JP2001289650A - Image processor, method of displaying image and memory medium readably by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an operator to easily select photographic images related on a map image. SOLUTION: If there are a plurality of sub-icons belonging to a group shown by any icon when being selected among icons shown on a wide-range map image being displayed, a narrow-range map image on a scale reduced enough to display all the sub-icons is displayed together with the sub-icons. If there are further a plurality of sub-icons belonging to a group shown by any sub-icon when being selected among the sub-icons shown on the newly displayed narrow- range map image, a more-narrow-range map image on a scale reduced enough to display all the sub-icons is displayed together with the sub-icons. Such icon selecting operation by the passenger and the display developed to scale-different map images are repeated up to a level at which only a plurality of photographic data belong to a group shown by any icon selected by the passenger.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image display method, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus and an image display method suitable for use in a navigation apparatus mounted on an automobile or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the field of automobiles, which are typical vehicles, navigation devices that detect a current position and guide a route to a destination set by an occupant have become widespread.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-1799491 discloses a thumbnail (reduced image) of a photographic image taken in advance by a digital camera as an image processing system suitable for application to such a navigation device. There has been proposed a technique of displaying a map image together with a map image based on positional information of a photographed point.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, the thumbnail of the photograph image is displayed on the map image regardless of the scale of the map image displayed on the display device. When a plurality of photographs are taken at the same time, the thumbnails corresponding to those photographs are overlapped depending on the scale of the displayed map image, and there is a problem in convenience.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image display method, and a computer-readable storage medium that allow an operator to easily select a photographic image associated with a map image.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, when displaying a map image on a display device based on the map information, a photographic image based on photographic information in which position information corresponding to the area of the map image to be displayed is previously associated with the map image is displayed. An image processing apparatus for displaying a plurality of pieces of photographic information in a predetermined condition (for example, a proximity relationship of each point represented by the location information associated with the photographic information, an association with the photographic information, Time information, time information indicating a period during which the ignition of the automobile is off and the time information, or manual operation, etc.), and a symbol image representing the group is placed at a corresponding position on the map image to be displayed. When the symbol image being displayed is selected, a plurality of pieces of photo information belonging to the group represented by the symbol image are displayed. The other images, characterized in that it comprises a display control means for displaying on said display device.

For example, the display control means displays an icon representing the group when displaying a wide-range map image as the symbol image, and displays a map image having a smaller range than the wide-range map image.
It is preferable to display a thumbnail image based on the icon representing the group or the photograph information in which the position information corresponding to the icon in the narrow area of the map image is associated in advance.

[0009] More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, when the icon is selected in the wide-area map image displayed on the display, the display control means displays the selected icon in a group represented by the selected icon. If a plurality of lower-level icons belong, the narrow-range map image capable of displaying all of the plurality of icons on the display is displayed together with the plurality of icons, and the plurality of icons are displayed in a group represented by the selected icon. When only the photo information belongs, it is preferable to display the narrow range map image capable of displaying all the thumbnail images based on the plurality of pieces of photo information together with the thumbnail images.

[0010] For example, altitude information,
Or, when azimuth information indicating the photographing direction of the photographic information is included, the display control unit converts the partial image based on the altitude information or the partial image based on the azimuth information into an individual photograph based on the photographic information. It should be displayed together with the image.

Further, for example, in a case where navigation means for detecting a current position and guiding a route from the detected current position to a desired destination is further provided, the display control means includes a map displayed on the display. In the image,
The route guidance route calculated by the navigation means and the symbol image may be displayed together. In this case, if any one of the symbol images is selected, the symbol belongs to a group represented by the selected symbol image. However, a list of thumbnail images based on the plurality of pieces of photograph information may be displayed on the display, and the display of the map image may be continued in a manner different from the previous display manner.

In order to achieve the above object, an image display method according to the present invention has the following features.

