photographic print or displaying the image together with the image on a TV or CRT monitor. In this case, it is desirable that the place information is displayed as character information such as a place name and a place name.

In academic applications, it is desirable that latitude and longitude information based on detection results of positioning means using GPS is recorded as it is and displayed together with an image.

Further, in an application in which an image database is constructed in a computer so that an image can be easily searched for each shooting location, a predetermined code (for example, 16
It is convenient to provide a code table in which a number string composed of digits is set, and to record location information with this code. this is,
With codes, it is possible to make the memory capacity for recording or storage relatively small, and by unifying the code table, it is possible to build a compatible system between various application software etc. Because it becomes.

[0009] Naturally, it is desirable that the location information be easily obtained and recorded without any extra operation at the time of photographing.

In the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-11011, it is inconvenient because an operation for selecting desired location information from a location information database at the time of photographing is required. Considering its use, it has a disadvantage that it requires a very large memory capacity and cannot be mounted on a camera within a practically practical range. Further, it has a drawback that it can handle only place names or character information relating to place names and cannot be applied to a wide range of uses.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-70735, information on a place is automatically recorded at the time of photographing. However, only one type of information recorded together with an image is determined by a predetermined priority. However, it still has a disadvantage that it cannot be applied to a wide range of applications.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-36217, the coded place information automatically recorded by the camera is converted into human-understandable information by a second device having a place information database. Are displayed and printed together with the information, but only character information such as a place name and a place name is handled. Also, the location information recorded on the photographic film together with the image is only coded information,
There is a disadvantage that character information such as a place name and a place name obtained from the database cannot be transmitted to the third device and cannot be reused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and enables location information relating to an image to be recorded in a desired recording format, so that the location information can be used in a wide range of applications.
It is another object of the present invention to leave the location information recorded in the desired recording format together with the image so that it can be reused.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, a recording apparatus according to the present invention has a conversion means for converting location information relating to one image into a plurality of recording format signals.

In another recording apparatus according to the present invention, a reproducing means for reproducing a recording medium in which location information relating to an image is recorded as original information together with the image, a reproducing means for reproducing the reproduced original information in a predetermined recording format And a recording unit for recording the converted location information in the recording format on the recording medium.

In the recording method according to the present invention,
There is a conversion procedure for converting location information regarding one image into signals of a plurality of recording formats.

Further, in another recording method according to the present invention, a reproducing procedure for reproducing a recording medium in which location information relating to an image is recorded together with the image as original information, and a method for recording the reproduced original information in a predetermined recording format And a recording procedure of recording the converted location information in the recording format on the recording medium.

In the storage medium according to the present invention,
A program for executing a conversion process of converting location information regarding one image into signals of a plurality of recording formats is stored.

Further, in another storage medium according to the present invention, a reproduction process for reproducing a recording medium in which location information relating to an image is recorded as original information together with the image, and a method of reproducing the reproduced original information in a predetermined recording format A program for executing a conversion process of converting the location information in the converted recording format onto the recording medium.

Further, in the place information conversion apparatus according to the present invention, an input means for inputting place information accompanying a photographed image, and a conversion for converting the place information input by the input means into a plurality of signals of different expression formats. Means.

In another place information converting apparatus according to the present invention, input means for inputting, as original information, place information accompanying the photographed image from an image recording medium on which the photographed image is recorded, and input means for inputting the information. Conversion means for converting the original information into location information in a predetermined expression format, and recording means for recording the location information in the predetermined expression format converted by the conversion means on the image recording medium.

In another place information conversion apparatus according to the present invention, an input means for inputting place information accompanying an image, and the place information input by the input means are converted into a plurality of signals in different expression formats. Conversion means.

In another place information converting apparatus according to the present invention, input means for inputting place information accompanying the image as original information from an image recording medium on which the image is recorded, The image processing apparatus includes a conversion unit that converts original information into location information in a predetermined expression format, and a recording unit that records the location information in the predetermined expression format converted by the conversion unit on the image recording medium.

In another recording apparatus according to the present invention, a recording means for recording information associated with an image on an image recording medium, and a control for recording a plurality of pieces of location information associated with the image by the recording means in different recording forms. Means.

In another recording apparatus according to the present invention, recording means for recording information accompanying an image on an image recording medium, and location information accompanying an image by the recording means are selectively recorded in different recording forms. Control means for causing

Further, in the place information conversion method according to the present invention, place information accompanying a photographed image is inputted, and the inputted place information is converted into a plurality of signals in different expression formats.

In another place information conversion method according to the present invention, place information accompanying a photographed image is input as original information from an image recording medium on which the photographed image is recorded, and the input original information is converted to a predetermined information. And the converted location information in the predetermined expression format is recorded on the image recording medium.

In another place information conversion method according to the present invention, place information accompanying an image is inputted, and the inputted place information is converted into a plurality of signals in different expression formats.

