JP2943265B2 - Camera that can record location information - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is provided with a positioning device for positioning an imaging position and a receiver for receiving a radio wave of a place code transmitted from a tourist spot, an event venue, or the like, The present invention relates to a camera that records position information at the time of shooting using positioning data or a location code together with a shot image.

[Prior Art] In photographing, if information on the photographing screen, particularly information on the photographing place, can be recorded in correspondence with the photographing screen, it is very convenient for organizing and retrieving photographs later.

Conventionally, Loran, Omega, Decca systems and the like have been widely used as positioning systems, and NNSS has been widely used in recent years. In recent years, GSP (Global Positioning Sy
Use of stems) is increasing. As is well known, this GPS is a high-accuracy positioning system in which each transmission data from at least four satellites is received by a terrestrial receiver and the three-dimensional position of the receiver is determined from the received data. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 1-312483 discloses an example of a configuration of a GPS receiver (for the purpose of eliminating a swing error).

On the other hand, there is known a conventional camera that stores data such as an aperture value, a shutter speed, and a date obtained from the sensor by using a sensor or the like originally built in the camera in association with a captured image. (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-2899)
No. 48) does not store data relating to a shooting location in association with a shot image at the time of shooting.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

By the way, if a camera is provided with a GPS receiver and positioning data obtained from the GPS receiver is taken in as photographing position information, photographing position information can be recorded in correspondence with a photographed image at the time of photographing. However, since a sufficient number of satellites have not been launched at present, there are regions and time zones where positioning cannot be performed due to the position of the satellite. Also,
While location information by GPS can be obtained over a wide range, the positioning data is composed of, for example, latitude, longitude, and altitude, and needs to be converted into location information using a map or the like as location information for search.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and transmits a FM radio wave including a code related to a place from a sightseeing spot, an event venue, or the like, and receives the FM radio wave to use the code related to the place as position information. Use the method of recording location information to be imported in conjunction with the method of recording location information using GPS, and if each radio wave cannot be received,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera capable of recording position information that accurately records a photographing position in association with a photographed image by mutually interpolating position information.

[Means for solving the problem]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes a positioning unit for positioning a shooting position, a receiving unit for receiving a radio wave of a location code and demodulating the location code, and positioning data from the positioning unit. A recording unit capable of recording the location code, and if the radio wave of the location code is receivable, the location code is recorded in the recording unit in association with the captured image, and if the radio wave of the location code is unreceivable. Is provided with recording control means for recording the positioning data in the recording means in association with the photographed image.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is a positioning means for positioning a shooting position, a receiving means for receiving a radio wave of a location code and demodulating the location code, and positioning data from the location means and the location code. Recordable recording means, and when the photographed position can be located, the positioning data is recorded in the recording means in association with the photographed image, and when the photographed position cannot be measured, the location code corresponds to the photographed image. And recording control means for recording the data in the recording means.

The positioning means is preferably a GPS receiver.

[Action]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an image photographed by the camera is recorded on a film or a memory. On the other hand, a radio wave of a location code transmitted from a transmitting device such as a sightseeing spot or an event venue is received by a dedicated receiver provided in the camera, and the location code is demodulated. Further, the photographing position is measured by the positioning means provided in the camera. If the radio wave is receivable, the demodulated location code is guided to the camera.If the radio wave is not receivable, the positioning data obtained from the positioning means is guided to the camera. The information is automatically recorded in the film or the memory in association with the information.

According to the second aspect of the invention, when the photographing position can be located, positioning data obtained from the positioning means is guided to the camera, and when the photographing position cannot be located,
The demodulated location code is guided to the camera, and is automatically recorded on the film or the memory in association with the image captured at that time.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the photographing position is measured by the GPS receiver, and positioning data of latitude, longitude and altitude are recorded as position information together with the photographed image.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of a camera for taking an image.

In the figure, lenses 1 to encoder 8 are components for a captured image.

Reference numeral 2 denotes an image pickup device (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) disposed behind the lens 1 on the optical axis, and picks up an object image obtained through the lens 1. The amplifier 3 amplifies the output image signal from the CCD 2 at a predetermined amplification rate and outputs the amplified image signal to the next-stage AD converter 4. The AD converter 4 converts the input analog image signal into a digital image signal. The white balance correction circuit 5 performs white balance correction on the digital image signal based on color temperature data from a white balance sensor 14 described later, and the gamma correction circuit 6 further performs gamma correction. Further, the matrix processing circuit 7 performs a predetermined gradation correction on the digital image signal. The encoder 8 converts the input digital image signal into a reproduced image signal.
Encode to NTSC signal, encoded NT
Outputs SC signal to memory card I / F9.

The microphone 10 to the memory 13 are components for voice input.

The microphone 10 is provided at an appropriate position in the camera body, and captures voices of a photographer, a subject, and the like. The amplifier 11 amplifies the audio signal from the microphone 10 at a predetermined amplification rate, and outputs it to the next-stage AD converter 12. The AD converter 12 converts the input analog audio signal into a digital audio signal. memory
Numeral 13 is used for voice recording (for speaker recognition), temporarily stores the input digital voice data, and thereafter outputs it to the memory card I / F9.

Next, a configuration for taking in other various information will be described.

The white balance sensor 14 detects the color temperature of the object scene, and determines from the obtained color temperature data whether the shooting was performed under fluorescent light or under sunlight, and the appropriate Apply white balance. The AF sensor 15 is used to calculate the distance to the subject by using a known distance measuring method. For example, the subject image passing through the lens 1 is separated into two directions and each light receiving unit (not shown) Is configured to guide a subject image. The subject images obtained by the two light receiving units are input to the AF CPU 16, and the AF CPU 16 obtains the phase difference from the subject images of the two light receiving units, and calculates the distance from the phase difference to the subject image. calculate. Further, the AF CPU 16 drives a lens driving system (not shown) based on the calculated distance data to move the lens 1 to a focusing position. When the movement to the in-focus position is completed, the focal length data f from the lens 1 and the subject distance data D from the AF CPU 16 are stored in a control unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 20.
Output to

The temperature sensor 17, the humidity sensor 18, and the atmospheric pressure sensor 19 measure the temperature (air temperature), the humidity, and the atmospheric pressure under photographing, respectively. Each measured data is output to the CPU 20. Each of the above-mentioned sensors automatically measures each data under photographing and guides it to the CPU 20.

