JP5558233B2 - Imaging apparatus and direction setting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that images a subject and generates electronic image data.

  In recent years, an imaging device such as a digital camera is sometimes used as a navigation device that displays an image of a map or the like on a display monitor and performs destination guidance using the display image. For example, two absolute positions measured by GPS (Global Positioning System) are input to an image corresponding to image data obtained by photographing a map of a printed material, and a distance scale is displayed based on the scale of the image or display monitor A technique is known that allows guidance to be displayed while displaying the distance to the destination to the user (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-193083 A

  By the way, with a conventional digital camera, even when a user has photographed a map, a map guide board, or the like, information cannot be managed by associating azimuth information with photographed image data. For this reason, the user cannot know the correct orientation from the image displayed on the display monitor, and it is difficult to go to the destination while viewing the image displayed on the display monitor.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that enables management by associating azimuth information with captured image data.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a lens unit that collects light from a visual field region, and an electronic image using the light collected by the lens unit. An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that generates data; a display unit that displays an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit; and a storage unit that stores the image data generated by the imaging unit. Te, wherein provided in the display portion of the display screen, depending on the locus of contact the object from the outside at the input and, entering-force unit that receives an input signal corresponding to the contact position of the object from the outside, before A direction setting unit for setting a reference direction as a reference in the recorded image, and a control for storing the reference direction set by the direction setting unit in the storage unit as direction information included in header information of the image data And It is characterized in.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention is the imaging apparatus according to the above invention, wherein the orientation detection unit detects a designated orientation specified in advance by the imaging device when the imaging device is in a horizontal state, and the orientation detection unit detects the orientation An orientation determination unit that determines whether or not a designated orientation matches the reference orientation, and the control unit displays the image displayed by the display unit according to a determination result of the orientation determination unit, Control is performed to pass the center of the display screen of the display unit and rotate about an axis orthogonal to the display screen as a central axis so that the reference orientation coincides with the designated orientation.

The imaging device according to the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the lens unit that collects light from the visual field region, the imaging unit that generates electronic image data using the light collected by the lens unit, an imaging apparatus that includes a storage unit that stores the image data which the imaging unit is generated, the direction detection unit which detects a specified direction to be specified in advance in this imaging device, the direction detection unit detects A display unit for displaying the designated orientation and an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit, and a display screen provided on the display unit for inputting a signal according to the contact position of an object from the outside input and, the designated orientation in which the display portion is displayed when receiving the input signal by the input section in accordance with the contact position of the object from the outside, the reference azimuth as a reference in the prior Symbol image accepting Set the direction setting as Characterized by comprising a control unit which performs control to store in the storage unit to said reference orientation in which the orientation setting unit has set as the direction information included in the header information of the image data.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention further includes an orientation determination unit that determines whether or not the designated orientation detected by the orientation detection unit matches the reference orientation in the invention described above, According to the determination result of the azimuth determination unit, the image displayed by the display unit passes through the center of the display screen of the display unit and is rotated about an axis orthogonal to the display screen as the central axis, and the reference azimuth Is controlled to match the designated orientation.

  Moreover, the imaging device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the azimuth determining unit determines whether or not the designated azimuth matches the reference azimuth at a predetermined time interval.

  The image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is the reduced image in which the image corresponding to the image data generated by the image pickup unit is smaller than the display screen of the display unit according to the determination result of the orientation determination unit. The control unit performs control to display the reduced image on the display unit.

In the imaging device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the image is a map image, and the reference azimuth is a azimuth serving as a reference when the orientation is aligned in the map image. .
The azimuth setting method according to the present invention includes a lens unit that collects light from a visual field region, an imaging unit that generates electronic image data using light collected by the lens unit, and the imaging unit. A display unit that displays an image corresponding to the image data generated by the image capturing unit, a storage unit that stores the image data generated by the imaging unit, and a display screen of the display unit. An image pickup method executed by an image pickup apparatus including an input unit that receives an input of a signal according to a position, and serves as a reference in the image according to a trajectory of contact of an external object in the input unit An azimuth setting step for setting a reference azimuth; a control step for performing control for storing the reference azimuth set in the azimuth setting step in the storage unit as azimuth information included in header information of the image data; Characterized in that it contains.
The azimuth setting method according to the present invention includes a lens unit that collects light from a visual field region, an imaging unit that generates electronic image data using light collected by the lens unit, and the imaging unit. A display unit that displays an image corresponding to the image data generated by the image capturing unit, a storage unit that stores the image data generated by the imaging unit, and a display screen of the display unit. An orientation setting method executed by an imaging apparatus including an input unit that receives an input of a signal according to a position, wherein the orientation detection step detects a designated orientation specified in advance by the imaging apparatus, and the orientation detection step A display step of displaying the designated orientation detected in step S3 on the display unit, and the designated orientation displayed on the display unit when the input unit receives an input of a signal corresponding to the contact position of an object from the outside. The Control for performing control for storing the reference orientation set in the orientation setting step in the storage unit as orientation information included in header information of the image data, and an orientation setting step for setting the reference orientation as a reference in the image And a step.

