JP2001157098A - Camera device and method for displaying photographic position information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera device and a photographing position information display method, by which information concerning a photographing position, such as a map or a place name based on a photographing position which is obtained by measurement, is easily confirmed. SOLUTION: A map retrieval file and a place name file are retrieved, based on the camera photographing position obtained by GPS measurement (P1) to execute an operation for displaying, selecting and obtaining the place name (P5). Also the place name selecting and obtaining operations are executed together with the preservation and storage operation of a photographing image to a preservation memory (P4). After the end of P4 and P5, photographing position information, such as the place name, is related to the photographing image and preserved and stored in the preservation memory ((a) of the figure). It is adequate to execute the place name displaying, selecting and obtaining operations (P5') after the preservation and storage operation of the photographing image (P4'), which is indicated by (b) of the figure 8 and also to execute the preservation and storage operation of a photographing image (P6") after the place name selecting and obtaining operations (P5") which is indicated by (c) of the figure.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for displaying photographing position information such as a place name and a photographing position of a photographing place in a camera device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a camera device that acquires a photographing position based on positioning information and displays a photographed image in association with a place name during reproduction.

[0003]

However, since a conventional camera device having a positioning function cannot display information related to a photographing position such as a map or a place name at the time of photographing, the place name associated at the time of recording cannot be displayed by the user. In order to confirm whether or not the image is the desired one, it is necessary to switch to the reproduction mode after photographing and confirm it, and there is a problem that it takes time and effort to switch.

Further, in a conventional camera device having a positioning function, when a place name is associated with a photographed image, if several place names or facilities are nearby, the place name closest to the photographing position is associated with the place name. There is a problem that a place name different from a desired place name is associated. Also,
In the case of a method in which after returning to the house, a place name list is displayed and selected and designated in an edit mode after returning to the house, there is a problem that the user may not remember exactly where the photographing place is.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a camera device and a photographing apparatus capable of easily confirming information related to a photographing position such as a map or a place name based on the photographing position acquired by positioning. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a position information display method.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera device including a photographing unit and a display unit, wherein the photographing position acquiring unit acquires a photographing position. A photographing position information acquiring means for acquiring information relating to the photographing position based on the photographing position acquired by the photographing position acquiring means; and a display control for displaying information relating to the photographing position on the display means after photographing by the photographing means. Means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the camera device according to the first aspect, the information relating to the photographing position is a map around the photographing point.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the camera device according to the second aspect, the map includes a mark indicating a photographing point and / or
Or, it is characterized by including a place name.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the camera device according to the first aspect, the information relating to the photographing position is a place name of the photographing point.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the camera apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a storage unit for storing the image obtained by the image capturing unit, and the display control unit comprising: The information relating to the photographing position is displayed on the display means when the photographed image is taken into the means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the camera device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the display control means displays a photographed image after displaying information relating to a photographing position on the display means. It is characterized by.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the camera device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the display control means displays information relating to the photographing position after displaying the photographed image on the display means. It is characterized by the following.

According to an eighth aspect, in the camera device according to the first aspect, the photographing position information acquiring means includes a place name storing means in which a plurality of place names are registered, and a plurality of place names around the photographing point based on the photographing position. A place name display control means for taking out a place name from the place name storage means and displaying the place name on the display means, and a place name selection means for selecting a desired place name from the place names displayed on the display means by the place name display control means. Features.

According to a ninth aspect, in the camera device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the storage device for storing the captured image obtained by the image capturing device, and the capturing position information obtaining device. Storage control means for storing the information on the acquired photographing position in the storage means in association with the photographed image.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera device according to the first aspect, the display control means simultaneously displays the information relating to the photographing position and the photographed image on the display means.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing position information display method, comprising: acquiring a photographing position in a camera device; acquiring information relating to the photographing position based on the acquired photographing position; It is characterized by displaying information relating to the position.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Circuit Configuration Example] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a camera device having a positioning function according to the present invention. A digital camera 10 includes a GPS antenna 1 'and a GPS processing unit. 1, an imaging unit 2, a control unit 3, an operation unit 4, a primary memory (DRAM) 5, a storage memory (flash memory) 6, a display unit 7, and a database 8.

The GPS processing unit (GPS positioning device) 1
F, A / D, data registers, counters, decoders, and a control unit (microcomputer) for controlling them. Further, the GPS processing unit 1 amplifies and demodulates a radio wave received from a GPS satellite received by the GPS antenna 1 ′, decodes the acquired satellite data, and calculates the self-position of the digital camera 10 based on the decoded data. Perform position measurement (positioning). The positioning result by the GPS processing unit 1 is sent to the control unit 3 that controls the entire digital camera 10.