The reception tuning unit 21, the demodulation unit 22, and the GPS receiver 23 are components for obtaining position information. The reception tuning unit 21 is an antenna 21
The receiver receives FM radio waves including a code related to a place received through a (code indicating a region, a sightseeing spot, an event, etc., hereinafter referred to as a place code), and the demodulation unit 22 demodulates the received FM signal to obtain a location. The code data is reproduced and output to the CPU 20. Details will be described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, the GPS receiver 23 receives a radio wave from a satellite (not shown) by an antenna 23a, calculates the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the current position and outputs the calculated latitude and longitude to the CPU 20, which will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The timer 24 measures the date and time built in the camera body.

The operation and control system includes the CPU 20 and each of the operation switches S _{1 to} S
₃ and an operation and display unit 25 for outputting the operation state to the CPU 20.

The CPU 20 is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each section of the camera as described above. Shooting preparation for the switch S ₁
Starts the operation of each sensor. Exposure start switch S ₂ is a so-called release button, is intended to start the exposure operation of the camera. Note that preferably the imaging preparation switch S ₁ is operated in a state where the release button is half-pressed, the exposure start switch S ₂ is are so as to operate the release button is fully pressed. The operation and display unit 25 is for displaying various data upon the frame number and the like taking outputs a switching state of the switches S ₁ to S ₃ to CPU 20, from the CPU 20 as necessary.

Further, the control of the memory card I / F9 are CPU 20, the image data, and stores the audio data and various shooting information on the memory card 26 of detachable SRAM or E ² PROM mounted on the camera body, and the memory card 26 The use state (presence / absence of a storage area) is output to the CPU 20.

The respective pieces of photographing information stored in the memory card 26 are used as search information at the time of filing as described later.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a place code transmitting / receiving apparatus. FIG. 2 (A) shows a transmitter installed in each area, tourist spot or event venue for transmitting a place code, and FIG. 2 shows a receiver provided on a camera body for receiving the location code.

In FIG. 1A, a ROM 201 is a location code, for example, a location (event) identification code, a JIS code string of kanji of a location (event) name, or both are written in advance. The DPSK modulator 202 performs differential phase modulation (DPSK: Dif) on a carrier using output code data from the ROM 201.
ferential Phase Shift Keying). FM
The modulation section 203 converts the serial data
After being subjected to M modulation and further amplified to a predetermined power by the amplifier 204, it is transmitted as an FM radio wave including a location code from the antenna 205.

The timing generation circuit 206 controls the timing of each block on the transmitter side, and outputs read address data to the ROM 201, and outputs a clock pulse CK to the DPSK modulation unit 202 and the FM modulation unit 203.

The DPSK modulation uses the clock pulse CK of the timing generation circuit 206 to perform AFM in the audible range and MFM in the medium wave.
Alternatively, phase difference data is extracted from digital data by a PLL method or the like, and is converted into serial data.

Next, in FIG. 3B, the antenna 21a receives the FM radio wave of the location code transmitted from the antenna 205 on the transmitter side.
Input to demodulation section 208. The carrier frequency of the received signal is removed by the FM demodulation unit 208, and further demodulated to the original code data by the next-stage DPSK demodulation unit 209. The CPU 20 takes in the demodulated code data and stores it in the memory card 26. That is, the CPU 20 writes the code data to the memory card 26 in association with the writing of the captured image at that time. The timing generation circuit 210 controls the timing of each block on the receiver side, and outputs a clock pulse CK to the FM demodulation unit 208 and the DPSK demodulation unit 209 according to a control signal from the CPU 20.

Therefore, if camera shooting is performed in a certain area, a sightseeing spot, a place where the above transmitter is installed, such as an event venue,
The location code is automatically stored on the memory card.

The above-mentioned ROM 201 may store only a place code specific to the place, or a place code in which a plurality of place codes are written in advance and which can be switched to output a place code corresponding to the installation place. May be.

 FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of the GPS receiver 23.

The antenna 23a receives a radio wave transmitted from a NAVASTAR satellite (not shown).
filar helix) type. Received by this antenna 23a
The RF signal is input to mixer 230. On the other hand, the modulator 231 local oscillator signal CK ₁ the PN code generator 23 from the local oscillator 232
The signal is spread by the PN code signal from 3, and the spread modulated signal is input to the mixer 230. As a result, the RF signal is converted to an intermediate frequency IF signal,
The data is input to the data demodulation circuit 234. This data demodulation circuit 2
34 demodulates data including the time at which the satellite transmits the signal from the input signal. The demodulated data is input to the data processing circuit 235 and the delay measurement circuit 236.

The delay measurement circuit 236 first outputs a timing signal to the PN code generator 233 when demodulated data is input. P
N code generator 233 is always PN code generated by the clock pulse CK ₂ from the PN code clock generator 237, so as to deliver the PN code generated with the timing signal is input to the delay measurement circuit 236 Has been made.
Then, the PN code from the data demodulation circuit 234 and the PN code from the PN code generator 233 are guided to the delay measurement circuit 236, and the delay time of the PN code required for correlation between the two PN codes is measured. The PN code delay time is measured by counting the high frequency clock pulses CK ₃ from the measuring clock generator 238, as the delay data necessary for correlation the regimen the number is two PN codes, data from the delay measuring circuit 236 Output to the processing circuit 235.

The data processing circuit 235 is constituted by a microprocessor, it is driven by the clock pulse CK ₄ from the data processing clock generation circuit 239, data demodulation circuit 2
Transmission time data and GPS included in demodulated data from 34
The radio wave propagation time from the satellite to the GPS receiver (camera) is obtained from the reception time data obtained from the cesium and rubidium vapor atomic clocks (not shown) built in the receiver, and the time from the satellite to the GPS receiver (camera) is obtained from the time. Calculate the distance.
Then, the data processing circuit 235 calculates and obtains position information on the latitude, longitude and altitude of the camera (photographer) from the distance information from each satellite and the position information of each satellite itself included in the demodulated data. Output to the CPU 20.

As is well known, GPS is a system that covers the entire world with 18 NAVASTARs. However, at present, not all satellites have been launched, and there are areas where reception is not possible and areas where reception is not possible due to time. The CPU 20 enables the location code data from the location code receiver to be automatically stored in such an unreceivable area.On the other hand, when the location code transmitter is not installed and the location code is not received, the data from the satellite is transmitted. Receiving, receiving the received data as position information, and controlling both receivers so as to interpolate each other.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the camera.

In step # 1, the control waits for the power supply (not shown) to be turned on. When the power is turned on (YES in step # 1), the presence or absence of the memory card 26 is determined (step # 2). If there is no memory card 26, "no card" is displayed and a warning that shooting (recording) is impossible is performed, and the process returns to step # 1 (step # 3, step # 4). In this case, a memory capable of recording a plurality of frames may be provided inside the camera separately from the memory card 26.