  According to the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the orientation setting unit sets a reference orientation to be a reference in the image according to a trajectory in which an object from the outside is in contact with the image displayed on the display unit. The control unit performs control to store the reference direction set by the direction setting unit in the storage unit as the direction information in the header information of the image data. Accordingly, the user can manage the captured image data in association with the azimuth information.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the back side of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing performed by the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a situation when the map guide plate is photographed in the map photographing mode of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display unit when the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention captures a map guide board in the map capturing mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display unit when the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention captures a map guide board in the map capturing mode. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of an image file generated by the image file generation unit of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of the reproduction display process performed by the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of icons displayed on the display unit of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of icons displayed on the display unit of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the reference orientation set by the orientation setting unit in accordance with the locus of touching the touch panel by the user in the imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the reference orientation set by the orientation setting unit of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the system controller of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention rotates the image displayed by the display unit so that the reference orientation matches the designated orientation. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the reference azimuth set by the azimuth setting unit of the imaging apparatus in the modification according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a side (back side) facing the user of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging device 1 includes a lens unit 2, a lens driving mechanism 3, an aperture driving mechanism 4, a shutter driving mechanism 5, an imaging element 6, a signal processing unit 7, Shake detection unit 8, posture detection unit 9, orientation detection unit 10, voice input / output unit 11, operation input unit 12, display unit 13, touch panel 14, recording medium interface 15, and nonvolatile memory 16 And a volatile memory 17, a GPS receiver 18, and a system controller 19.

  The lens unit 2 includes a focus lens, a zoom lens, and the like, and collects light from a predetermined visual field region. The lens unit 2 has an optical zoom function that changes the angle of view when the zoom lens moves on the optical axis Q.

  The lens driving mechanism 3 is constituted by a DC motor or the like, and changes the focal position and focal length of the lens unit 2 by moving the focus lens and zoom lens of the lens unit 2 on the optical axis Q.

  The diaphragm drive mechanism 4 is configured by a diaphragm 4a, a stepping motor, and the like, and adjusts the incident amount of light condensed by the lens unit 2 by driving the diaphragm 4a.

  The shutter drive mechanism 5 includes a shutter 5a, a stepping motor, and the like, and drives the shutter 5a to set the state of the image sensor 6 to an exposure state or a light shielding state.

  The image sensor 6 is realized by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or the like that receives the light collected by the lens unit 2 and converts it into an electrical signal (analog signal). The signal is output to the signal processing unit 7.

  The signal processing unit 7 performs signal processing such as amplification on the electrical signal output from the image sensor 6, and then converts the digital signal into digital image data by performing A / D conversion. Output to the memory 17. Note that the configuration including the imaging element 6 and the signal processing unit 7 functions as an imaging unit that continuously generates electronic image data using the light collected by the lens unit 2.

  The camera shake detection unit 8 is configured by a gyro sensor, and detects the blurring state of the image due to the camera shake of the user by detecting the angular velocity of the imaging device 1. Specifically, the camera shake detection unit 8 sets the direction parallel to the optical axis Q of the lens unit 2 as the Z-axis direction and the plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction (the imaging surface of the imaging device 6) as the XY plane. The camera shake of the user is detected by detecting the angular velocities around the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis with individual gyro sensors.

  The posture detection unit 9 includes an acceleration sensor, and detects the posture state of the imaging device 1 by detecting the acceleration of the imaging device 1. Specifically, the posture detection unit 9 detects the posture of the imaging device 1 with respect to a horizontal plane that is a plane orthogonal to the gravity direction of the imaging device 1.

  The azimuth detecting unit 10 includes a magnetic azimuth sensor, and detects a designated azimuth set in advance by the imaging device 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the azimuth detection unit 10 detects the specified direction of the imaging apparatus 1 by detecting the vertical and horizontal components of the geomagnetism when the display unit 13 is in the horizontal state. For example, north is detected.

  The voice input / output unit 11 includes a microphone, a speaker, and the like, and acquires or outputs voice information, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation input unit 12 includes a power switch 12 a that switches the power state of the imaging apparatus 1 to an on state or an off state, a release switch 12 b that inputs a release signal that gives a still image shooting instruction, It has a mode switch 12c for switching various shooting modes of the apparatus 1, an operation switch 12d for performing various settings of the imaging apparatus 1, and a zoom switch 12e for performing a zoom operation of the lens unit 2.

  The display part 13 is implement | achieved using the display panel which consists of a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence). The display unit 13 displays an image corresponding to the image data generated by the image sensor 6. The display unit 13 appropriately displays operation information of the imaging device 1 and information related to shooting.

  The touch panel 14 is provided on the display screen of the display unit 13 (see FIG. 2). The touch panel 14 detects a position touched by the user based on information displayed on the display unit 13, and accepts an input of an operation signal corresponding to the contact position. In general, the touch panel includes a resistance film method, a capacitance method, an optical method, and the like. In the present embodiment, any type of touch panel is applicable. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 14 functions as an input unit.

  The recording medium interface 15 stores information such as image data in the memory card 15a of the recording medium loaded from the outside of the imaging apparatus 1, and reads information stored in the memory card 15a.

  The nonvolatile memory 16 is realized by a flash memory or the like. The non-volatile memory 16 has a program code 16a storing various programs for operating the imaging device 1, a control parameter 16b storing various data used during the execution of the program, and at least characters and map symbols. And a map symbol information memory 16c for performing pattern matching and the like.

  The volatile memory 17 is realized by an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). The volatile memory 17 has a work area 17a in which image data output from the signal processing unit 7 and information being processed by the system controller 19 are temporarily recorded. Specifically, the volatile memory 17 captures an image (live view image) corresponding to image data output by the image sensor 6 every frame (for example, 1/30 seconds) or when the release switch 12b is operated. An image or the like corresponding to the image data output from the element 6 is temporarily stored.