In another place information conversion method according to the present invention, place information accompanying an image is input as original information from an image recording medium on which the image is recorded, and the input original information is expressed in a predetermined expression. The location information is converted into location information in a format, and the converted location information in the predetermined expression format is recorded on the image recording medium.

In another location recording method according to the present invention, a recording device that records information accompanying an image on an image recording medium records a plurality of pieces of location information attached to an image in different recording forms.

Further, in another location recording method according to the present invention, location information accompanying an image is selectively recorded in a different recording form by a recording device which records information accompanying an image on an image recording medium.

Further, the computer-readable medium according to the present invention has contents for inputting location information associated with a photographed image and converting the input location information into a plurality of signals in different expression formats.

In another computer-readable medium according to the present invention, location information accompanying a captured image is input as original information from an image recording medium on which the captured image is recorded, and the input original information is stored in a predetermined format. And converting the location information in the predetermined expression format into the image recording medium.

Further, another computer-readable medium according to the present invention has contents for inputting location information attached to an image and converting the input location information into a plurality of signals in different expression formats.

Further, another computer-readable medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable medium which inputs location information accompanying an image from an image recording medium on which the image is recorded as original information, and expresses the input original information in a predetermined expression. The location information is converted into location information in a format, and the converted location information in the predetermined expression format is recorded on the image recording medium.

Another computer-readable medium according to the present invention has a recording device for recording information associated with an image on an image recording medium, in which a plurality of pieces of location information associated with the image are recorded in different recording forms. .

Another computer-readable medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable medium for recording information associated with an image on an image recording medium by selectively recording location information associated with an image in a different recording form. Having.

[0038]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the first embodiment will be described.

First, a part for detecting location information and recording it as original information together with an image on a recording medium at the time of photographing will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera, FIG. 9 is an external view of the camera, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera, and FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the recording operation of the camera.

8 and 9, reference numeral 101 denotes a camera, 1
02, a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the camera, and a built-in ROM and RAM; 103, a photometric circuit;
Is a distance measuring circuit, 105 is a shutter control unit, 106 is an auto focus control unit, 107 is a display circuit for driving the display unit 108, 109 is a clock circuit for automatically counting date and time, and 110 is temporary data for recording. , A feed motor drive circuit 111 for driving the photographic film F stored in the cartridge C via the feed mechanism 112, and a perforation P 113 provided on the film F (see FIG. 11). ) Is a film feed amount detection circuit for detecting the film feed amount by driving the photo reflector 114.

Numeral 115 denotes a magnetic recording / reproducing circuit for recording magnetic information on the film F via the magnetic head 116 or reproducing magnetic information recorded on the film F. Numeral 117 denotes a positioning receiver for receiving radio waves of the GPS system. And 118, a receiving circuit that drives the positioning receiver and calculates the current position (latitude and longitude) from the received radio waves.

Reference numeral 119 denotes a camera main switch;
Is a shutter button, 121 is a switch 1 that closes on the first stroke of the shutter button, and 122 is a second switch of the shutter button 120.
Switches 2 and 123 which are closed by a stroke are positioning switches for setting whether or not to perform positioning by the positioning receiver 117 and the receiving circuit 118, 124 is a title switch for selecting a title of the image recorded together with the image, and 125 is an image To set whether to record the date and time together with
An E switch 126 is an aspect ratio switch for selecting an aspect ratio of a photographed image, and L is a photographing lens.

Here, the photographic film F has a practically transparent magnetic recording layer provided on its base side (the side opposite to the emulsion coated side). Magnetic recording and reproduction by a magnetic head from one side can be performed.

Next, the operation of the camera will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the main switch 119 of the camera is turned on, in step S101 (hereinafter, step is omitted), it is determined whether or not the first stroke of the shutter button 120 is pressed.
That is, it is determined whether or not the switch 121 is closed (ON).
Proceed to. In S102, it is determined whether or not the positioning switch 123 is set to ON.
The process skips S104 and proceeds to S105, and if ON, proceeds to S103.

In S103, the positioning receiver 117 is driven via the receiving circuit 118, and the flow advances to S104. In S104, the reception circuit 118 calculates the radio wave received by the positioning receiver 117,
After taking in the latitude / longitude information as the calculation result and temporarily storing it in the data storage circuit 110, the process proceeds to S105. In S105, it is determined whether or not the recording of the date and time is instructed by the DATE switch 125. If not, the process skips S106 and proceeds to S107. If instructed, the current date and time is acquired from the clock circuit 109. Then, the data is temporarily stored in the data storage circuit 110 and the process proceeds to S107.