If the memory card 26 is inserted, "Card present" is displayed (step # 5), and the use status of the memory card 26, that is, the presence or absence of a recordable free area is detected (step # 6). ). If there is no free area (YES in step # 7), a warning is issued that recording is impossible, and the process returns to step # 1. As described above, when a built-in memory for a plurality of frames is provided, it may be determined whether or not recording is possible in consideration of the presence or absence of a free area in the built-in memory.

On the other hand, if the recording is possible (NO at step # 7), photographing preparation switch S ₁ is whether the determination is ON or not (step # 9). If not the switch S ₁ is turned on (NO in step # 9), the camera returns to step # 1 is determined to be in the non-shooting state, if it is on (Step #
(YES in 9), the process proceeds to step # 10, and various operations and processes for photographing preparation are performed. That is, the AF sensor 15 measures the distance to the subject, the WB sensor 14 measures the color temperature of the field, the temperature sensor 17 measures the temperature, the humidity sensor 18 measures the humidity, the pressure sensor 19 measures the atmospheric pressure, the GPS receiver 23
, And the reception of FM radio waves including the location code by the location code receivers 21 and 22 are sequentially performed (step #).
10 to Step # 16). In the above steps, all the shooting information from each sensor and the like is input.
A switch (not shown) may be used so that only desired photographing information can be input.

When the input operation of the photographing information from the sensors or the like is completed, the exposure start switch S ₂ is whether the determination is ON or not (step # 17). If not the switch S ₂ is on (NO at step # 17), the flow proceeds to step # 18, the state of the switch S ₁ is examined again. Here, if the switch S ₁ is ON (YES in step # 18), in order to obtain more accurate imaging information immediately before photographing, step # 10
Sensing is performed by again the sensors or the like back to, whereas, if the switch S ₁ is turned off (Step # 18
NO), it is determined that the shooting has been canceled, and step # 1
Return to

If the switch S ₂ is on (YES in step # 17),
The distance measurement data is locked, and subsequently, the focal length information f from the lens 1 and the subject distance information D from the AF CPU 16 are stored (step # 19, step # 20). Then, the colorimetric data obtained by the WB sensor 14 is locked, and then the microphone 10
Is started (step # 21, step # 22). Exposure is performed in parallel with this operation (step # 23), and when the exposure is completed (step # 24).
And YES), predetermined signal processing for taking in a captured image is started (step # 25).

Then, at step # 26, it is determined whether the speech input selector switch S ₃ is turned on, if the switch S ₃ is turned on (YES in step # 26), the speech are all taken (Step # 27) If not on (N in step # 26)
O) A voice is taken in for only one second, for example, for recognition (step # 28).

After the above operation, the image data, the audio data, and the search information (photographing information) obtained from each sensor and the like are written in a form corresponding to the memory card 26 (see FIG. 27) (step # 29), and the memory The empty information of the card 26 is updated, and the frame number is incremented by 1 (step # 30, step # 31) to prepare for the next photographing.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a photographed image reproducing device having a search function.

The playback device is controlled by the CPU 50 as a whole. This CPU
50 is programmed in advance to perform various control functions in accordance with the contents of each search and reproduction process described later.

The memory card I / F 51 guides the recorded image, the search information and the data on the use status of the memory card 26 from the memory card 26 to the player, and also guides the read image selection data from the player to the memory card 26. Interface. The special reproduction processing section 52 performs special processing on the image read from the memory card 26 as described later. The image data processed by the special reproduction processing section 52 is temporarily stored in the image frame memory 53. The synthesizing unit 54 synthesizes image data and an image to be superimposed, which will be described later, and turns on / off the on-screen display from the CPU 50.
Switching is controlled by a switching control signal. The synthesized image signal is converted into an analog signal by the DA converter 55, and further amplified by the next-stage amplifier 56, and then guided to the TV monitor 57 to be reproduced and displayed.

The superimpose memory 58 stores on-screen display patterns such as various search information and scales. Read clock generation circuit 59 is an image frame memory
53, a synthesizing unit 54, a DA converter 55, and a superimposing memory 58 for supplying clock pulses for read timing.

The character generator 60 stores a character font of a Japanese Industrial Standard JIS code string, and outputs a corresponding character code to the CPU 50 when a JIS code string is adopted as the location code. Filing device 61
Is a so-called album which is composed of a recording medium such as an optical disk and its drive circuit, and which appropriately records the recorded images in the memory card 26. The filing device 61 is controlled to be read and written by the CPU 50, records an image and search information for registration, and outputs search information for registration and disc management information to the CPU 50.

The keyboard 62 is used to input and correct search information, and search information recorded in the filing device 61,
In particular, a position specifying member 63 such as a mouse, a trackball or a tablet for specifying the position of a map or a place name is connected. The voice input unit 64 inputs voice at the time of registration of the search voice, and the speaker data E ² PROM 65 encodes the input voice at the time of voice registration and records it as a registered voice.

The audio data memory 66 temporarily stores the audio recorded on the memory card 26 input via the memory card I / F 51, and then stores the DA converter 67 and the amplifier 68
Through the speaker 69 to reproduce the sound. The speaker recognition unit 70 compares the voice data input via the memory card I / F 51 with the speaker data registered in the speaker data E ² PROM 65 to determine the voice of the speaker. It is. The result of this speaker determination is also output to the CPU 50 and used as an index at the time of search.

Reference numerals 71 to 73 denote printers, fax machines, and videophones for transmitting and outputting stored images and search images.

In the above configuration, next, the processing on the reproducing apparatus side will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, a procedure for registering an image in the memory card 26 in the filing device 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the memory card 26 is inserted into the player (step #
41), the recorded images in the memory card 26 are sequentially read (step # 42). The read recorded image is reproduced by the special reproduction processing section 52 for a multi-screen, and then multi-displayed on the TV monitor 57 (step # 43). Multi display is 1
A predetermined number of frames or 26
This is performed by allocating the number of frames set according to the number of recorded images in the area.

Next, the CPU 50 receives a selection of an image desired to be registered in the filing device 61 from among the images in the multi-screen, and then inputs the frame number of the corresponding image using the keyboard 62 or the like, and the selection is performed (step # 44) Then, the multi image is displayed again for the selected image (step # 45). Next, in step # 45, it is determined whether the search information input on the camera side is corrected or added. Examples of the contents of the correction and the addition include the correction of the person name and the correction of the position information when the result of the speaker determination is erroneously displayed, and the addition of a comment and the like.

If there is no modification of the search information (N in step # 46)
O) By performing a registration operation using the keyboard 62, the image and the search information are recorded in the filing device 61, and the recorded image and the search information are stored in the memory card.
It is deleted from 26 (step # 47, step # 48). The memory card 26 has a free area by this erasing operation, and can record a new photographed image.