  The GPS receiver 18 receives satellite orbit information transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites constituting a GPS (Global Positioning System) which is a measuring means for measuring the position of an object on the ground.

  The system controller 19 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and reads out and executes a program from the nonvolatile memory 16 in response to an operation signal from the operation input unit 12 and the like. Data transfer and the like are performed to comprehensively control the operation of the imaging apparatus 1. The system controller 19 includes an image processing unit 19a, a compression / decompression unit 19b, an AF control unit 19c, an AE control unit 19d, a timer counter 19e, a face detection unit 19f, a map information detection unit 19g, and an orientation setting. A unit 19h, a header information generation unit 19i, an image file generation unit 19j, an orientation determination unit 19k, and a reduced image generation unit 19l.

  The image processing unit 19 a performs various image processing on the image data output from the signal processing unit 7 and outputs the processed image data to the volatile memory 17. Specifically, the image processing unit 19a performs processing such as edge enhancement, color balance (RGB), color correction, and γ correction on the image data output from the signal processing unit 7.

  The compression / decompression unit 19b stores the image data stored in the work area 17a of the volatile memory 17 in the memory card 15a or displays the image data recorded in the memory card 15a on the display unit 13. Based on the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) compression method, image data compression processing and decompression processing are performed.

  The AF control unit 19 c performs automatic focus adjustment based on the image data output from the signal processing unit 7. For example, the AF control unit 19c drives the lens driving mechanism 3 based on the contrast of the image data, and moves the lens unit 2 on the optical axis Q so that the sharpness of the subject image to be photographed is maximized.

  Based on the image data output from the signal processing unit 7, the AE control unit 19d performs automatic exposure by determining conditions for performing still image shooting, such as a set value of the aperture 4a, a shutter speed, and the like.

  The timer counter 19e generates a time signal that serves as a reference for the operation of the imaging apparatus 1. Thereby, the system controller 19 can set the acquisition interval of image data, the exposure time of the image sensor 6, and the like.

  The face detection unit 19f detects the face of the subject included in the image corresponding to the image data output from the signal processing unit 7 by pattern matching or the like. In the present embodiment, the face detection unit 19f detects the face of a person, but may be the face of an animal such as a dog or a cat.

  The map information detection unit 19g detects map information including at least characters and a map symbol for an image corresponding to the image data generated by the image sensor 6. Specifically, the map information detection unit 19g is configured by an OCR (Optical Character Reader) or the like, and is generated by the imaging device 6 using the map symbol information stored in the map symbol information memory 16c of the nonvolatile memory 16. Map information included in an image corresponding to image data is detected.

  The azimuth setting unit 19h is a reference that is used as a reference in the image when the display unit 13 is placed in a horizontal state in accordance with the trajectory of an external object on the touch panel 14 in contact with the image displayed on the display unit 13. Set the direction. Specifically, the azimuth setting unit 19h detects a trajectory where the user touches the touch panel 14, and sets a reference azimuth serving as a reference in the image according to the trajectory. The azimuth setting unit 19h may detect a position where the user touches the touch panel 14, and may set a reference azimuth serving as a reference in the image according to the position.

  The header information generation unit 19i generates the header information of the image data obtained by photographing the reference direction set by the direction setting unit 19h. The header information generating unit 19i generates the map information detected by the map information detecting unit 19g, the information received by the GPS receiving unit 18, and the like by adding the information to the header information of the image data.

  The image file generation unit 19l generates an image file in which the header information generated by the header information generation unit 19i is associated with the image data generated by the imaging element 6.

  The direction determination unit 19k determines whether or not the designated direction detected by the direction detection unit 10 matches the reference direction set by the direction setting unit 19h.

  The reduced image generation unit 19i generates a reduced image by trimming an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging element 6.

  The system controller 19 having the above-described units performs control to store the reference direction set by the direction setting unit 19h in the memory card 15a as the direction information of the header information in the image data. Further, the system controller 19 rotates the image displayed on the display unit 13 according to the determination result of the azimuth determining unit 19k, passing through the center of the display screen of the display unit 13 and having an axis orthogonal to the display screen as a central axis. Thus, control is performed to match the reference azimuth set by the azimuth setting unit 19h with the azimuth detected by the azimuth detection unit 10. In the present embodiment, the system controller 19 functions as a control unit.

  Processing performed by the imaging apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing performed by the imaging apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 3, first, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the power supply of the imaging apparatus 1 is turned on (step S101). When the power supply of the imaging device 1 is on (step S101: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, when the power of the imaging apparatus 1 is not turned on (step S101: No), the imaging apparatus 1 ends this process.

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the imaging device 1 is set to the map photographing mode (step S102). Specifically, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the image capturing apparatus 1 is set to a map photographing mode in which color balance (RGB), exposure, and the like suitable for photographing a map or a character as a subject are adjusted. to decide. When the imaging device 1 is set to the map shooting mode (step S102: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S103 described later. On the other hand, when the imaging device 1 is not set to the map photographing mode (step S102: No), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S113 described later.

  First, the case where the imaging device 1 is set to the map shooting mode (step S102: Yes) will be described. In this case, the system controller 19 detects the position information of the imaging device 1 based on the satellite orbit information received from the satellite via the GPS receiver 18 (step S103).