That is, when a map image is displayed on a display device based on the map information, a photographic image based on photographic information in which position information corresponding to an area of the map image to be displayed is previously associated with the map image is displayed. An image display method for displaying a plurality of pieces of photo information in groups according to predetermined conditions, and displaying a symbol image representing the group at a corresponding position on a map image to be displayed. In addition, when a symbol image being displayed is selected, another image related to a plurality of pieces of photographic information belonging to the group represented by the symbol image is displayed on the display.

For example, when displaying a wide-range map image as the symbol image, an icon representing the group is displayed, and when displaying a map image narrower than the wide-range map image, an icon representing the group is displayed. Alternatively, it is preferable to display a thumbnail image based on photograph information in which the corresponding position information is associated in advance in the narrow area of the map image.

In the above case, when a plurality of lower-level icons belong to a group represented by the selected icon when the icon is selected in the wide-area map image displayed on the display, the plurality of lower-level icons are displayed. Displaying the map image of the narrow range capable of displaying all the icons on the display together with the plurality of icons, and when only the plurality of pieces of photograph information belongs to the group represented by the selected icon, the plurality of pictures are displayed. It is preferable that the map image in the narrow range capable of displaying all the thumbnail images based on the information is displayed together with the thumbnail images.

Further, the present invention is characterized by a computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for realizing the image processing apparatus and the image display method by a computer.

[0017]

According to the present invention described above, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus, an image display method, and a computer-readable storage medium that allow an operator to easily select a photographic image associated with a map image. I do.

That is, according to the first and eighth aspects of the present invention, a symbol image representing a plurality of pieces of photographic information is displayed on a map image. By selecting the thumbnail image: claim 2 or claim 9) in the case of the map image of the range, the operator can easily select a plurality of pieces of photograph information belonging to the group represented by the symbol image.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, grouping can be performed under optimum conditions.

According to the invention of claim 4, the convenience is further improved.

According to the fifth and tenth aspects of the present invention, a plurality of child icons belonging to a group represented by a selected icon (parent icon) are developed on a map image to be displayed, and a group represented by the selected icon is displayed. When only the photograph information belongs to the image information, the thumbnail image is displayed on the list screen of the thumbnail images corresponding to the photograph information, so that the operator can easily select a desired photograph image.

According to the sixth and eleventh aspects of the present invention, even when the thumbnail images are displayed in a list, the route guidance is continued on a screen having a different display mode such as a reduced screen or a simplified screen. Further, the convenience when a plurality of thumbnail images are displayed in a list is improved.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which an image processing apparatus and an image display method according to the present invention are applied to a navigation unit mounted on an automobile will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, the overall configuration of the navigation unit in this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram exemplifying an arrangement of devices around a driver's seat of an automobile equipped with a navigation unit according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a navigation unit, which is buried in, for example, a center console in a vehicle compartment with an operation panel exposed. Reference numeral 2 denotes a navigation operation module that can perform various operations of the navigation unit 1, and is provided, for example, near the range shift lever. A mobile phone 3 is detachably connected to the navigation unit 1. Reference numeral 4 denotes a digital camera detachably connected to the navigation unit 1.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a speaker / microphone unit including a microphone for inputting a voice by an occupant to the navigation unit 1 and a speaker for outputting a voice signal output from the unit. Buried. Reference numeral 7 denotes a head-up display (HUD) on which various information such as route guidance information and vehicle speed by the navigation unit 1 are displayed. Reference numeral 8 denotes a display provided on the dashboard, which displays the same information as the head-up display 7 and more detailed monitor information such as the operation state of the vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the navigation unit in the present embodiment, and shows the internal configuration of the navigation unit 1 shown in FIG.

In the figure, the navigation operation module 2
It is connected to an operation system interface (I / F) 102.
The navigation operation module 2 includes a switch for operating a navigation function, a switch for capturing photographic information (image information) from the digital camera 4, and a switch for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device via the mobile phone 3. Is provided, and the operator performs various operations of the navigation unit 1 while referring to a display screen such as the display 8.