On the other hand, when there is a correction or the like (YES in step # 46), when an image requiring correction or the like is selected by the keyboard 62 or the position indicating member 63, the image and the search information are displayed on the screen of the TV monitor ( Step # 49, Step # 50). The user makes necessary corrections and additions while viewing the screen (step # 51). Each time the correction or the like is completed for one image, the other images are sequentially asked for the necessity of the correction or the like (return from step # 51 to step # 46). And
When the necessary corrections and the like are completed, the process proceeds to step # 47, and the registration process ends.

Next, a procedure for registering voice will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 shows a procedure of "voice registration I" for registering voice and personal name in association with each other, and FIG. 8 shows a procedure of "voice registration II" for registering voice only. Both procedures are performed in step # 51.
, Or may be provided as a separate voice registration mode.

In FIG. 7, first, after the CPU 50 enables the reception of a voice input, when voice is input from the microphone of the voice input unit 64 (step # 61), the input voice is AD-converted and encoded. (Steps # 62 and # 63). The encoded voice data is registered in the speaker data recording E ² PROM 65 (step # 64). Subsequently, the CPU 50 is connected to the keyboard 62
When the name of the speaker is input from the keyboard 62 (step # 65), the data is encoded (step # 66), and is further associated with the voice data of the speaker and the E ² PROM 65 Is registered (step # 67).

Therefore, the name of the speaker is superimposed and displayed on the TV monitor 57 together with the search image by superimposition during the search by voice as described later.

In FIG. 8, first, after the CPU 50 is enabled to accept a voice input, when a voice is input from the microphone of the voice input unit 64 (step # 71), the input voice is AD-converted,
It is encoded (steps # 72 and # 73). The encoded voice data is registered in the speaker data recording E ² PROM 65 (step # 74).

Therefore, only the search image is displayed on the TV monitor 57 during the search by voice.

Next, various search procedures will be described with reference to FIGS.

 FIG. 9 shows a main flow of the search processing.

First, the keyboard 62 determines which item (condition) is searched.
Then, the CPU 50 checks the search item against each image or search information (step # 81), sequentially reads the matched images from the memory card 26, and causes the TV monitor 57 to multi-display them (step # 82). ). Then, the user selects one or a plurality of desired images from the multi-displayed images (step # 83). When the selection for the current display screen is completed, it is determined whether or not all other multi-screens displaying images matching the search item have been displayed (step # 84). Is updated to the next screen (step # 85). When the image selection for the multi-screen to be updated is completed (YES in step # 83 and step # 84), the selected image is output in a desired output form as described later (step # 86). .

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of “item search” for the search item shown in step # 81.

In this embodiment, “location” and “date and time” are used as search items.
"Weather""Person'sname""Indoor and outdoor""Portraitscenery""Event"
“Voice” and the like are mentioned.

When the "item search" is started, first, an inquiry is made as to whether to select "place" as a search item (step # 91). When "place" is selected, the flow of "place search" shown in FIG. 11 is executed (step # 92).
If not selected, an inquiry is made as to whether to select "date" as a search item (step # 93).
When "date and time" is selected, the flow of "date and time search" shown in FIG. 12 is executed (step # 94). If not selected, an inquiry is next made as to whether to select "weather" as a search item (step # 95). When "weather" is selected, the flow of "weather search" shown in FIG. 13 is executed (step # 96). If not selected, an inquiry is made as to whether to select "person name" as a search item (step # 97). When "person name" is selected, the 14th
The flow of "person name search" shown in the figure is executed (step # 98). If not selected, an inquiry is next made as to whether to select "indoor / outdoor" as a search item (step # 99). When "indoor / outdoor" is selected, the flow of "indoor / outdoor search" shown in FIG. 16 is executed (step # 10).
0). If not selected, an inquiry is next made as to whether or not to select "person landscape" as a search item (step # 101). When "person scenery" is selected, the flow of "person scene search" shown in FIG. 17 is executed (step #)
102). If not selected, an inquiry is made as to whether to select "event" as a search item (step # 103). When "event" is selected, the flow of "event search" shown in FIG. 19 is executed (step # 104). If not selected, an inquiry is made as to whether to select "voice" as a search item (step # 105). When "voice" is selected, the flow of "voice search" shown in FIG. 20 is executed (step # 10).
6). Subsequently, reselection is enabled in consideration of a change or addition of a search item (NO in step # 107). Thereafter, the "item search" process ends, and the process returns to step # 82.

These search items depend on each sensor and the like on the camera side, and two or more items can be selected redundantly.

Hereinafter, the details of each of the above search processes will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 21.

In the flow of “location search” shown in FIG. 11, a location code and / or GPS positioning data is an index of location information.

First, it is determined whether a map is to be displayed on the TV monitor 57 (step # 111). When displaying a map, that is, when instructing a shooting location on a map, a map stored in a filing device 61 or a built-in memory (not shown) of the CPU 50, or a detachable map dedicated memory (also not shown). Is displayed on the TV monitor 57 (step # 11).
2) The position on the display map is designated by the position indicating member 63 such as a mouse (step # 113). The designated position data (latitude, longitude) is calculated based on the display map and the output position signal of the position indicating member 63. Alternatively, it may be detected by, for example, a tablet or the like. On the other hand, when the map display is not required, the place names and places recorded in association with the recorded image are read out and displayed, and a desired place name or the like is designated from the displayed place names or the like by inputting from the keyboard 62. Is performed (steps # 114 and # 115). continue,
The CPU 50 searches for an image that matches the designated position or the input place name or the like (step # 116). This search is performed by scanning the search information recorded in association with each image. When the search is completed, the number of hits is displayed as the search result (step # 117).
At this time, the frame number of the corresponding image may be displayed. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a re-search is necessary (step # 118). As an example of the re-search, a case where the number of hits is large or a case where it is zero may be considered. In the case of a re-search, when another search condition is input or specified, the search is performed by the CPU 50 in the same manner as described above (steps # 111 to # 117). When the search is completed (Step # 1)
NO at 18), and returns to step # 93.

In the flow of “date and time search” shown in FIG. 12, date information from the clock unit 24 is used as an index.

When the date and time, that is, year, month, day, hour, minute, season, and the like are input from the keyboard 62 (step # 121), the CPU 50 searches for an image that matches the input search condition (step # 122). This search is performed by scanning the search information (date and time data) recorded in association with each image as described above. Note that a storage unit that associates the season with the date and time data is provided in the CPU 50. If the search condition is a season, the input season is converted into the corresponding date and time data by the storage unit. A search is performed using the converted date and time data.