  Subsequently, the orientation detection unit 10 detects the orientation of the imaging device 1 (step S104). Specifically, when the screen of the display unit 13 of the imaging device 1 is in a horizontal state, the direction detection unit 10 rotates clockwise with a direction extending from the center of the screen in the vertical direction in the screen as a reference (0 degree). When viewed, by detecting a deviation (θ degrees) to the north, the orientation of the imaging device 1 at that time is detected.

  Thereafter, the display unit 13 displays a live view image (through image) corresponding to the image data continuously generated by the imaging element 6 at a constant minute time interval (step S105).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a situation when the map guide board is photographed in the map photographing mode of the imaging apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display unit 13 when the imaging apparatus 1 captures a map guide board in the map capturing mode. FIG. 5 shows one representative image W1 among the live view images that the display unit 13 sequentially displays in time series. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the user determines a composition for photographing the map guide board O1 while viewing a live view image such as an image W1 in FIG.

  In step S106, the map information detection unit 19g detects map information including at least characters and a map symbol with respect to an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging device 6. Specifically, in the case of the image shown in FIG. 5, the map information detection unit 19g detects characters and map symbols included near the center of the image W1, for example, “first small” as characters and “text” as the map symbol. ”Is detected.

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 highlights the map information detected in the image by the map information detection unit 19g on the display unit 13 (step S107).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display unit 13 when the imaging apparatus 1 captures a map guide board in the map capturing mode. As shown in the image W2 in FIG. 6, the system controller 19 surrounds the map symbol detected by the map information detection unit 19g, for example, the character string “first small” and the map symbol “sentence” with a rectangular frame. Frames B1 and B2 are displayed on the display unit 13. Thereby, the user can determine whether a character, a map symbol, or the like can be detected from the image in real time while viewing the live view image displayed on the display unit 13. In FIG. 6, all characters and map symbols in the image are displayed in a rectangular frame, but the number of characters and map symbols displayed in a rectangular frame may be limited. Furthermore, although the system controller 19 displays the map symbol detected by the map information detection unit 19g on the display unit 13 with a rectangular frame, it may be a circle or the like, and can be changed as appropriate.

  In step S108, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the release switch 12b is operated (fully pressed) by the user and a release signal instructing photographing is input. When the release signal instructing shooting is not input (step S108: No), the imaging apparatus 1 returns to step S106, and until a release signal instructing shooting is input, for example, every one second. This process is repeated. On the other hand, when a release signal instructing photographing is input (step S108: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S109.

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 shoots the subject, and temporarily stores the image data generated by the image sensor 6 in the work area 17a of the volatile memory 17 (step S109).

  Thereafter, the header information generating unit 19i associates the position of the map information detected from the image by the map information detecting unit 19g with the coordinate point when viewed in the coordinate system with the center of the image as the origin of the coordinate, Header information including information is generated (step S110).

  Subsequently, the image file generation unit 19j generates an image file by adding the header information generated by the header information generation unit 19i to the image data temporarily stored in the work area 17a of the volatile memory 17 (Step S1). (S111), the imaging apparatus 1 proceeds to step S112 to be described later.

  Here, the data structure of the image file generated by the image file generation unit 19j in step S111 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of an image file generated by the image file generation unit 19j. As shown in FIG. 7, the image file F1 includes header information H1 and image data D1 when image data is generated. In the present embodiment, a map image obtained by photographing the map guide board O1 (see FIG. 4) will be described as an example of image data. However, for example, image data such as a person or a landscape may be used as a subject.

  The header information H1 includes shooting time H11, shooting conditions H12, shooting mode H13, position information H14, azimuth information H15, azimuth detection information H16, scale mark detection information H17, and character / symbol detection information H18. Have. Note that the header information H1 may include information related to shooting other than those described above.

  The shooting condition H12 describes conditions related to shooting by the imaging apparatus 1, such as exposure conditions, Tv value, Av value, color balance, and the like. In the shooting mode H13, information related to the shooting mode of the imaging apparatus 1 is described. In the position information H14, position information of the imaging device 1 is described. The position information H14 describes the position of the imaging device 1 detected by the system controller 19 based on the satellite orbit information received from the satellite via the GPS receiver 18. The azimuth information detected by the azimuth detector 10 is written in the azimuth information H15.

  The direction detection information H16 describes the presence / absence H161 of the direction detection information, the detection position H162 of the direction mark, and the direction H163 of the direction mark on the image. The detection position H162 describes the coordinates when viewed in a coordinate system in which the center of the image corresponding to the image data D1 is the origin and the vertical position and horizontal position of the image are components. In the direction H163, when the screen of the display unit 13 of the imaging apparatus 1 is in a horizontal state, the direction is detected when viewed clockwise from a direction extending from the center of the screen in the vertical direction in the screen as a reference (0 degree). A difference (θ) between the designated orientation detected by the unit 10 and the designated orientation (north) of the orientation mark is described.

  The scale mark detection information H17 describes whether or not a scale mark is detected H171, a scale mark detection position H172, and a scale mark length H173 on the image. In the detection position H172, the coordinate point at which the map information detection unit 19g detects the scale mark from the image data is described. The length H173 describes the length of the scale mark on the image and the scale ratio of the image.

  The character symbol detection information H18 includes at least a character symbol detection presence / absence H181, a character symbol detection number H182, a character detection position H183, and a detected character H184. In the detection position H183, the coordinate point where the map information detection unit 19g detects the character symbol from the image data D1 is described. In the character H184, the content of the character symbol detected from the image data D1 by the map information detection unit 19g is described. In the character symbol detection information H18, all character symbols detected by the map information detection unit 19g are described.