In S107, it is determined whether or not title recording is instructed by the title switch 124. If not, S108 is skipped and the process proceeds to S109. If instructed, the content of the selected title is stored in the data. The data is temporarily stored in the storage circuit 110, and the process proceeds to S109. In step S109, the aspect ratio of the captured image selected by the aspect ratio switch 126 is stored in the data storage circuit 110, and the flow advances to step S110. In step S110, the photometry circuit 103 measures the photometry of the subject, and the process proceeds to step S111. In S111, the distance of the photographic subject is measured by the distance measuring circuit 104, and the process proceeds to S112. In S112, the shutter button 1
It is determined whether or not the switch 20 is pushed down to the second stroke, that is, whether or not the switch 2 of 122 is turned on.
If so, the process proceeds to S113.

At S113, a photographing operation is performed. That is, S1
11, the photographing lens L is driven via the auto focus control unit 105 to perform auto focus control, and then, based on the result of S110, the shutter control unit 1
05 is driven to expose the film F.

Next, at S114, the feed motor drive circuit 11
1 is started to feed the film F to the next photographing frame, and the flow proceeds to S115.

In S115, the magnetic head 116 is driven via the magnetic recording / reproducing circuit 115, and the data storage circuit 110 is driven.
Is magnetically recorded on the magnetic recording layer of the film F, and the process proceeds to S116.

In step S116, the photoreflector 114 and the film feed amount detection circuit 113 determine whether or not film feeding for one frame has been completed. If not completed, the process waits for completion, and if completed, Proceeding to S117, the feed motor is stopped by the feed motor drive circuit 117. This completes the camera operation for one frame.

Next, according to FIG.
The state of the magnetic recording recorded above will be described.

.., F1, F2, F3,... Indicate each photographing frame, and F1 indicates the first frame.
In this figure, up to the second frame has been photographed, and various information corresponding to each frame has been recorded.

Information corresponding to each frame is recorded separately on the first magnetic track T1 and the second magnetic track T2. For the first frame F1, the first magnetic track T1
1, the second magnetic track T21 and the second frame F2
Are a first magnetic track T12 and a second magnetic track T22. The two magnetic tracks are respectively a first channel 116a and a second channel 11 of the magnetic head 116.
6b.

As illustrated in an enlarged manner in the first frame F1, the recording order of the first magnetic track T1 is as follows: SS (start sentinel) information indicating the start of information, ID1 information indicating the ID of date and time information, and Subsequent actual date and time data, ID2 information indicating the ID of aspect ratio information, subsequent actual aspect ratio data, ID3 information indicating the ID of title information, actual title data following this, ES (indicating end of information) End sentinel)
Information, has become.

The recording order of the second magnetic track T is SS indicating the start of the information, location information detected by the positioning means, and indicates the latitude and longitude information (original information) recorded in the latitude and longitude format. The ID4 information is followed by actual latitude and longitude data (original information data), and ES indicating the end of the information.

Here, the original information is location information or the like recorded at the time of photographing, and when a recording medium such as a photographic film is loaded into a recording apparatus described below, the recording medium is already recorded together with the image. Means the location information recorded in the

Next, a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a CRT monitor viewing device as a recording device, FIG. 2 is an external view, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the conversion table in FIG. 1, and FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the CRT monitor viewing device, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a display example on the CRT monitor, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the recording operation of the viewing device.

1 and 2, 1 is a CRT monitor viewing device, 2 is a CRT monitor viewing device body, 3 is a CRT monitor, 4 is a mouse for performing various inputs, 5 is a keyboard, C
Is a film cartridge containing a photographic film F having a magnetic recording layer. The photographic film F has been photographed, developed, and has a visualized image. Further, the information magnetically recorded on the film at the time of photographing is kept as it is.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the viewing device provided in the main body 2, and has a built-in ROM and RAM. An illumination drive circuit 6 illuminates an image on the film F by driving an illumination light source 7. 8 is an illumination box for obtaining uniform illumination, 9 is an image on film F
An optical system for forming an image on the CD 10, a CCD drive circuit 16,
11 is white balance adjustment, keyboard 4 and mouse 3
Performs exposure correction, color correction based on the exposure correction data input from
An image processing circuit for displaying the final image on the T monitor 3.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a photoreflector for detecting visualized barcode information on the film F. Reference numeral 13 denotes a film information detection circuit which reads the maker name and type of the film from the barcode information detected by the photoreflector 12 and inputs the read film maker name and type. Reference numeral 14 denotes another photo reflector, which detects a perforation P on the film F. A film feed amount detection circuit 15 detects a film feed amount from a perforation signal detected by the photo reflector 14 and inputs the film feed amount to the microprocessor 5.