The speaker / microphone unit 6 is connected to the speaker / microphone port 103, and is used to input a voice corresponding to a call of the mobile phone 3 or photo data input in advance from the digital camera 4. 104
Is a drive unit such as a DVD-RAM drive, in which a storage medium 5 such as a DVD in which various kinds of information such as map information are stored is detachably loaded, information is read from the storage medium, and input from the digital camera 4. It is possible to write the photographic data and the like.

The digital camera 4 is connected to a digital camera connection port 105 via a predetermined communication cable. The mobile phone 3 is connected to the mobile phone connection port 106 via a predetermined communication cable.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a position detection module for detecting the current position by a general method based on a sensor output signal from a GPS (global positioning system) sensor or a gyro (not shown).

In the present embodiment, the digital camera 4 includes a microphone 4 for inputting sound in addition to a general photographing function including an image pickup device such as a CCD (Charg-Coupled Device).
1. A compass 42 capable of detecting a photographing direction and a GPS sensor 43 detecting a current position based on a received GPS signal are provided. Photo data (image data) photographed by the digital camera 4 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, individual identification (ID) data for each photograph, photograph data generated by the imaging device, the GPS sensor 4
3, coordinate data (latitude, longitude, altitude) indicating the shooting position detected by the camera 3, azimuth data detected by the compass 42, date data when the photo data was generated, and audio data input from the microphone 41. Has a data format of

The photographic data is not limited to the data obtained by the digital camera 4 as described above.
For example, photograph data obtained by an external personal computer using a scanner may be obtained through a communication line using the mobile phone 3 or the like, or may be obtained through the storage medium 5.

As shown in FIG. 2, the portable telephone 3 is a portable information terminal (PD) based on a predetermined wireless communication system.
A), data can be transmitted / received to / from a stationary personal computer or another automobile equipped with a navigation unit having a communication function.

Then, the microcomputer 101
A general navigation function such as route guidance is realized by executing a control program stored in a ROM or the like in advance so as to control the entire blocks provided in the navigation unit 1. A map image display control (details will be described later), which is a feature of the embodiment, is realized.

The connection between the navigation unit 1 and the mobile phone 3 or the digital camera 4 is not limited to a wired connection, but may be a wireless connection based on a predetermined short-range wireless communication procedure.

<Display Control Processing> Next, the display control processing performed in the navigation unit 1 will be described.

The navigation unit 1 displays the map image on which the route guidance to the destination is displayed, the map image around the current position, or the map image at a desired position by manual operation on the display 8 (or HUD 7). )
, A symbol image based on photograph data in which information (coordinate data) representing the position is previously associated with a corresponding position in the displayed map image area.

In this embodiment, the symbol image is
A predetermined shape (in this embodiment, an opened album)
Is an icon image (hereinafter, icon) imitating the image, or a thumbnail image (hereinafter, thumbnail) obtained by individually reducing a photographic image represented by photographic data.

One icon displayed on the map image is composed of a plurality of lower icons (child icons: the shape of the child icons is the same in the present embodiment) or one icon composed of a plurality of photograph data. This indicates a group (the method of grouping will be described later).

That is, when one of the icons displayed on the displayed map image (wide-area map image) is selected, a plurality of child icons belong to the group represented by the selected icon. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a map image (narrow range map image) of a reduced scale capable of displaying all of the child icons is displayed together with the child icons, for example, as developed from the map image of FIG. 5 to the map image of FIG. And
When any of the displayed icons (corresponding to the child icons) is selected in the newly displayed map image (the map image in the narrow range), the icon is further added to the group represented by the selected icon. When a plurality of child icons belong, for example, as shown in the map image of FIG. 6 developed into the map image of FIG. Displayed with their child icons. Such an operation of selecting an icon by the occupant and expanding and displaying the map image on a different scale are repeated until only a plurality of pieces of photograph data belong to the group represented by the icon selected by the occupant.