The imaging section 2 converts the captured subject image into digital data and obtains signal components (hereinafter, image data) such as digital luminance and color difference multiplex signals (Y, Cb, Cr data) from the digital data. To the DRAM 5.

The control unit 3 has a microprocessor configuration having peripheral circuits such as a CPU, a RAM, a program storage memory, and a timer. The CPU connects the above-described circuits and a power supply switch (not shown) to a bus line. To control the entire digital camera by a control program stored in a program storage memory, and to execute each mode processing stored in the program storage memory in response to a status signal from the operation unit 4. The program retrieves a database search program, a map display program, a place name display / selection program, and the like based on the present invention, and controls the execution of each function of the digital camera 10. The program storage memory stores constants and menu data in addition to the programs described above.

When the shutter button 46 is fully pressed, the control unit 3 reads out the image data written in the DRAM 5 and performs image data compression processing such as JPEG compression processing. To save. In addition, the captured image is displayed on the display unit 7 in parallel with or before or after the storing operation of the captured image (compressed image), and the display of the map or the place name of the shooting place is controlled to select and specify the place name. Further, the selected place name is stored in the flash memory 6 in association with the photographed image. Further, the control unit 3 performs expansion processing on the image data taken out of the flash memory 6 at the time of reproduction and reproduces the image data. In addition, a place name list of the photographing place of the photographed image or the like is displayed, so that the photographed image can be selectively acquired. The operation unit 4 includes a processing mode changeover switch, a display changeover key 44, and a +/- key 4
5. Keys and switches such as a shutter button 46 are included as components, and when these keys or switches are operated, a status signal is sent to the control unit 3.

The DRAM 5 is used as a working memory, and secures an image buffer area for temporarily storing a photographed image and a reproduced image, and a working area used for compression / expansion and temporary storage of map data. Further, the flash memory 6 stores the captured image.

The display unit 7 is controlled by the control unit 3 to display a menu or a guide (or icon) for selecting a function at the time of selecting a process, a through image at the time of shooting, a map or place name of a shooting location, a playback image at the time of playback, and the like. Is displayed on the LCD screen.

[Database] The database 8 is composed of a plurality of files stored in a large-capacity storage memory such as a flash memory, CF (compact flash memory) or CD. As shown in FIG. 2A, a storage memory (8) for storing a database includes a map search file storage area 81 and a map data file storage area 8.
2 and a place name file storage area 83 are secured, and in each storage area, a map search file 110 (FIG. 3) and a map data file 1 created and registered in advance by a maker or the like.
20-140 and place name file 150 (or 150 ')
(FIG. 6 (FIG. 7)) are stored and stored in association with each other so that shooting location information (map, place name) is efficiently extracted. In addition, as shown in FIG.
The database 8 'may be composed of only 50' (FIG. 7). Further, in the embodiment, the database constructed so as to efficiently extract the shooting location information is stored in the flash memory, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the database may be built in the apparatus body of the digital camera 10, but since the map and the place name are easily classified by country or purpose (sightseeing spot, nature, etc.), in the embodiment, each database has a certain amount of data. Digital camera 1 like CF
Alternatively, the digital camera 10 may be stored in a detachable recording medium in the main body of the digital camera 10 (in this case, the digital camera 10 is configured so that the database CF can be detached). Hereinafter, an example of the configuration (structure) of each file constituting the database will be described.

1-1. Map Search File (FIG. 3) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the map search file 110.

In FIG. 3, the map search file 110 has a mesh number column 111, a coordinate column 112, a map data pointer column 113, an adjacent map pointer column 114, and a place name data pointer column 115.

The mesh number column 111 is a search key for quickly searching for a place name around the acquired photographing position. (L1 level map number + mesh number.
(01 to 24)) are stored (mesh numbers 52201 to 52205 are shown in the example of FIG. 3). Although the number of digits of the mesh number is set to 5 (digit map number 3 digits + mesh number) for convenience of illustration, since the map number is actually given as a code of 3 digits or more according to a predetermined classification standard, the mesh number is 5 Digits or more).

Further, the coordinate column 112 includes four corners (A
To D) (latitude and longitude) are stored. This allows
When the digital camera 10 acquires the shooting position (coordinates),
By comparing the coordinates and the coordinates A to D in the coordinate field 112, it is possible to know which mesh of which map the shooting location is located on, and a corresponding map (that is, a detailed map of the current location (in the embodiment, level 5) can be cut out such that the shooting position (coordinates) is at the center of the screen (FIG. 5).
(A)).