When the search is completed, the number of hits is displayed as the search result (step # 123). Note that the frame number of the corresponding image may be displayed as described above. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a re-search is necessary (step # 124). In the case of a re-search, when other search conditions are input, a search is performed by the CPU 50 in the same manner as described above (steps # 121 to # 123). When the search ends (NO in step # 124), the process returns to step # 95.

In the flow of “weather search” shown in FIG. 13, temperature and humidity information from the temperature sensor 17 and the humidity sensor 18 are used as indexes.

When a state related to the weather, for example, “sunny”, “rain”, “hot”, “cold”, or the like is input from the keyboard 62 (step # 131), the CPU 50 searches for an image that matches the input search condition. This is performed by scanning the search information (step # 132). The CPU 50 is provided with storage means for storing in advance the correspondence between the above-mentioned weather-related state and weather data including temperature and humidity. For example, "hot"
Is input, the search may be performed based on a predetermined temperature and humidity, such as a temperature (temperature) of 30 ° C. or more and a humidity of 80% or more. Further, the reference temperature and the humidity may be changed depending on the place, date and time (also season). For example, if you want to search for “summer + hot”, the temperature should be 30 ° C or higher and July, August, September, while “winter + hot” should be 25 ° C or higher and 12,1, February thing. Then, at the time of retrieval, the input weather-related state is converted into corresponding weather data by the storage means, and a search is performed using the converted weather data.

When the search is completed, the number of hits is displayed as the search result (step # 133). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a re-search is necessary (step # 134). In the case of a re-search, when another search condition is input, a search by the CPU 50 is performed in the same manner as described above (steps # 131 to # 13).
3). When the search is completed (N in step # 134)
O), and return to step # 97.

In the flow of “person name search” shown in FIG. 14, “speech” or “person name” is an index.

When "person name" is input from the keyboard 62 (step # 141), the CPU 50 searches for an image that matches the input search condition (step # 142). This process is performed in accordance with "search process I" shown in FIG. That is, first, it is determined whether the search is based on “voice” or “person name” (step # 151). For search by "voice", names entered is converted encoded in the personal name code, audio code corresponding to the person name code is extracted from the E ² PROM65 (Step # 153, # 154). Next, audio data recorded in association with a pre-registered image is extracted from the filing device 61 and encoded (steps # 155 and # 156). Then, the voice code from the E ² PROM 65 and the voice code from the filing device 61 are collated (step # 157). This collation is performed for all the images by sequentially scanning the audio codes of the images registered in the filing device 61 (step #).
NO from 156 to step # 158, loop of step # 159).
When the collation for all images is completed (YE in step # 158)
S), and return to step # 143. Meanwhile, step #
If the search by the personal name is selected in 151, the personal name code input at the time of registering the image in the filing apparatus 61 is scanned and searched (step # 152). When the search is completed, the process returns to step # 143. .

Returning to FIG. 14, the number of hits and the like are displayed as the search result (step # 143). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a re-search is necessary (step # 144). In the case of a re-search, when another search condition is input, a search by the CPU 50 is performed in the same manner as described above (steps # 141 to # 14).
3). When the search is completed (N in step # 144)
O), and return to step # 99.

In the flow of “indoor / outdoor search” shown in FIG. 16, WB
The output from the sensor 14 serves as an index.

When one of "indoor" and "outdoor" is selectively input from the keyboard 62 (step # 161), the CPU 50 searches for an image that matches the input search condition by scanning the search information. (Step # 162). In the CPU 50, the correspondence between the above search condition and the output (color temperature data) of the WB sensor, for example, for the color temperature data corresponding to under fluorescent light, "indoor", and the color temperature corresponding to under sunlight A storage means for storing data as "outdoors" is provided.
Then, at the time of retrieval, one of the input “indoor” and “outdoor” is converted into the corresponding color temperature data by the storage means,
A search is performed using the converted color temperature data.

When the search is completed, the number of hits is displayed as the search result (step # 163). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a re-search is necessary (step # 164). In the case of a re-search, when another search condition is input, a search by the CPU 50 is performed in the same manner as described above (steps # 161 to # 16).
3). When the search is completed (N in step # 164)
O), returning to step # 101;

In the flow of “person scenery search” shown in FIG. 17,
Information on “focal length f” and “subject distance D” (image magnification β
= FD) is the index.

First, either “person” or “landscape” is displayed on the keyboard 62.
(Step # 171), the CPU 50 executes a search for an image that matches the input search condition (step # 172). This process is performed in accordance with “search process II” shown in FIG. That is, first, all the focal length f and the subject distance D recorded corresponding to the images registered in advance in the filing device 61 are read out, and each image magnification β = f · D for all the images is calculated ( Step # 181). Subsequently, it is determined whether each of the obtained image magnifications β is β ≧ 1/100 (step # 182). If β ≧ 1/100, it is determined that the image is a landscape (step # 184), and vice versa. Is determined to be a person (step # 183). Then, the CPU 50 extracts the result of step # 183 when "person" is input as a search condition, and extracts the result of step # 184 when "landscape" is input.

As a matching method, the determination may be performed for each image as described above, and the determination may be sequentially repeated. When the determination for all images is completed, step # 173
Return to

Referring back to FIG. 17, the number of hits is displayed as the search result (step # 173). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a re-search is necessary (step # 174). In the case of a re-search, enter the other search condition and the CPU 50
(Steps # 171 to # 17)
3). When the search is completed (N in step # 174)
O), and return to step # 103.

In the above embodiment, the association between the image magnification β and “person” or “landscape” is stored as a program.
A storage unit in which the image magnification β and “person” and “landscape” are stored in advance in the CPU 50 may be provided. As another search method, the image magnification β is obtained from the recorded focal length f and the subject distance D, and the range of the image magnification β for the input “person” and “landscape” is determined in advance. Alternatively, the search may be performed by determining in which range each image magnification β to be searched falls.

In the flow of “event search” shown in FIG.
The location code (event code) serves as an index.

When the event name is input from the keyboard 62 (step # 191), the CPU 50 scans the event code recorded in association with the image registered in advance in the filing device 61, for a search for an image that matches the input search condition. (Step # 192). When the search is completed, the number of hits is displayed as the search result (step # 19)
3). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a re-search is necessary (step # 194). In the case of a re-search, when another search condition is input, a search is performed by the CPU 50 in the same manner as described above (steps # 191 to # 193). When the search is completed (NO in step # 194), the process returns to step # 105.

If the location code is a location identification code or a JIS code string of characters indicating information about the location, the code can be searched directly, and when shooting, the location code is recorded without discrimination. It is possible to do. In addition, since no special determining means for determining the content of the location code is required, the configuration on the search side can be simplified accordingly.

In the “voice search” flow shown in FIG. 20, the voice recorded in association with the image is compared with the voice input at the time of the search.