A feed motor drive circuit 17 feeds the film F via a feed motor (not shown) and a feed mechanism 18. 19 is a reproducing head, 20 is a magnetic reproducing circuit, and reproduces information magnetically recorded on the film F. A recording head 20 and a magnetic recording circuit 21 perform additional recording of new information on the film F and re-recording of information whose contents have been changed.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a cartridge detection switch.
Whether the film cartridge C is loaded in the main body 2 or not is detected and input to the microphone processor 5. 24 is a main switch, 25 is a feed switch for instructing one-frame film feeding, 26 is a rewind switch for instructing film rewind, 27 is an ejector switch,
This is a mechanical switch for taking out the film. Reference numeral 28 denotes a conversion table, which is a storage device that stores a correspondence table of information in various formats regarding a place.

Here, the contents of the conversion table 28 will be described based on the example of FIG.

The conversion table 28 stores the latitude and longitude information recorded in the latitude and longitude recording format corresponding to the original information, the place name and the place name as the character information recorded in the corresponding character recording format, and the code recording format. And the code number as the code information to be associated.

The recording format of the above three types of information may be determined in a form that is optimal for each type of information. In FIG. 3, the original information (latitude / longitude information) is a format for recording the latitude and longitude identifiably, the character information is a format for recording a character string using a character set defined by IS0646 or the like, and the code information is a numeric sequence. The recording format is used.

Returning to FIG. 1, reference numeral 29 denotes a selection switch.
Of the first recording format (place name and place name as character information) and the second recording format (code number as code information) obtained from the original information (latitude and longitude information) on the place via the conversion table 28 This is a switch for selecting either one.

Next, the operation of the CRT monitor viewing apparatus will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When the main switch 24 is ON, it is determined in step S10 whether or not the cartridge C is loaded from the state of the cartridge presence / absence switch 23. If the cartridge C is not loaded, the process waits. S
Proceed to 11. At S11, C is output via the CCD drive circuit 16.
Drive CD10 and proceed to S12. In S12, the light source 7 is driven via the illumination drive circuit 6, and the process proceeds to S13. S1
At 3, the feed motor is rotated forward through the feed motor drive circuit to start feeding the film F, and the process proceeds to S14.

In step S14, the film information detection circuit 13 reads information such as the film maker name, the film type, and the number of film frames of the film from the bar code information on the film F, and the flow advances to step S15. S15
Then, the reproducing head 19 and the magnetic reproducing circuit 20 perform the reproducing, decoding and storing operations of the information magnetically recorded on the film F, and then proceed to S16. In S16, the photoreflector 14 and the film feed amount detection circuit 15 determine whether or not the cueing of the first photographing frame of the film F has been completed. If not completed, the process waits for completion, and if completed, S17. Proceed to.

In S17, the feeding motor is stopped, and the flow advances to S18. In S18, it is determined whether or not the rewind switch 26 is turned on. If the switch is turned on, the feeding motor is rotated in reverse in S19, and after the completion of rewinding of the film is waited in S20,
The feed motor is stopped in S21, and the cartridge C is stopped in S22.
Is taken out, and the process ends. On the other hand, when the rewind switch 26 is not turned on in S18, the process proceeds to S23. S2
In step 3, an image is picked up by the CCD 10 and the CCD drive circuit 16, and the process proceeds to S24. In S25, the image processing circuit 11 adjusts the white balance of the image, exposure correction based on the exposure correction data input from the keyboard 4 and the mouse 3,
After performing color correction and the like, the process proceeds to S25, where an image is displayed on the CRT 2.

Next, the process proceeds to S26, and it is determined whether or not the original information (latitude / longitude information) that is the location information is included in the magnetic information read by the reproduction head 19 and the magnetic reproduction circuit 20. If not included, S27, S2
Skip S8 and proceed to S29, if included, S27
Proceed to. In S27, the conversion table 28 is searched to determine character information (place name, place name) and code information (code number) corresponding to the recorded original information, and the process proceeds to S28.
In S28, the determined character information and code information are superimposed and displayed together with the original information on the CRT 2 via the image processing circuit 11. Next, at 29, information other than the location information is superimposed.

FIG. 6 shows a display example of the CRT monitor 2 at this time. The date and time information 2a, the aspect ratio information 2b, the title information 2c read from the film F together with the image, and the latitude which is the original information of the location information. Longitude information 2d, character information 2e selected as a search result, and code information 2f are displayed. Next, in S30, it is determined which of the character information and the code information is selected by the selection switch 29, and the information selected in S31 and S32 is stored, and the process proceeds to S33. On a CRT monitor, 2g in FIG.
With the selection mark of 2h, it is possible to confirm which information is selected.

In S33, it is determined whether or not the feed switch 26 is turned on. If it is not turned on, the process returns to S30, and if it is turned on, the process goes to S34. In S34, the feed motor is driven to rotate forward to start feeding the film, and the flow proceeds to S35. At S35, the location information stored at S31 or S32 is magnetically recorded on the film by the recording head 21 and the magnetic recording circuit 22, and the process proceeds to S36. In S36, the reproduction, decoding, and storage operations are performed on the magnetic information recorded in the next photographing frame in the same manner as in S15.
Go to 7. In S37, it is determined whether or not the film feeding for one frame is completed. If not completed, the process waits for completion, and if completed, the process proceeds to S38.