The map data pointer column 113 stores a pointer (a storage address of the map data) for extracting map data including the acquired photographing position (coordinates). In addition, the map level to be displayed by the user (scale of the map)
Since L1 to L3 can be specified, the map data pointer column 1
13 stores pointers corresponding to the map levels L1 to L3, respectively. Also, the adjacent map pointer column 11
Numeral 4 stores an address of an L1 level map adjacent to the map to which the mesh belongs (in the example of FIG. 3, a map number is shown for explanation). That is, assuming that the whole country is covered by the L1 level map, the adjacent map (L1 level) of the map number “522” is the map number “4” as shown in FIG.
21 "to" 423 "," 521 "," 523 "," 62 "
Eight maps from "1" to "623" are obtained. FIG.
As shown in (b), the map numbers “421”, “422”, and “521” are assigned to the mesh with the mesh number “52201”.
Are adjacent to each other, the addresses of the map data of the map numbers “421”, “422”, and “521” are stored in the adjacent map pointer 114. Similarly, mesh number “5”
Since the map of map number “422” is adjacent to the meshes of 2202 ”to“ 52205 ”, the mesh number of“ 52 ”
The addresses of the map data of the map number “422” are stored in the adjacent map pointers 114 of “202” to “52205”. When there is no adjacent map inside the map of the map number “522” such as the mesh number “52212”, the adjacent data pointer column 114 is blank.

Thus, for example, the photographing position of the map having the map number “522” is at the upper left corner (that is, the mesh “52”).
201 "(upper left corner of the screen), the shooting position is located at the center of the screen, and the mesh number" 5220 "is set.
Other L1 level maps “421” and “4” adjacent to “1”
22 "and" 521 "can be cut out to the screen size and displayed.

In the place name data pointer column 115, place names and the like (prefecture name, municipal name, area name, facility name, shop name, company name, park name, main name, etc.) in the mesh including the acquired photographing position (coordinates) are stored. In order to display a list of names of rivers, bridges, mountains, hills, railways, roads, etc., the head address of the group of place name data of the mesh stored in the place name file 150 is stored (see FIG. 6).

1-2. Map Data File The map information is composed of map data (graphic information of roads, railways, buildings, terrain, etc., and characters and symbols meaning them) and character information expressing place names and the like.

In the map data file, a plurality of maps at a plurality of scale levels are compressed and stored (hereinafter, the map data will be referred to as three-level map data of L1, L2, and L3, but is not limited to this). The map data at the level L1 (see FIG. 5A) is a map of a reduced scale issued by a public organization in Japan (or other countries) (25,000 issued by the Geographical Survey Institute in Japan).
The map data is equivalent to “1/0 scale map”, and the map data for the entire number of the country is registered in the map data file 120 together with the map number (registered on one recording medium). If not, it is divided and registered on multiple recording media). The map data at level L2 (see FIG. 5 (b)) contains a map on a scale of about 1 / 100,000 (a schematic map at the municipal level (for example, a map showing boundaries and municipal names)). The map data for the number covering the entire country is registered in the map data file 130 together with the map number. The map data of level L3 (see FIG. 5C) is 2,000,00.
It contains a map of about 1/0 scale (schematic map at the prefectural level (for example, a map showing boundaries and prefecture names)), and map data for the number of sheets covering the entire country is provided along with map numbers. The L1 level map registered in the data file 140 is divided into four in the vertical direction and six in the horizontal direction.
It is virtually divided into 24 (4 × 6 = 24) meshes, and each mesh is assigned a mesh number (map number + mesh number). This allows each mesh to define a rectangular area of about 400 mx 270 m 25,000.
Size reduced to 1 / (approx. 2.4cm x 1.8cm)
Becomes When displayed, the L1 level map is a mark indicating a shooting location (for example, an X mark as shown in FIG. 5A).
Is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 7 of the digital camera 10. In the case of L2 and L3 level maps, the center of the map is displayed as the center of the display screen as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C (this makes it clear that the positional relationship between the shooting location and the map is clear. Become).

1-3. Place Name File (FIG. 6) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the place name file 150. The place name file 150 includes a mesh number column 151 and a place name column 1
53 is provided. The mesh number column 151 stores the same mesh number as the mesh number 111 in FIG. The place name column 153 stores place name data (character codes) including a plurality of place name display ranks (in this example, three ranks of R1, R2, and R3 are used for explanation, but the present invention is not limited to this). In the R1 field of the place name field 153, a higher-order place name (prefecture name in this example) or an abbreviation thereof used to specify a shooting location, such as a country, state, or prefecture name to which the mesh of the mesh number field 151 belongs, or the like. Is stored. Further, in the R2 column, a higher-order place name (in this example, a municipal name) and a character code representing an abbreviation thereof used to specifically specify a shooting location, such as the name of a municipal town to which the mesh in the mesh number column 151 belongs, are stored. You. In the R3 column, place names, facility names, store names, company names, park names, natural monuments, topography such as mountains, rivers, hills, railways, roads, etc. (hereinafter simply referred to as “place names”) ") (Not limited to character codes)
Is stored.