When a voice is input from the microphone of the voice input unit 64 (Step # 201), the CPU 50 searches for an image matching the input voice (Step # 192). This process is performed in accordance with the "search process III" shown in FIG. That is,
First, the input voice is A / D converted and coded,
It is stored in a reference unit (not shown) (step # 211 to step # 213). Next, audio data recorded in association with a pre-registered image is extracted from the filing device 61 and encoded (steps # 214 and # 21).
Five). Then, the voice code from the reference unit and the voice code from the filing device 61 are collated (step # 216). This collation is performed for all the images by sequentially scanning the audio codes of the images registered in the filing device 61 (steps # 215 to # 217).
NO, loop of step # 218). When the collation for all images is completed (YES in step # 217), step # 203
Return to

Returning to FIG. 20, the number of hits is displayed as the search result (step # 203). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a re-search is necessary (step # 204). In the case of re-search, enter another word by voice, and in the same way as above, CP
A search by U50 is performed (step # 201 to step #
203). When the search is completed (N in step # 204)
O), and return to step # 107.

Next, returning to FIG. 9, the execution process of step # 86 will be described with reference to FIG.

In this execution mode, first, an output mode is selected. Table 1 shows this output form.

That is, after the search is completed, one output form is selected from the output forms A to F in Table 1 above, and
For example, when a corresponding character is input from step 62 (step # 221), the number of output images as a search result is set to N (step # 222), and then the images to be output are filed in ascending order of frame number. The data is read from the device 61 and sequentially transferred to the frame memory 53 (step # 223). Next, an image is output according to the output mode selected in step # 221. When output mode A is selected (step #
The display is displayed on the TV monitor 57 as it is (YES in 224). If the output mode B is selected (YES in step # 225), data on the size of the subject on the imaging surface, that is, the scale size is determined from the information on the focal length f and the subject distance D of the image, and The scale size is combined (steps # 226, # 227). That is, the scale size is superimposed on the image by the synthesizing unit 54 in a superimposed form, and the TV monitor 57
Is output to

For example, when a unit scale is displayed (see FIG. 24 (B)), the scale size described in the unit scale SC is obtained by calculating the length per unit scale from the image magnification β calculated from the focal length f and the subject distance D. Is calculated. here,
The calculation of the length of the unit scale SC will be specifically described with reference to a principle diagram in an imaging state shown in FIG. In the figure, L is the shooting distance, the distance from the subject 100 to the imaging surface 200, f is the focal length of the shooting lens 300, H is the distance between the principal points of the shooting lens 300, and x is the distance from the subject 100 to the shooting lens 300.
, X ′ is the distance from the imaging surface 200 to the back focus of the taking lens 300, y is the length of the subject 100, and y ′ is the length of the image of the subject 100 on the imaging surface 200. , Y: y '= x: f = f: x' between the variables L, f, H, x, x ', y and y' (1) x '= L-2f-H −x (2) From the equations (1) and (2), the following equation holds: x ² − (L−2f−H) x + f ² = 0 (3) When the root of this equation (3) is obtained, Further, using the above equation (2), Becomes From the above equation (1), y = y ′ · x / f (6) y = y ′ · f / x ′ (7) By performing the calculation of the expression (6) or (7) based on x and x ', the length y of the subject corresponding to the length y' of the image on the imaging surface is obtained.
Here, when the length y 'of the image on the imaging surface is treated as the length of the unit scale SC, the actual length (on the imaging surface) of the unit scale is known in advance, and therefore, (6)
The scale size of the unit scale SC is obtained by the operation of the expression or the expression (7).

 FIG. 24 shows a display example of the scale size.

FIG. 7A is a display example when the image magnification is displayed as it is, and FIG. 8B is a display example when the unit scale SC is equivalent to 10 cm.

The display of the scale size makes it easy to grasp the actual size of the image. In addition, the display timing of the scale SC can be freely changed by the read clock generator 59 controlled by the CPU 50, so that the scale SC can be moved to a desired position, for example, by a trackball (position specifying member 63). If it can be performed, the operability will be excellent. Further, the scale display can be easily switched on and off, and the display modes shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be freely switched.

Incidentally, using the technology described in JP-A-58-158507,
By displaying the scale on a silver halide film, the display of the scale size can be applied to a silver halide film.

Next, when the output mode C is selected (step # 228)
YES), display screen size (eg CRT inch etc.)
Is input from the keyboard 62 (step # 229). Subsequently, the image size is changed based on the image magnification obtained from the focal length f and the subject distance D and the display screen size (step # 230). That is, in order to display the display magnification (image size) of the size of the image finally displayed on the TV monitor 57 with respect to the actual size of the subject, or to fix the display magnification to a predetermined size regardless of the display screen size. The size of the display image is changed and displayed.

That is, the CPU 50 has display magnification calculating means for obtaining a display magnification of a reproduced image from the image magnification obtained from the focal length f and the object distance D and the display screen size. For the size of
The size of the image displayed on the TV monitor 57 is determined. If the display magnification is set in advance, a ratio between the display magnification calculated by the display magnification calculation means and the set magnification is obtained, and the displayed image is enlarged or reduced according to the ratio. Image processing is performed for this purpose. In the above, the final display magnification is displayed at an appropriate position on the TV monitor 57 as necessary.

This makes it easy to grasp the actual size of the image displayed on the TV monitor 57.

Next, when the output form D is selected (step # 231)
YES), an image to be combined and displayed is extracted by the item search shown in FIG. 10 (step # 232). Then, a desired image is selected from the images that match the search condition (step # 233). Subsequently, the image magnification of the previously selected image, the image magnification of the subsequently selected image, and both displayed images are guided to the special reproduction processing unit 52, where, for example, a specific subject in both images is displayed. The image size is appropriately changed so as to be the same size, written into the image frame memory 53, and
It is output to the monitor 57 (step # 234). By doing so, the size of the subject in both images finally displayed together on the TV monitor 57 can be displayed as if they were the same size. Alternatively, if the image sizes of the two images displayed side by side are matched, the actual size of the subject in both images can be easily compared. Further, as in the case of the scale display, by moving (superimposing) both display images with a trackball (position specifying member 63) or the like, a composite photograph or the like can be enjoyed.

It is to be noted that the current photographed image and the previously photographed image are combined by using both image magnifications, and for example, it is also possible to reproduce a head-cut photograph or the like as a completed photograph.

Next, when the output mode E is selected (step # 235)
YES), the displayed image is guided to the special reproduction processing unit 52, where the display image is subjected to various special processing such as mosaic, negative / positive inversion, and then output to the TV monitor 57 ( Step # 236).