  Here, returning to FIG. 3, the processing after step S112 will be described. In step S112, the system controller 19 performs processing such as compression on the image file generated by the image file generation unit 19j by the compression / decompression unit 19b and stores it in the memory card 15a (step S112), and the imaging apparatus 1 performs step S101. Return to.

  Next, a case where the imaging device 1 is not set to the map shooting mode in step S102 (step S102: No) will be described. In this case, the system controller 19 executes a reproduction display process (step S113) for reproducing the image data stored in the memory card 15a, and the imaging apparatus 1 returns to step S101.

  Next, the reproduction display process in step S113 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an overview of the reproduction display process shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, first, the system controller 19 causes the display unit 13 to display an image selection screen in which a plurality of images (thumbnail images) stored in the memory card 15a are displayed together (step S201).

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 determines whether an image is selected from the image selection screen displayed on the display unit 13 by the user (step S202). When an image is selected from the image selection screen by the user (step S202: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, when an image is not selected from the image selection screen by the user (step S202: No), the imaging apparatus 1 proceeds to step S222 described later.

  First, a case where an image is selected from the image selection screen by the user (step S202: Yes) will be described. In this case, the system controller 19 causes the display unit 13 to display the image selected by the user on the full screen (step S203), and the imaging apparatus 1 proceeds to step S204.

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the image displayed by the display unit 13 is an image taken in the map mode (step S204). Specifically, the system controller 19 captures the image displayed by the display unit 13 in the map mode based on the capture mode information described in the header information included in the image file of the currently displayed image. It is determined whether the image is an image. When the image displayed by the display unit 13 is an image captured in the map mode (step S204: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, when the image displayed by the display unit 13 is not an image captured in the map mode (step S204: No), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S227 described later.

  First, a case where the image displayed by the display unit 13 is an image taken in the map mode (step S204: Yes) will be described. In this case, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the orientation information is described in the header information included in the image file of the currently displayed image (step S205). When the orientation information is described in the header information included in the image file of the currently displayed image (step S205: Yes), the imaging apparatus 1 proceeds to step S217 described later. On the other hand, when the orientation information is not described in the header information included in the image file of the currently displayed image (step S205: No), the imaging apparatus 1 proceeds to step S206 described later.

  First, a case where the orientation information is not described in the header information included in the image file of the currently displayed image (step S205: No) will be described. In this case, the system controller 19 causes the display unit 13 to display an icon indicating that the display screen of the display unit 13 is horizontal on the image displayed by the display unit 13 (step S206). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the system controller 19 causes the display unit 13 to display an icon A1 on an image W1 displayed on the display unit 13. The icon A1 is an icon for instructing the display unit 13 in a horizontal state to the user. In the present embodiment, the system controller 19 displays the icon A1 on the display unit 13. However, the system controller 19 may notify the user by, for example, a voice by the voice input / output unit 11.

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the imaging apparatus 1 is in a horizontal state according to the detection result of the posture detection unit 9 (step S207). When the imaging device 1 is not in a horizontal state (step S207: No), the imaging device 1 returns to step S206. On the other hand, when the imaging device 1 is in a horizontal state (step S207: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S208.

  Thereafter, the system controller 19 causes the display unit 13 to display an icon for setting the image orientation on the image displayed by the display unit 13 (step S208). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the system controller 19 causes the display unit 13 to display icons A <b> 2 and A <b> 3 for setting the image orientation on the image W <b> 1 displayed on the display unit 13. The icon A2 is an icon for setting the direction by the user. The icon A3 is an icon for setting the direction by the direction detection unit 10.

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 determines whether an orientation setting icon by the user has been selected (step S209). Specifically, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the icon A <b> 2 (see FIG. 10) is selected by inputting a signal corresponding to the contact position from the outside of the touch panel 14. When the icon A2 is selected (step S209: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, when the icon A2 is not selected (step S209: No), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S213 described later.

  First, the case where the icon A2 is selected (step S209: Yes) will be described. In this case, the system controller 19 determines whether or not a signal corresponding to the contact position of the object from the outside of the touch panel 14 is input. When the signal according to the contact position of the object from the outside is not input (step S210: No), the system controller 19 repeats this determination. On the other hand, when the signal according to the contact position of the object from the outside is input (step S210: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S211.

  Subsequently, the azimuth setting unit 19h sets a reference azimuth serving as a reference in the image displayed on the display unit 13 in accordance with the trajectory of an external object touching the touch panel 14 (step S211).

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the user moves from the upper side to the lower side on the image W1 displayed on the display unit 13 while touching the touch panel 14 with the index finger of the right hand (FIG. 11 (a)), the orientation setting is performed. The unit 19h is used in the image in accordance with a trajectory where the user touches the touch panel 14 with the index finger, for example, a straight line connecting a starting point where the user first touches the touch panel 14 with the index finger and an end point where the user releases the index finger from the touch panel 14. It is set as a reference orientation b1 as a reference (FIG. 11B). In the case of FIG. 11, the azimuth setting unit 19h sets the vertical direction extending from the center of the image to the lower side of the screen as the reference azimuth b1 (north).

  In step S212, the system controller 19 stores the reference azimuth set by the azimuth setting unit 19h as the azimuth information of the header information in the image data currently displayed on the display unit 13 (step S212). Specifically, the system controller 19 stores the reference orientation set by the orientation setting unit 19h in the direction H163 (see FIG. 7) of the header information H1 as orientation information. As a result, the system controller 19 can store the azimuth information in association with the header information of the image data in the memory card 15a.