By performing the display control as described above, even when a plurality of photographs are taken at a point in the vicinity, the occupant can select a desired icon on a map image of a different scale. By repeating the above, a desired photographic image can be efficiently and easily selected, and the convenience is improved.

When an icon representing a group consisting of a plurality of pieces of photo data is selected on the map image, thumbnails based on the photo data are displayed, for example, from the map image of FIG. 7 to the thumbnail list image of FIG. The list screen is displayed. When a list of thumbnails is displayed as shown in FIG. 8, for example, the thumbnails may be arranged in chronological order by referring to date data associated with the photo data corresponding to the thumbnails.

Further, when any one of the thumbnails displayed in the list is selected, an individual photographic image as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed based on the photographic data corresponding to the thumbnail. .

When displaying an individual photographic image, for example, by referring to the coordinate data, azimuth data, and voice data associated with the photographic data in accordance with the setting of the occupant, the photographic direction as shown in FIG. And altitude (and / or latitude / longitude) may be displayed together or audio output may be performed.

When there is another photo data belonging to the same group before and after the displayed photo image, a mark (for example, left and right triangles shown in FIG. 9) indicating that fact may be displayed together. .

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a display control process performed by the navigation unit in the present embodiment. The microcomputer 101 displays a symbol image (icon, thumbnail) or a photographic image on a map image. 4 shows a processing procedure to be performed.

In the figure, step S1: it is determined whether or not the album display mode is selected by operating the navigation operation module 2, and if the determination is YES (the mode is selected), the process proceeds to step S2, and the determination is NO. When the mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S5.

Step S2: Time data representing the time when the ignition key switch of the automobile equipped with the navigation unit 1 is turned on / off is obtained from a memory such as a RAM. In order to realize the acquisition of the time data in this step, the microcomputer 101 of the navigation unit 1 has a clock function for measuring the time and the time when the occupant turns on / off the ignition key switch. Are sequentially performed in a separate task.

Step S3, Step S4: It is determined whether or not photograph data (image data) having the data format shown in FIG. 10 is stored in a memory such as a RAM (step S3). ), The process proceeds to step S6. If NO (no photo data), the occupant is prompted to enter photo data using the display 8 or the like, and the digital camera 4 connected to the digital camera connection port 105 or the drive unit is driven. A process of reading photographic data or the like from the storage medium loaded in the memory 104 and storing the read data in a predetermined area of the memory is performed (step S4), and the process proceeds to step S5.

Step S5: Since the album display mode has not been selected in step S1, or the photograph data to be displayed has not yet been prepared even if the mode is selected, the current position is detected and the set purpose is set. Perform general navigation processing such as route guidance to the ground, and return.

Step S6: Since it is determined that there is photo data in a predetermined area of the memory, the photo data within the designated map range is grouped according to predetermined conditions. here,
A method of grouping (grouping) in this step will be described. The specified map range for grouping may be, for example, a predetermined distance range centered on the current position.

Method of using the time at which the ignition key switch is turned on / off: The time period during which the ignition is off (the group is defined based on the time at which the door is opened and closed) based on the time data obtained at step S2 ) Is defined as one group assuming that the occupant has gone out of the vehicle, and the photograph data is distributed to each defined group by referring to the date and time data associated with each photograph data. In this case, in order to form the same group, a condition that the distance is within a predetermined distance range from the set route guidance route and that the date is the same among the date and time data may be added.

Method of using the proximity relationship between the points represented by the position data: When no route guidance route is set, the position data associated with the photograph data is referred to,
1 when the proximity state from the current position is shorter than the predetermined distance
Group. In this case, in order to form the same group, a condition that the date is the same in the date and time data may be added.

Manual operation by the occupant: When the grouping of the photograph data is performed by the manual operation, the priority is given to the grouping by other methods.