Next, when the output mode F is selected (step # 235)
NO), a predetermined number of images such as four, nine or sixteen are reproduced on one screen. The predetermined number may be selected in advance or as necessary, or a desired number such as (2 × 3) may be selected.

First, the frame number and the number of images of the image desired to be multi-reproduced are stored (step # 237). Next, it is determined whether or not the number of images has reached the predetermined number (step #).
238) If the number is a predetermined number, multi-processing is performed (step # 239), and the routine goes to step # 240. On the other hand, if the number is not the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step # 247. The details of the processing in the case of the output mode F will be described later.

Now, when any of the output modes A to F is selected and the image obtained under the selection is displayed on the TV monitor 57 (step # 240), next, is it determined whether or not sound is recorded for the displayed image? It is determined whether or not it is (step # 241). If the sound is recorded, the sound corresponding to the display image is reproduced (step # 242). Subsequently, it is determined whether the display image is to be printed and transmitted (steps # 243 and # 245). When you give a print instruction,
The display image is printed out by the printer 71,
When a transmission instruction is given, a display image is transmitted using the FAX 72, the videophone 73, or the like (steps # 244 and # 246).

When printing or transmission of one sheet is completed, the number N of output images set in step # 221 is decremented by 1 (except when the output mode F is selected).
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the output image number N is 0 (step # 248). If N = 0, the flow returns to step # 221 to display the next image. After the displayed image is printed or transmitted, the value of N is decremented (step # 221).
221 to step # 247). This process is repeated for the number of output images, and thereafter, when N = 0 (step # 248)
And YES), except in the case of the output mode F (at step # 249
YES), returning to the main flow of FIG.

On the other hand, when the output mode F is selected, a predetermined number of images are taken in one screen, so that processing slightly different from that of the output modes A to F is performed. That is, each time an image is read, the number of images is decremented from the number N of output images (NO in step # 238, step # 2
47) Each time the number reaches a predetermined number (YES in step # 238), multi-processing is performed (step # 239). After the multi-processed predetermined number of images are displayed on the TV monitor 57, the images are printed or transmitted in a predetermined number of units in the same manner as described above. At this time, the image at the time when the predetermined number has been reached is decremented in step # 247 after step # 246, so that the accurate decrement processing of the output image number N is performed. In the case of the output mode F, when the number N of output images is not an integral multiple of the predetermined number, even if N = 0 in step # 248, there are remaining images (NO in step # 238, (YES in # 248, NO in step # 249), and step # 240 for the remaining images.
The following processing is performed.

FIG. 25 shows a display example of the table of contents. When the memory card 26 is inserted in the playback device, as shown in FIG. The contents such as “with / without voice” and “person name” are displayed on the TV monitor 57. Based on this table of contents display, reproduction and display of an image or selection of a recording method for the filing device 61 can be easily performed.

FIG. 26 shows an example of a screen for inputting search conditions at the time of search. Search conditions include "date and time", "time" and "location"
"Speaker", "Weather" and "Other" are prepared, and "Summer" as "Date", "Evening" as "Time", and "Hanahiro" as "Place" are shown in each condition column as shown in the figure. "Namba" is input from the keyboard 62 as the "speaker". CPU5
“0” executes the above-described search processing based on the input search condition. On the other hand, various operation instruction columns are prepared at the bottom of the screen, and the designation can be performed by, for example, indicating the position with a tablet or a mouse.

FIG. 27 shows an example of a memory map of the memory card 26, which includes a search information area, an image data area, an audio on / off, and an audio data area. The search information area includes a start address (Vsta, Asta) and an end address (Vend, Aend) for each of the above areas.
Is also written. Recording in each area is performed in the order of image data, audio data, and search information in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 50.

Next, a case where each of the above-described searches is performed using an inference function (fuzzy search) will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 31.

With such inference, the search is performed based on the membership function. This membership function is stored in advance in the matching degree storage means in a form corresponding to each search condition. When a search condition is input, a membership function corresponding to the input search condition is selected, and a search is performed in descending order of relevance based on the selected membership function.

By the way, FIG. 28 shows a length (size) search, for example, "50c
It shows the membership function when you want to play back something like "m". “50 ± 5cm” is the conformity “1”,
“25cm” and “75cm” have a conformity of “0.5”. Therefore, when a search condition of “50 cm” is input, priorities are assigned based on this membership function, such as “0.9”, “0.8”,. Those of "50 ± 5cm" are extracted and reproduced. Next, "4
4cm, 56cm, 40cm, 60cm, 35cm, 65cm, etc. become. When the search condition of “100 cm” is input, “100 ± 5 cm” is set as the degree of conformity “1”, and “75 cm” is set as the degree of conformity “0.5”. Will be played.

FIG. 29 shows a membership function when a search for a place, for example, a picture taken in the "Kinki region" is to be reproduced. Therefore, if you enter "Kinki region",
Based on this membership function, the ones that were shot at “Osaka” and “Kyoto” with a fitness level of “1” are first extracted,
Will be played. Next, those shot in "Hyogo" and "Nara", as well as "Wakayama" and "Shiga", followed by "Mie", "Tokushima", "Okayama" and "Fukui" It is extracted and reproduced in order from the object.

FIG. 30 shows a seasonal search such as "spring", "summer",
It shows each membership function when it is desired to reproduce what was photographed in each season of "autumn" and "winter". For example, when it is desired to play back images shot in "spring", first, images shot in "April" and "May" with a matching degree of "1" are extracted and played. Next, the image taken in "June" is extracted and reproduced. If the user wants to play back images taken in “summer”, “July” and “8
Those photographed in “Month” and “September” are extracted and reproduced. Next, the image taken in "June" is extracted and reproduced. If the user wants to play back what was shot in "Autumn", those shot in "October" and "November" with a matching degree of "1" are extracted and played back. Next, the image taken in "September" is extracted and reproduced. If you want to play back what was shot in "Winter", select "12"
Those photographed in "Month", "January" and "February" are extracted and reproduced. Next, the image taken in “March” is extracted and reproduced.

It should be noted that the seasonal search is not limited to the month unit as described above, but may be performed on a date unit. For example, priorities may be assigned to “mid-September” such as “0.5” in the case of “summer” and “0.5” in the case of “autumn”. Further, a search from a wider viewpoint may be performed in consideration of other search conditions such as temperature and humidity. For example,
When the search condition is “summer + hot”, the logical product of the item satisfying the above “summer” and the item satisfying the temperature of 30 ° C. or more is calculated.
Similarly, when the search condition is “winter + hot”, a logical product of a product satisfying the “winter” and a product having a temperature of 25 ° C. or higher is obtained.