  Next, a case where the icon A2 is not selected (step S209: No) will be described. In this case, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the icon A3 is selected by the user (step S213). When the icon A3 is not selected by the user (step S213: No), the imaging device 1 returns to step S208. On the other hand, when the icon A3 is selected by the user (step S213: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S214.

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 displays the designated direction detected by the direction detection unit 10 on the display unit 13 (step S214).

  Thereafter, the system controller 19 determines whether or not a signal corresponding to the contact position of the object from the outside of the touch panel 14 has been input (step S215). Specifically, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the user has touched the touch panel 14. When the signal according to the contact position of the object from the outside of the touch panel 14 is not input (step S215: No), the imaging device 1 returns to step S214. On the other hand, when the signal according to the contact position of the object from the outside of the touch panel 14 is input (step S215: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S216.

  Subsequently, the azimuth setting unit 19h sets the designated direction currently displayed on the image by the display unit 13 as a reference azimuth as a reference in the image (step S216), and the imaging apparatus 1 proceeds to 212.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the reference azimuth set by the azimuth setting unit 19h. As shown in FIG. 12, first, the system controller 19 displays the designated direction R1 detected by the direction detection unit 10 on the display unit 13 (FIG. 12A). Subsequently, the user rotates the imaging apparatus 1 in a predetermined direction, for example, clockwise (180 degrees) while maintaining the horizontal state in accordance with the designated orientation R1 displayed on the display unit 13, thereby causing the orientation in the image W1. The designated direction R1 detected by the direction detection unit 10 is made to coincide with the north indicated by the mark (FIG. 12B). Thereafter, the orientation setting unit 19h sets the designated orientation R1 currently displayed on the display unit 13 as the reference orientation b2 when the user touches the touch panel 14 with the index finger of the right hand (FIG. 12B) (FIG. 12). (C)). Thereby, even if the map information detection unit 19g cannot detect the orientation mark, the user can set the reference orientation by manually moving the imaging device 1.

  Here, returning to FIG. 8, the processing following step S212 will be described. In step S217, the system controller 19 causes the display unit 13 to display an icon A1 (see FIG. 9) indicating that the display unit is horizontal, and the imaging apparatus 1 proceeds to step S217.

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the imaging apparatus 1 is in a horizontal state according to the detection result of the posture detection unit 9 (step S218). When the imaging device 1 is not in a horizontal state (step S218: No), the imaging device 1 returns to step S217. On the other hand, when the imaging device 1 is in a horizontal state (step S218: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S219.

  Thereafter, the azimuth detecting unit 10 detects the designated azimuth of the imaging device 1 when the imaging device 1 is set in a horizontal state (step S219).

  Subsequently, the orientation determination unit 19k determines whether or not the designated orientation detected by the orientation detection unit 10 matches the reference orientation (step S220). When the designated azimuth matches the reference azimuth (step S220: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S221. On the other hand, when the designated orientation does not match the reference orientation (step S220: No), the imaging apparatus 1 proceeds to step S223 described later.

  First, the case where the designated orientation matches the reference orientation (step S220: Yes) will be described. In this case, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the operation switch 12d is operated by the user and an instruction signal for changing the image currently displayed on the display unit 13 is input (step S221). When the instruction signal for changing the image is not input (step S221: No), the imaging apparatus 1 returns to step S219, and the azimuth determination unit 19k determines whether or not the designated azimuth matches the reference azimuth. For example, the determination is made at intervals of 3 seconds. On the other hand, when the instruction signal for changing the image is input (step S221: Yes), the imaging apparatus 1 proceeds to step S222.

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the mode changeover switch 12c is operated by the user and an end instruction signal for ending the image reproduction is input (step S222). When the end instruction signal for ending the image reproduction is not input (step S222: No), the imaging apparatus 1 returns to step S201. On the other hand, when the end instruction signal for ending the image reproduction is input (step S222: Yes), the imaging apparatus 1 returns to the main routine shown in FIG.

  Next, a case where the designated orientation does not match the reference orientation (step S220: No) will be described. In this case, the system controller 19 passes the center of the display screen of the display unit 13 through the center of the display screen of the display unit 13, rotates the axis orthogonal to the display screen as the central axis, and the direction setting unit 19h sets the image. The determined reference azimuth is matched with the designated azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting unit 10 (step S223).

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the imaging device 1 is rotating according to the detection result of the posture detection unit 9 (step S224). Specifically, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the posture detection unit 9 detects an acceleration that is generated when the imaging device 1 is rotated by the user. When the system controller 19 determines that the imaging device 1 is not rotating (step S224: No), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S226 described later. On the other hand, when the system controller 19 determines that the imaging device 1 is rotating (step S224: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S225.

  In step S225, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the rotation of the imaging device 1 has stopped according to the detection result of the posture detection unit 9. When the system controller 19 determines that the rotation of the imaging device 1 has not stopped (step S225: No), the system controller 19 continues this determination process. On the other hand, when the system controller 19 determines that the rotation of the imaging device 1 has stopped (step S225: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S226.