In S38, it is determined whether or not the last frame of the film has ended. If not, the flow returns to S17, and the same operation as described above is performed for the next photographing frame. When it is determined in S38 that the operation of the last frame has been completed, the process proceeds to S18, where the film is rewound.

Next, the state of the magnetic recording recorded on the film F in S35 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case is shown where character information recorded in character format as location information is selected in S30. In addition, FIG.
Elements that are the same as 1 are given the same part numbers, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

Since the recorded contents of the first magnetic track T1 are not changed, they are the same as those at the time of photographing (FIG. 11). In the recording content of the second magnetic track, the location information is changed from the original information to the character information and re-recorded.
S (start sentinel), ID5 information indicating character information recorded in a character format, character information data following this, and ES (end sentinel) indicating end of information.

If the code information is selected as the location information in step S30, the ID information indicating that the code information is recorded in the code format of the location information instead of the ID5 information is replaced with the character information. Code number data is recorded instead of data.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain character information or code information obtained by converting the original information, which is the place information, and re-record it on the film instead of the original information. Further, desired information can be selectively recorded from character information and code information.

Next, a second embodiment will be described.

The configuration of the CRT monitor viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.
However, it differs from the first embodiment in that original information can be selected in addition to character information and code information with respect to location information by the selection switch 26.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same operations as those of FIG. 5 are denoted by the same step numbers. .

S30 in FIG. 5 corresponds to S50 in FIG. In S50, the selection switch 26 determines which of the original information (latitude / longitude information recorded in the latitude / longitude format), the character information, and the code information has been selected. If the original information has been selected, the process proceeds to S51 and proceeds to S51. The information is stored. When the character information is selected, the process proceeds to S31, where the character information is stored. When the code information is selected, the code information is stored, and then the process proceeds to S33. Thereafter, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed.

In the present embodiment, not only the conversion information such as character information and code information but also the record of the original information can be left on the film as it is.

Next, a CRT monitor viewing apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference from FIG. 1 is that there is no selection switch 29, and instead, an original information switch 5 for instructing recording of original information (latitude and longitude information in the present embodiment).
1. a character information switch 52 for instructing recording of character information;
The point is that three switches of a code information switch 53 for instructing recording of the code information are provided. The three switches can be set ON / OFF independently, that is, the setting of an instruction / non-instruction of recording of each information.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation. The same operations as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same step numbers.

Proceeding from S29 of FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment, it is determined in S60 whether or not the original information switch 51 is ON, and if it is not ON, S61 is skipped. To S62, and if ON, to S61. In S61, the corresponding original information (latitude and longitude information) is stored, and the flow advances to S62. In S62, it is determined whether or not the character information switch 52 is ON. If it is not ON, the process proceeds to S64, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to S63.

In S63, the corresponding character information (place name, place name) is stored, and the flow advances to S64. In S64, it is determined whether or not the code information switch is ON.
The process proceeds to S65, and if ON, the process proceeds to S65. In S65, the corresponding code information (code number) is stored, and the process proceeds to S66. In S66, it is determined whether or not the feed switch 25 is ON. If not, the process returns to S60. If it is ON, the process proceeds to S34. After S34, the operation is the same as that of FIG. 5, and in S35, the location information stored in S60 to S65 is magnetically recorded on the film.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a state of magnetic recording recorded on the film F in the present embodiment, and the same components as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Here, in steps S60 to S65, 3
This shows a state where recording of all types of location information has been instructed and magnetic recording has been performed in step S35. Since the recorded contents of the first magnetic track T1 are not changed, they are the same as those at the time of shooting (FIG. 11).

[0094] All three types of location information are recorded on the second magnetic track T2, and SS (start sentinel) indicating the start of the information and original information, that is, latitude / longitude information recorded in a latitude / longitude format. ID4 information indicating the following, original information data following this, ID5 information indicating that it is character information recorded in character format, subsequent character information data, ID6 information indicating that it is code information recorded in code format , Code information data, E indicating the end of information
S (End Sentinel).

In this embodiment, in addition to the recording of all three types of information including the above-mentioned original information, the recording of each information alone,
Recording combining any two of the three types of information is also possible.

The above is an explanation of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments, and the functions described in the claims or the functions of the configurations of the embodiments are provided. Any structure can be applied as long as the structure can be achieved.

For example, in the above embodiment, the image accompanied by the location information is a photographed image, but the present invention can be applied to an image other than the photographed image.

In the third embodiment, when the latitude and longitude information as the original information is selected, this information is recorded again. However, this is because the recorded original information is not changed. It may be used to prevent re-recording.