FIG. 31 shows a membership function in a case where it is desired to reproduce a picture taken in each time zone such as “morning”, “day”, “evening”, and “night” in the date and time search.

If "morning" is entered, first "6 o'clock" with a fitness of "1"
To 9 o'clock are extracted and reproduced. Subsequently, those shot in the order of "5 o'clock", "10 o'clock", "4 o'clock" are extracted and reproduced. When "noon" is input, first, images captured between "12:00" and "14:00" of the fitness level "1" are extracted and reproduced. continue,
Those shot at "11:00" and "15:00" are extracted and reproduced. When "evening" is input, first, images captured at "17:00" and "18:00" with the fitness level "1" are extracted and reproduced. Subsequently, the one photographed at "16:00" is extracted and reproduced. When "night" is input, first, images captured between "20:00" and "3 o'clock" with a matching degree of "1" are extracted and reproduced. Subsequently, those shot at "19:00" and "4 o'clock" are extracted and reproduced. As in the case of the seasonal search, the search may be performed from a broader viewpoint in consideration of other search conditions such as temperature and humidity.

In addition to the above search examples, the barometric pressure sensor 19 and the GPS
It is also possible to search for an image taken at the time of mountain climbing from the altitude information by the receiver 23. Furthermore, when the focal length f and the photographing distance D are added to the atmospheric pressure information and the altitude information, photographing information as an aerial photograph can be automatically input.

Further, the following can be considered as another determination method at the time of search. That is, (1) gender discrimination is performed on the difference in sound quality between men and women using voice recognition technology.

(2) A person is identified from the color temperature and the pattern recognition of the captured image by the WB sensor 14.

(3) An adult or child is determined from the image magnification and the pattern recognition.

(4) The presence or absence of glasses is determined by pattern recognition.

(5) The person in the image is remembered in advance, and the person in another image is determined using the pattern recognition and the learning function.

In the present embodiment, a digital memory has been described as a recording medium, but an analog memory such as a floppy disk may be used. Also, the camera and the player are separate, but
It may be an integral type. Further, data obtained from each sensor may be displayed on the operation and display unit 25 or on a separately provided display unit.

Further, in the present embodiment, the electronic still camera has been described, but each sensor is provided in the silver halide camera, and the photographing information of each sensor is imprinted in a proper position in the photographing screen using a well-known date imprinting technique. Is also good. In this case, the playback device includes an optical reading unit, a film driving unit, a memory, a search processing unit according to the present embodiment, and the like. A film container is set in the optical reading unit, and frames are sequentially or instructed. It is sufficient to read out the photographed image and the photographed photographed information by a CCD or the like, extract the electric signal, and record the electric signal in the memory. Then, a retrieval process similar to that described above is executed based on the captured image and the captured information.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the present invention, even if it is impossible to receive from any of the positioning data of the shooting position by the positioning means and the location code obtained by receiving the radio wave transmitted from the shooting location, it is separated from each other. Since the information is recorded together with the photographed image, the photographing position information can be recorded in a wider area, and the photographing input and recording operation must be separately performed each time a later image search is performed. It is possible to provide a camera which is released from the conventional complexity and which is more convenient to use.

In addition, since the shooting position is measured by the GPS receiver, existing satellites can be used and more accurate positioning data of the shooting position can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a still camera, FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a place code transmitting / receiving device, FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a transmitter for transmitting a place code, and FIG. A block diagram of a receiver provided in the camera body for receiving the code, FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of the GPS receiver,
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the camera, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a photographed image player having a search function, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for registering an image on a memory card to a filing device, and FIGS. 9 to 21 are flowcharts showing various search procedures, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing execution processing such as reproduction and printing, and FIG. 23 is a scale size calculation. 24A and 24B show a display example of the scale size, FIG. 24A shows a case where the image magnification is displayed as it is, and FIG. FIG. 25 shows a case where the unit scale is equivalent to 10 cm, FIG. 25 shows a display example of the table of contents, FIG. 26 shows an example of a screen for inputting search conditions at the time of search, FIG. 27 Is the memory map of the memory card Shows an example, FIG. 28-FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the membership functions if you performed utilizing an inference function (fuzzy search) for each search. 1 ... Lens, 2 ... Imaging element, 5 ... WB correction circuit, 6
.... gamma. Correction circuit, 7 .... matrix processing circuit, 8 .... encoder, 9 ... memory card I / F, 10 ... microphone, 13
…… Memory, 14 …… WB sensor, 15… AF sensor, 16 ……
AFCPU, 17 ... Temperature sensor, 18 ... Humidity sensor, 19 ...
Atmospheric pressure sensor, 20 CPU, 21 reception modulation unit, 22 demodulation unit, 23 GPS receiver, 24 clock unit, 25 operation and display unit, 26 memory card, 201 … ROM, 202… D
PSK modulation section, 203 FM modulation section, 206, 210 timing generation circuit, 208 FM demodulation section, 209 DPSK demodulation section, 50
… CPU, 51… Memory card I / F, 52… Special playback processing unit, 53… Image frame memory, 54… Mixing unit, 57…
TV monitor, 58 …… Superimpose memory, 59 ……
Read clock generation circuit, 60 ... Character generator, 61 ... Filing device, 62 ... Keyboard, 63 ...
… Position designation member, 64 …… Sound input unit, 65 …… Speaker data
E ² PROM, 66 …… Sound data memory, 69 …… Speaker, 70
…… Speaker recognition unit, SC …… Unit scale.

Continued on the front page (72) Hirokazu Naruto 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Tanaka 2-chome Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka No. 3-13 Osaka Kokusai Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshito Tanaka 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Osaka Kokusai Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Dai Shintani Osaka Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Katsuyuki Namba 2-3-3 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. 56) References JP-A-1-153988 (JP, A) JP-A-58-158570 (JP, A) JP-A-2-149834 (JP, A) JP-A-59-74536 (JP, A) 59-52323 (JP, U) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G03 B 17/24

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. Positioning means for positioning a photographing position, receiving means for receiving radio waves of a location code and demodulating the location code, and recording means capable of recording positioning data from the positioning means and the location code When the radio wave of the location code is receivable, the location code is recorded in the recording means in association with the captured image, and when the radio wave of the location code is not receivable, the positioning data is associated with the captured image. And recording control means for recording the data in the recording means. 2. A positioning means for positioning a photographing position, a receiving means for receiving a radio wave of a location code and demodulating the location code, and a recording means capable of recording positioning data from the positioning means and the location code. If the photographing position can be located, the positioning data is recorded in the recording unit in association with the photographed image. If the photographing position cannot be located, the location code is associated with the photographed image in the recording unit. And recording control means for recording the position information. 3. The camera according to claim 1, wherein said positioning means is a GPS receiver.