  Subsequently, the system controller 19 displays the image displayed on the display unit 13 on the full screen or reduced and displays the image on the display unit 13 in accordance with the rotation of the imaging device 1 (step S226), and the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S221. Transition.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the system controller 19 rotates the image displayed by the display unit 13 so that the reference orientation of the image matches the designated orientation. As shown in FIG. 13, the system controller 19 differs from the reference orientation b1 set by the orientation setting unit 19h and the designated orientation R1 detected by the orientation detection unit 10 (FIG. 13 (a)). The image is rotated until b1 matches the designated orientation R1 (FIG. 13B). In this case, since the ratio between the length and the width of the display screen of the display unit 13 is different, the system controller 19 keeps the size of the image W1 as it is, for example, by rotating it 90 degrees clockwise, the image is displayed from the display screen of the display unit 13. W1 protrudes. Therefore, the system controller 19 causes the reduced image generation unit 19l to generate a reduced image W3 when the image W1 is rotated so as to protrude from the display screen of the display unit 13, and rotates the reduced image W3 to obtain the reference orientation b1. The designated orientation R1 is matched. Further, when the user rotates the imaging device 1 counterclockwise while the imaging device 1 is maintained in a horizontal state, the system controller 19 changes the reduced image W3 to the original image W1 that matches the screen of the display unit 13. Is displayed on the display unit 13 on the full screen (FIG. 13C). Thus, even if the user moves while holding the imaging device 1, the system controller 19 rotates the image displayed on the display unit 13 in accordance with the determination result of the azimuth determining unit 19k. You can get to your destination without making a mistake. In FIG. 13, the system controller 19 rotates the image displayed on the display unit 13 to match the reference direction set by the direction setting unit 19 h with the designated direction detected by the direction detection unit 10. The designated direction detected by the direction detection unit 19 may be made to coincide with the north of the direction mark in the image.

  Here, a case where the image displayed on the display unit 13 is not an image photographed in the map mode in step S204 (step S204: No) will be described. In this case, the system controller 19 determines whether or not the image displayed on the display unit 13 has been displayed for a predetermined time (step S227). When the image displayed on the display unit 13 is not displayed for a predetermined time (step S227: No), the system controller 19 repeats this determination. On the other hand, when the image displayed on the display unit 13 is displayed for a predetermined time (step S227: Yes), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S222.

  In the present embodiment described above, the azimuth setting unit 19h sets a reference azimuth serving as a reference in the image according to the trajectory of an object touched from the outside on the touch panel 14 with respect to the image displayed by the display unit 13. Then, the system controller 19 performs control to store the reference orientation set by the orientation setting unit 19h in the memory card 15a as orientation information in the header information of the image data. Accordingly, the user can manage the captured image data in association with the orientation information. Furthermore, the system controller 19 rotates the image displayed on the display unit 13 according to the determination result of the azimuth determining unit 19k through the center of the display screen of the display unit 13 and the axis orthogonal to the display screen as a central axis, Control to match the reference azimuth set by the azimuth setting unit 19h with the designated azimuth detected by the azimuth detection unit 10 is performed. As a result, the user does not lose sight of the image orientation on the way to the destination while viewing the image displayed on the display unit 13.

  Moreover, according to this Embodiment, since a user image | photographs the map guidance board O1 and the image which the display part 13 image | photographed is displayed, it is not necessary for a user to prepare printed materials, such as a map, in advance. Furthermore, since there is no need to acquire map data via the Internet or the like, there is no charge for acquiring map data.

  In the present embodiment, the azimuth setting unit 19h can also set a reference azimuth serving as a reference in the image according to the contact position of an object from the outside on the touch panel 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the user sets a reference azimuth as a reference in the image by bringing the touch panel 14 into contact with the touch panel 14 at two points of a start point P1 and an end point P2 for setting the reference azimuth ( FIG. 14 (a)). Thereafter, the azimuth setting unit 19h sets a reference azimuth by a vector b3 that is directed from the earliest contact order of the user to the later contact (P1 → P2) (FIG. 14B).

  In the above-described embodiment, the azimuth setting unit 19h sets the reference azimuth according to the trajectory of the touch panel 14 touched by an external object. For example, according to the operation content of the operation switch 12d. A reference orientation may be set.

  In the above-described embodiment, the azimuth setting unit 19h sets the reference azimuth during the reproduction display process for reproducing the image data stored in the memory card 15a. In addition, a reference orientation may be set for the image displayed on the display unit 13.

  In the above-described embodiment, the azimuth setting unit 19h sets the reference azimuth for the map image. However, the azimuth setting unit 19h may set the reference azimuth for an image obtained by shooting a person or a landscape as a subject. Good.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment mentioned above, although the map information detection part 19g detected the character and the symbol as map information contained in an image, you may detect a road and a building as map information.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the header information generation unit 19i is the position of the map information detected from the image by the map information detection unit 19g in the coordinate system with the center of the image as the coordinate origin. Although the header information is generated in association with the coordinate point, for example, the origin of the coordinate in the image may be set according to the operation content of the operation switch 12d by the photographer.

  In the above-described embodiment, the map guide plate O1 is photographed as a subject. However, for example, a train timetable, a printed map, a business card, a book, or the like may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the system controller 19 performs the main process on the image generated by the image sensor 6. For example, the system controller 19 uses an image acquired via another imaging device or the Internet. You may go. Specifically, the present processing may be performed by inserting a memory card 15 a storing an image captured by another imaging device into the recording medium interface 15 and displaying it on the display unit 13.

  Further, in the present embodiment described above, this processing is performed on an image photographed in the map photographing mode. However, for example, it may be performed on an image photographed in a normal still image photographing mode.