In step S6, the groups are grouped as described above. In some cases, the groups are defined as different groups. However, when the icons are displayed on the display 8 as icons representing the respective groups, the icons are very close to each other. As a result, it may be difficult for the occupant to identify individual icons. Therefore, in such a case, the plurality of icons that are close to each other and the individual photo data belonging to the group represented by the icons are regrouped as one large group. Whether or not to perform the regrouping process can be determined by coordinate calculation based on the size of the display area of the display 8 and the size of the icon to be displayed.
That is, when the display position of each icon on the display 8 is calculated and an icon of a predetermined size is arranged at that position, the distance between the outer edges of the icon is shorter than the predetermined distance, or the display range occupied by the icon partially overlaps. In this case, it can be determined that the above-described regrouping process is necessary.

In each of the above-described grouping processes, for example, an average value (centroid position) is calculated for the display position of the icon representing one group in accordance with the coordinate data associated with the child icons belonging to the group or the photograph data. What is necessary is just to determine it.

Step S7: It is determined whether or not the scale level of the map image currently displayed on the display 8 is less than a predetermined level 1. If the determination is NO (level 1 or more), the process proceeds to step S8, and YES ( Below level 1:
At the time of the scale level shown in FIG. 4, for example, the scale of the currently displayed map image is too large to display the icons, so that the routine returns. However, in the present embodiment, the larger the numerical value of the scale level, the narrower the range of the map image.

Steps S8 and S9: It is determined whether or not the scale level of the map image currently displayed on the display 8 is equal to or higher than level 1 and equal to or lower than a predetermined level 2 (step S8). If it is (greater than level 2), the process proceeds to step S10, and if it is YES (level 2 or lower: for example, the scale level shown in FIG. 5), the corresponding position in the area of the currently displayed map image is
An icon representing the highest level group among the groups created in step S6 is also displayed (step S9), and the process proceeds to step S13.

Steps S10 to S12: It is determined whether or not the scale level of the map image currently displayed on the display 8 is higher than level 2 and lower than or equal to a predetermined level 3 (step S10). (Larger than level 3: for example, the scale level shown in FIG. 7)
At the corresponding position in the area of the currently displayed map image, an icon representing a group at the third level from the top of the groups created in step S6 is also displayed (step S11). S13
Proceed to. On the other hand, if the determination in step S10 is YES (level 3 or less: for example, the scale level shown in FIG. 6), the corresponding position in the area of the currently displayed map image is
Among the groups created in step S6, an icon indicating a group at the second level from the highest level and a group at level 2 is also displayed (step S12), and the process proceeds to step S13.

Step S13: It is determined whether any of the icons displayed on the currently displayed map image has been selected (instructed) by operating the navigation operation module 2 or the like. When any of the icons is selected), the process proceeds to step S14, and when NO (when there is no icon selection operation), the display of the current position, the route guidance route, etc. on the currently displayed map image ( The process proceeds to step S5 to perform (update of display).

Step S14, Step S15: It is determined whether or not there are a plurality of child icons (lower-level icons) belonging to the group represented by the selected icon (step S1).
4) If the determination is NO (when there is no child icon), the process proceeds to step S16, and YES (there is a child icon)
In the case of, a map image including the plurality of child icons is displayed on the display 8 at a reduced scale capable of displaying all of the plurality of child icons (step S15), and step S1 is performed.
Return to 3. Here, a map image of a reduced scale that can display all of the plurality of child icons can be easily obtained by referring to the display positions of the child icons.

Step S16: Since the child icon no longer belongs to the group represented by the icon selected in step S13 and only the photo data belongs, a list of thumbnails based on the photo data is displayed.
When a thumbnail is selected (instructed) on the list screen by operating the navigation operation module 2 or the like, individual thumbnails are displayed based on the photo data corresponding to the selected thumbnail. Photo images,
It is displayed on the display 8 as shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operator can easily select the photographic image associated with the map image, and the convenience is improved.