In the first to third embodiments, a photographic film having a magnetic recording layer has been described as a recording medium for recording image and location information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Other suitable recording media include a memory card and a floppy disk. In this case, it is easy to change the CRT viewing device and the camera to configurations that are compatible with these recording media.

Further, a CRT monitor viewing device has been exemplified as a recording device, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a preferred example of the recording device, a device for creating a print from a photographic film (in this case, location information is It is recorded on paper or the like on which a print is created, and the recording format can be selected), and an image reproducing device for computer processing.

Further, as the original information of the location information, the latitude / longitude information based on the GPS system detected by the camera has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recording medium is set in advance when the recording medium is loaded in the recording apparatus. It indicates the location information recorded above, and may be, for example, location information obtained from radio waves of the communication base station, location information whose contents have been transplanted and recorded from another storage medium, or the like.

Next, a storage medium according to the present invention will be described.

The system according to each embodiment shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 13 and the like may be configured as hardware, or as a computer system including a CPU, a memory, and the like. You may. When configured in a computer system, the memory forms a storage medium according to the present invention. This storage medium includes the above-described FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG.
A program for executing processing including the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 14 is stored.

The storage media include ROM, R
Semiconductor memory such as AM, optical disk, magneto-optical disk,
A magnetic storage medium or the like may be used, and these may be a CD-ROM,
The present invention may be applied to an FD, a magnetic card, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like.

Therefore, by using this storage medium in a system or apparatus other than the system according to each of the above-described embodiments, and by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by the system or the computer, the above-described storage medium can be used. The same functions as those of the embodiments described above can be realized, the same effects can be obtained, and the object of the present invention can be achieved.

An OS running on a computer
When performing part or all of the processing, or after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in an extended function board or an extended function unit connected to the computer, Even when the CPU or the like provided in the above-mentioned extended function board or extended function unit performs a part or all of the processing based on the instruction of the program code, the same functions as those of the embodiments can be realized and the same effects can be obtained. Can be obtained, and the object of the present invention can be achieved.

Further, in the present invention, the technical elements of the above embodiments may be combined as needed.

Further, the present invention is directed to a system in which the whole or a part of the configuration of the claims or the embodiment forms one device and is combined with another device. However, it may be an element constituting the device.

[0109]

As described above, claims 1, 13 and
According to the twenty-fifth aspect, it is possible to record the location information from a plurality of recording formats in an optimal recording format according to the application.

Further, according to the inventions of claims 2, 14 and 26, one image can be recorded in a plurality of recording formats according to applications.

Further, according to the third, fifteenth, and twenty-seventh aspects of the present invention, the location information can be recorded in any one of a latitude, longitude, character, and code recording format.

Further, according to the inventions of claims 4, 16 and 28, the recording medium on which the original information is recorded is reproduced, and the reproduced original information is converted into a desired recording format, and then the reproduced information is recorded on the recording medium. It can be re-recorded instead of the original information.

According to the invention of claims 5, 17 and 29, one location information can be re-recorded in a plurality of recording formats.

Further, according to the inventions of claims 6, 18 and 30, it is possible to re-record the location information in the converted recording format and its original information.

According to the invention of claims 7, 19, and 31, the location information can be recorded in any one of a recording format of latitude and longitude, a character, and a code.
According to the inventions 20 and 32, by using the latitude and longitude format as the original information, the original information can be easily obtained using, for example, a GPS.

Further, according to the ninth, twentieth and thirty-third aspects of the present invention, the original information can be automatically obtained. Further, according to the tenth, twenty-first and thirty-fourth aspects, the original information can be obtained by GPS. It can be easily and inexpensively obtained as latitude and longitude.

According to the eleventh, twenty-second, and thirty-fifth aspects of the present invention, an image can be recorded on a photographic film, and location information can be magnetically recorded in association with the image. According to the inventions 23 and 36, by recording the location information magnetically, a simple and inexpensive configuration can be achieved.

According to the invention of claims 29 to 67,
It is possible to provide a location information conversion device, a recording device, a method used for them, and a computer-readable medium that enable location information accompanying a captured image to be compatible with a wide range of applications.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a CRT monitor viewing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a CRT monitor viewing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the contents of a conversion table.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a display example of a monitor.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram for explaining a recording operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an external view of a camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram for explaining a recording operation of the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of the CRT monitor viewing device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a CRT monitor viewing device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram illustrating a recording operation according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 CRT monitor viewing device 2d Latitude / longitude information 2e Character information 2f Code information 5 Microprocessor 19 Reproducing head 20 Recording head 21 Magnetic recording circuit 28 Conversion table 29 Selection switch 101 Camera 115 Magnetic recording / reproducing circuit 116 Magnetic head 117 Positioning receiver 118 Reception Circuit 123 Positioning switch F Photographic film having magnetic recording layer T1 First magnetic track T2 Second magnetic track