  In the above-described embodiment, the photographing apparatus 1 has been described as a digital camera. For example, various electronic devices having a photographing function and a display function such as a digital single-lens reflex camera, a digital video camera, or a camera-equipped mobile phone. It can be applied to equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging device 2 Lens part 3 Lens drive mechanism 4 Aperture drive mechanism 4a Aperture 5 Shutter drive mechanism 5a Shutter 6 Image sensor 7 Signal processing part 8 Camera shake detection part 9 Posture detection part 10 Orientation detection part 11 Voice input / output part 12 Operation input Unit 12a Power switch 12b Release switch 12c Mode change switch 12d Operation switch 12e Zoom switch 13 Display unit 14 Touch panel 15 Recording medium interface 15a Memory card 16 Non-volatile memory 16a Program code 16b Control parameter 16c Map symbol information memory 17 Volatile memory 17a Workpiece Area 18 GPS receiving unit 19, 20 System controller 19a Image processing unit 19b Compression / decompression unit 19c AF control unit 19d AE control unit 19e Timer counter 19f Face detection unit 9g map information detecting unit 19h azimuth setting unit 19i header information generating unit 19j image file generation unit 19k azimuth direction determination unit 19l reduced image generation unit Q optical axis O1 map guide plate F1 image file H1 header information D1 image data

Claims (9)

A lens unit that collects light from the field of view; an imaging unit that generates electronic image data using light collected by the lens unit; and an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit. An imaging apparatus comprising: a display unit for displaying; and a storage unit for storing the image data generated by the imaging unit,
An input unit that is provided on a display screen of the display unit and receives an input of a signal according to a contact position of an object from outside;
An azimuth setting unit that sets a reference azimuth serving as a reference in the image in accordance with a trajectory in contact with an external object in the input unit;
A control unit that performs control to store the reference azimuth set by the azimuth setting unit in the storage unit as azimuth information included in header information of the image data;
Equipped with a,
The control unit causes the display unit to display information indicating that the display unit is horizontally designated when the azimuth setting unit sets the reference azimuth . An azimuth detecting unit that detects a designated azimuth designated in advance in the imaging device when the imaging device is in a horizontal state;
An orientation determination unit that determines whether or not the designated orientation detected by the orientation detection unit matches the reference orientation;
With
The control unit rotates the image displayed by the display unit around the axis orthogonal to the display screen passing through the center of the display screen of the display unit according to the determination result of the azimuth determining unit. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to match the reference azimuth with the designated azimuth. A lens unit that collects light from the field of view, an imaging unit that generates electronic image data using light collected by the lens unit, and a storage unit that stores the image data generated by the imaging unit An imaging device comprising:
An azimuth detecting unit for detecting a designated azimuth designated in advance by the imaging device;
A display unit that displays the designated orientation detected by the orientation detection unit and an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit;
An input unit that is provided on a display screen of the display unit and receives an input of a signal according to a contact position of an object from outside;
An azimuth setting unit that sets the designated azimuth displayed by the display unit as a reference azimuth as a reference in the image when the input unit receives an input of a signal corresponding to the contact position of an object from the outside. When,
A control unit that performs control to store the reference azimuth set by the azimuth setting unit in the storage unit as azimuth information included in header information of the image data;
Equipped with a,
The control unit causes the display unit to display information indicating that the display unit is horizontally designated when the azimuth setting unit sets the reference azimuth . An orientation determination unit that determines whether the specified orientation detected by the orientation detection unit matches the reference orientation;
The control unit rotates the image displayed by the display unit around the axis orthogonal to the display screen passing through the center of the display screen of the display unit according to the determination result of the azimuth determining unit. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 3, wherein control is performed to match the reference azimuth with the designated azimuth.   5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the orientation determination unit determines whether or not the designated orientation matches the reference orientation at a predetermined time interval. An image reduction unit that generates a reduced image in which an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit is smaller than a display screen of the display unit according to a determination result of the orientation determination unit;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit performs control to display the reduced image on the display unit. The image is a map image;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference orientation is an orientation that serves as a reference when the orientation is aligned in the map image. A lens unit that collects light from the field of view; an imaging unit that generates electronic image data using light collected by the lens unit; and an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit. A display unit for displaying, a storage unit for storing the image data generated by the imaging unit, and an input unit that is provided on the display screen of the display unit and receives an input of a signal corresponding to the contact position of an object from the outside And an orientation setting method executed by an imaging apparatus comprising:
A display step of causing the display unit to display information indicating that the display unit is indicated horizontally;
An orientation setting step for setting a reference orientation as a reference in the image according to a trajectory in contact with an object from the outside in the input unit;
A control step for performing control to store the reference orientation set in the orientation setting step in the storage unit as orientation information included in header information of the image data;
The direction setting method characterized by including. A lens unit that collects light from the field of view; an imaging unit that generates electronic image data using light collected by the lens unit; and an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit. A display unit for displaying, a storage unit for storing the image data generated by the imaging unit, and an input unit that is provided on the display screen of the display unit and receives an input of a signal corresponding to the contact position of an object from the outside And an orientation setting method to be executed by an imaging device comprising:
A first display step of causing the display unit to display information indicating that the display unit is indicated horizontally;
An azimuth detection step for detecting a designated azimuth designated in advance by the imaging apparatus;
A second display step for causing the display unit to display the designated direction detected in the direction detection step;
An orientation setting step for setting the designated orientation displayed on the display unit as a reference orientation in the image when the input unit receives an input of a signal corresponding to the contact position of an object from the outside. When,
A control step for performing control to store the reference orientation set in the orientation setting step in the storage unit as orientation information included in header information of the image data;
The direction setting method characterized by including.

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