<Modification of Embodiment> When an icon representing a group consisting of a plurality of pieces of photo data is selected on the map image, the thumbnail list display screen is displayed instead of the thumbnail list display screen as described above. A map image of a reduced scale (a map image in a narrower range) capable of displaying all of the thumbnails based on the thumbnails may be displayed together with the thumbnails.

If only one piece of photograph data belongs to a certain group as a result of grouping, the map image is not displayed for that group at any scale. May be displayed as well as a thumbnail.

In the display control process described above, when displaying a thumbnail list display screen as shown in FIG. 8 or a photographic image individual display screen as shown in FIG. 9, the entire display area of the display 8 is displayed. Although used, a part of the display screen may be used to continue displaying the route guidance route in order to improve the convenience of the occupant during route guidance. In this case, the display mode of the map image including the route guidance route is such that the scale is changed vertically or horizontally, or information such as main place names and distances is displayed on the route guidance route represented by a bar display. It is a good idea to display it in a simplified form. Alternatively, in consideration of the size of the display screen of the display 8, when a list display screen or an individual display screen is displayed on the display 8 during the route guidance, information on the route guidance may be displayed only on the HUD 7. .

In the above-described embodiment, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention has been described as an embodiment applied to a navigation system mounted on an automobile. However, the present invention is not limited to this apparatus configuration. The function of the unit 1 may be realized by a portable or stationary personal computer. In this case, the personal computer detects the current position by a built-in or external type simple type position detection sensor, and executes the software describing the procedure of the display control process shown in FIG. Just do it.

Further, the azimuth data, audio data, and the like associated with the photographic data as in the data format shown in FIG. 10 may be separately input manually by the operator of the personal computer.

In the above-described embodiment, the icons displayed on the map image have a shape imitating an opened album. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The operator may be easily recognized by displaying the icons being displayed in different colors when a plurality of child icons belong to the icon and when the photo data belongs to the icon.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram exemplifying an arrangement of devices around a driver's seat of an automobile on which a navigation unit according to an embodiment is mounted.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a navigation unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process performed by a navigation unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying a map image at a scale level lower than 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram exemplifying a map image at a scale level of less than 1 and less than or equal to 2;

FIG. 6 is a diagram exemplifying a map image larger than scale level 2 and smaller than 3;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a map image larger than scale level 3;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a thumbnail list display screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying an individual display screen of a photographic image.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a format of various data associated with photograph data.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Navigation unit, 2: Navigation operation module, 4: Digital camera, 5: Map information (DVD), 6: Speaker / microphone unit, 7: Head-up display (HUD), 8: Display, 41: Microphone, 42: Compass, 43: GPS sensor, 101: microcomputer, 102: operation interface, 103: speaker / microphone port, 104: DVD-RAM, 105: digital camera connection port, 106: mobile phone connection port, 107: position detection module ,

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G09B 29/10 G09B 29/10 A 9A001 G09G 5/36 510 G09G 5/36 510B 510C (72) Inventor Hosoda Koji 3-1, Fuchu-cho, Shinchu, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Mazda Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shigefumi Hirabayashi 3-1, Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Mazda Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C032 HC08 HC26 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AB09 AC01 AC02 AC04 AC18 AD07 5B050 BA11 BA15 BA17 EA12 EA19 FA02 FA14 GA08 5C082 AA00 AA14 BA14 BA20 CA01 CA34 CB01 CB06 DA87 MM09 MM10 5H180 AA01 BB05 BB13 CC04 FF04 FF05 FF22 FF25 FF27 FF27 FF27 FF27 J23

Claims (13)