Claims (67)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus, comprising: a conversion unit for converting location information relating to one image into signals of a plurality of recording formats. 2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: selecting means for selecting one or more of the plurality of recording formats; and recording means for recording a signal converted in the selected recording format on a recording medium. Claim 1.
The recording device according to any one of the preceding claims. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of recording formats are any of a format in which the location information is represented by latitude and longitude, a format in which characters are represented, and a format in which codes are determined for each location. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. A reproducing means for reproducing a recording medium in which location information on an image is recorded together with the image as original information, a converting means for converting the reproduced original information into location information in a predetermined recording format, Recording means for recording the location information in the converted recording format on the recording medium. 5. The conversion means is capable of converting the original information into a plurality of recording formats, and has a first selection means for selecting a plurality of recording formats from the plurality of recording formats. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein location information of the plurality of selected recording formats is recorded. 6. The recording means selects whether to record only the location information of the selected plurality of recording formats or to record the location information of the selected plurality of recording formats and the original information. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a second selection unit that performs the operation. 7. The plurality of recording formats are characterized in that the location information is one of a format represented by latitude and longitude, a format represented by characters, and a format represented by a code determined for each location. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the original information is in a format represented by the latitude and longitude. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring the location information. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said obtaining means uses GPS. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is a photographic film having a magnetic recording layer. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording means magnetically records the converted location information in the recording format. 13. A recording method, comprising a conversion procedure for converting location information relating to one image into signals in a plurality of recording formats. 14. A method for selecting one or more recording formats from among the plurality of recording formats, and a recording sequence for recording a signal converted in the selected recording format on a recording medium. Claim 1.
3. The recording method according to 3. 15. The method according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of recording formats are any of a format in which the location information is represented by latitude and longitude, a format in which characters are represented, and a format in which codes are determined for each location. The recording method according to claim 14, wherein the recording method is performed. 16. A reproduction procedure for reproducing a recording medium in which location information on an image is recorded together with the image as original information, a conversion procedure for converting the reproduced original information to location information in a predetermined recording format, A recording procedure for recording the converted location information in the recording format on the recording medium. 17. The conversion procedure is capable of converting the original information into a plurality of recording formats, and has a first selection procedure for selecting a plurality of recording formats from the plurality of recording formats. 17. The recording method according to claim 16, wherein location information of the selected plurality of recording formats is recorded. 18. The recording method according to claim 1, wherein the recording procedure is to record only the location information of the selected plurality of recording formats or to record the location information of the selected plurality of recording formats and the original information. 18. The recording method according to claim 17, further comprising a second selection procedure for performing the recording. 19. The method according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of recording formats are any of a format in which the location information is represented by latitude and longitude, a format in which characters are represented, and a format in which codes are determined for each location. The recording method according to claim 17, wherein the recording is performed. 20. The recording method according to claim 19, wherein the original information is in a format represented by the latitude and longitude. 21. The recording method according to claim 13, further comprising an obtaining procedure for obtaining said original information. 22. The recording method according to claim 21, wherein said obtaining procedure uses GPS. 23. The recording medium according to claim 13, wherein the recording medium is a photographic film having a magnetic recording layer.
6. The recording method according to 6. 24. The recording method according to claim 13, wherein the recording procedure magnetically records the converted location information in the recording format. 25. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a conversion process for converting location information relating to one image into a plurality of recording format signals. 26. A recording medium comprising: a selection process for selecting one or more recording formats from among the plurality of recording formats; and a recording process for recording a signal converted in the selected recording format on a recording medium. 26. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 25, wherein said program is stored. 27. A reproduction process for reproducing a recording medium in which location information on an image is recorded as original information together with the image, a conversion process for converting the reproduced original information into location information in a predetermined recording format, A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a recording process of recording the converted location information in the recording format on the recording medium. 28. The plurality of recording formats, wherein the location information is one of a format represented by latitude and longitude, a format represented by characters, and a format represented by a code determined for each location. 28. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 25. 29. A location, comprising: input means for inputting location information associated with a photographed image; and conversion means for converting the location information input by the input means into a plurality of signals in different expression formats. Information conversion device. 30. The location information conversion apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said input means inputs said location information magnetically recorded on a film. 31. The location information conversion apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said input means inputs said location information recorded on an image recording medium. 32. The location information conversion apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising recording means for recording location information based on a signal in an expression format converted by said conversion means on said image recording medium. 33. The location information conversion apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising recording means for recording location information based on a signal in an expression format converted by said conversion means on an image recording medium. 34. The location information conversion apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising recording means for recording a plurality of pieces of location information based on signals of different expression formats converted by the conversion apparatus on the image recording medium. 35. The location information conversion apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising recording means for selectively recording location information based on signals of different expression formats converted by the conversion apparatus on the image recording medium. 36. The location information conversion apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said recording means has a selection means for selecting an expression format to be recorded on said image recording medium. 37. The location information conversion device according to claim 29, further comprising display means for displaying location information based on a signal in an expression format converted by said conversion means. 38. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said input means inputs latitude and longitude information as said location information.
37. The location information conversion device according to any one of 37. 39. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the conversion unit converts the location information into a character format.
39. The location information conversion device according to any one of -38. 40. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the conversion unit converts the location information into a code format.
39. The location information conversion device according to any one of -39. 41. The location information conversion device according to claim 29, wherein said conversion means converts said location information into a representation format in a latitude and longitude format. 42. An input means for inputting, as original information, location information associated with a captured image from an image recording medium on which the captured image is recorded, and location information in a predetermined expression format, wherein said input information is input by said input means. And a recording means for recording the location information in the predetermined expression format converted by the conversion means on the image recording medium. 43. A system according to claim 41, further comprising a selection unit for selecting whether or not to record the location information of the predetermined expression format converted by the conversion unit together with the original information on the image recording medium. Described location information conversion device. 44. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the input means inputs the original information magnetically recorded on the film.
The place information conversion device according to 2 or 43. 45. The location information conversion apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said recording means has a selection means for selecting an expression format to be recorded on said image recording medium. 46. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said input means inputs latitude and longitude information as said location information.
45. The location information conversion device according to any one of 45. 47. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the conversion unit converts the location information into a character representation.
47. The location information conversion device according to any one of -46. 48. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the conversion unit converts the location information into a code format.
48. The location information conversion device according to any one of -47. 49. The location information conversion apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said conversion means converts said location information into a representation format in a latitude and longitude format. 50. Location information, comprising: input means for inputting location information attached to an image; and conversion means for converting the location information input by the input means into a plurality of signals in different expression formats. Conversion device. 51. Input means for inputting location information associated with an image from an image recording medium on which the image is recorded as original information, and converting the original information input by the input means into location information in a predetermined expression format. A location information conversion device, comprising: a conversion unit that converts the location information in the predetermined expression format converted by the conversion unit into the image recording medium. 52. A recording apparatus comprising: recording means for recording information accompanying an image on an image recording medium; and control means for causing the recording means to record a plurality of pieces of location information accompanying the image in different recording forms. apparatus. 53. The recording apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said recording means records said location information in at least two recording forms of a character format, a code format, and a latitude / longitude format. 54. A recording apparatus comprising: recording means for recording information accompanying an image on an image recording medium; and control means for causing the recording means to selectively record location information accompanying the image in a different recording form. Recording device. 55. The recording apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said recording means records said location information in at least two recording forms of a character format, a code format, and a latitude / longitude format. 56. A location information conversion method, comprising: inputting location information associated with a photographed image, and converting the input location information into a plurality of signals in different expression formats. 57. Inputting location information associated with the captured image as original information from an image recording medium on which the captured image is recorded, converting the input original information into location information in a predetermined expression format, Recording the location information in the predetermined expression format on the image recording medium. 58. A location information conversion method, comprising: inputting location information associated with an image, and converting the input location information into a plurality of signals in different expression formats. 59. Inputting location information accompanying an image from an image recording medium on which the image is recorded as original information, converting the input original information into location information in a predetermined expression format, A place information conversion method, wherein the place information in the predetermined expression format is recorded on the image recording medium. 60. A location information recording method, wherein a recording device for recording information associated with an image on an image recording medium records a plurality of location information associated with the image in different recording forms. 61. A location information recording method, wherein a recording device for recording information associated with an image on an image recording medium selectively records location information associated with the image in a different recording form. 62. A computer-readable medium having contents for inputting location information associated with a captured image and converting the input location information into a plurality of signals in different expression formats. 63. Location information associated with a captured image is input as original information from an image recording medium on which the captured image is recorded, and the input original information is converted into location information in a predetermined expression format. A computer-readable medium having contents for recording the location information in the predetermined expression format on the image recording medium. 64. A computer-readable medium having contents for inputting location information attached to an image and converting the input location information into a plurality of signals in different expression formats. 65. Location information accompanying the image is input as original information from an image recording medium on which the image is recorded, and the input original information is converted into location information in a predetermined expression format. A computer-readable medium having contents for recording the location information in the predetermined expression format on the image recording medium. 66. A computer-readable medium having contents for causing a recording device for recording information accompanying an image to an image recording medium to record a plurality of pieces of location information accompanying the image in different recording forms. 67. A computer-readable medium having a content for causing a recording device for recording information accompanying an image to an image recording medium to selectively record location information accompanying an image in a different recording form. .