[Claims] When displaying a map image on a display device based on map information, a map image based on photo information in which positional information corresponding to an area of the map image to be displayed is associated in advance with the map image is displayed. An image processing apparatus for displaying the image information in accordance with the corresponding position above, wherein a plurality of pieces of photo information are grouped according to predetermined conditions,
A symbol image representing the group is displayed at a corresponding position on the map image to be displayed, and when the displayed symbol image is selected, another image related to a plurality of pieces of photograph information belonging to the group represented by the symbol image is displayed. An image processing apparatus comprising: display control means for displaying the image on the display. 2. The display control means displays an icon representing the group when displaying a wide-range map image as the symbol image and displays the icon when displaying a map image having a narrower range than the wide-range map image. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an icon representing a group or a thumbnail image based on photo information associated with positional information corresponding to a position within a narrow map image area in advance is displayed. 3. The display control means according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined conditions include: a proximity relationship between respective points represented by the position information associated with the photograph information; a time information associated with the photograph information; 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein grouping is performed according to time information indicating a period and the time information or a manual operation. 4. The position information includes altitude information or azimuth information indicating a shooting direction of the photographic information. The display control means includes: a partial image based on the altitude information;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a partial image based on the azimuth information is displayed together with an individual photographic image based on the photographic information. 5. The display control means, when the icon is selected in the wide-area map image displayed on the display, when a plurality of lower-level icons belong to a group represented by the selected icon, Displaying the map image of the narrow range capable of displaying all of the plurality of icons on the display together with the plurality of icons, and when only the plurality of pieces of photograph information belongs to the group represented by the selected icon, the The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the map image in the narrow range capable of displaying all thumbnail images based on a plurality of pieces of photograph information is displayed together with the thumbnail images. 6. A navigation device that detects a current position and guides a route from the detected current position to a desired destination. The display control device includes a map image displayed on the display, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the route guidance route calculated by the navigation unit and the symbol image are displayed together. 7. The display control unit, when displaying the symbol image and the route guidance route together with the map image displayed on the display device, any one of the symbol images is selected. In this case, a list display of thumbnail images belonging to the group represented by the selected symbol image based on the plurality of pieces of photograph information is displayed on the display, and the display of the map image is performed in a display mode up to that time. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image processing is continued in a mode different from the above. 8. When a map image is displayed on a display device based on the map information, a photographic image based on photographic information in which positional information corresponding to an area of the map image to be displayed is previously associated with the map image. An image display method for displaying a plurality of pieces of photo information in a group according to predetermined conditions,
A symbol image representing the group is displayed at a corresponding position on the map image to be displayed, and when the displayed symbol image is selected, another image related to a plurality of pieces of photograph information belonging to the group represented by the symbol image is displayed. Is displayed on the display device. 9. An icon representing the group is displayed as a symbol image when displaying a wide-range map image, and an icon representing the group is displayed when displaying a map image having a smaller range than the wide-range map image.
9. The image display method according to claim 8, wherein a thumbnail image is displayed based on the photograph information in which the corresponding position information is associated in advance in the narrow area of the map image. 10. When a plurality of lower-level icons belong to a group represented by the selected icon when the icon is selected in the wide-range map image displayed on the display, the plurality of icons are displayed. The map image of the narrow range that can be displayed on the display is displayed together with the plurality of icons. If only the plurality of pieces of photo information belong to the group represented by the selected icon, the map information is displayed based on the plurality of pieces of photo information. The image display method according to claim 9, wherein the map image in the narrow range capable of displaying all the thumbnail images is displayed together with the thumbnail images. 11. When one of the symbol images is selected when the symbol image and the route guidance route to the set destination are displayed together with the map image displayed on the display device. In this case, a list display of thumbnail images belonging to the group represented by the selected symbol image based on the plurality of pieces of photograph information is displayed on the display, and the display of the map image is performed in a display mode up to that time. 9. The image display method according to claim 8, wherein the image display is continued in a mode different from the above. 12. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for operating a computer as the image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Description: 13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program code capable of realizing the image display method according to claim 8 by a computer.