With the configuration of the place name file 150 as shown in FIG. 6, when the position of the shooting location is acquired by the digital camera 10 and the mesh number of the map search file 110 is searched (for example, the mesh number "52204" is searched). Then, as described later, the head address (“4AC6” in this example) of the place name data group of the mesh stored in the place name data pointer field 115 of the mesh as described later.
, A character code group (place name data group) representing “place name” in the mesh based on the first address of the second line of the place name file 150 in FIG. The display is sequentially performed to prompt the user to select, and the selected “place name” (character code) can be stored and recorded in association with the photographed image together with the photographing position (coordinates) (FIGS. 9 to 11).

Further, the photographing place does not always coincide with the place displayed as "place name". In such a case, the user selects the closest place name, and thereafter, for example, "neighborhood", "neighborhood" Can be inserted.

In the example of FIG. 6, the mesh number "522"
There are three place names in the area of "04"("ShinmeiShrine" in Nariki, Ome-shi, "Shiresawa-in" and "Shozawaji" in Masazawa, Ome-shi). "Place name" included in the group
Is not limited to this. That is, all of the place names, facility names, store names, company names, park names, natural monuments, mountains, rivers, hills, etc., railways, roads, etc. existing in a mesh may be used. Ordinarily, it may be appropriately selected by a camera manufacturer or a map database creation company (the total number of place names is limited by the capacity of a storage medium that stores and stores the database). FIG.
In the example, the characters R1 (Tokyo) and R2 (Ome-shi) for the same mesh number are different for each place name ("Nariki Shinmei Shrine", "Nariki Shireisawain", "Masazawa Shozawaji") The code is stored. For the place name in the mesh having the same mesh number, one character code of R1 and one character code of R2 are stored, and “place name” belonging to the same mesh is stored.
A place name file associated with the code by the pointer or the indirect addressing method may be used (in the case where the place name file is configured as described above, R1 and R2 to be registered are registered).
, The capacity of the place name file is compressed, and the number of “place names” that can be registered in the same storage medium can be increased).

2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the structure of the place name file. FIG. 7 is a view showing another example of the structure of the place name file 150 ′. The place name file 150 ′ has the same structure as the place name file 150 shown in FIG. 153) has a structure in which a coordinate field 152 is added. 7, the mesh number column 151 stores the same mesh number as the mesh number 111 in FIG. The coordinate field 152 stores the coordinates (latitude, longitude) of the four corners A to D of the mesh. Accordingly, when the digital camera 10 obtains the position (coordinates) of the shooting location, the digital camera 10 compares the coordinates with the coordinates A to D in the coordinate field 152 to know which map is in which mesh on which map. And a corresponding map (ie, a detailed map of the current location) can be displayed.

The place name column 153 stores place name data (character codes) composed of a plurality of place name display ranks (three ranks in this example, but is not limited thereto) (ranks R1 to R3 of the place name column 153). Has the same meaning as in FIG. 6).

When the place name file 150 'is used, the digital camera 10 can display the "place name" in the mesh including the position when the photographing position is acquired, and prompt the user to search. A map including a part of the included mesh and a part of the adjacent mesh can be displayed at the same time or at a different timing, and can be saved and stored together with the selected “place name” in association with the captured image (FIGS. 8 and 9).

When the database 8 is composed of only the place name files 150 'as shown in FIG. 2B, the selected "place name" (character code) is associated with the photographed image (without displaying the map). Can be saved and stored (FIG. 10).

[Operation Example in Photographing Mode] FIG. 8 is a process chart showing a schematic operation of the digital camera 10 in the photographing mode. FIG. 8 (a) captures (stores and stores) a photographed image in the flash memory 6. And operation of selecting and obtaining “place name” corresponding to the shooting position obtained by positioning and (FIGS. 9 and 10)
8 (b) is performed simultaneously (in parallel operation) and a captured image is displayed. FIG. 8 (b) is an example in which a captured image is loaded into the flash memory 6 and displayed and then a “place name” selective acquisition operation is performed.
FIG. 8C shows an example in which a captured image is displayed on the flash memory 6 and an operation for associating a place name is performed after the operation of displaying the captured image and selecting and acquiring the “place name”.

1. Example of Simultaneous Saving and Storage of Captured Image and Selection and Acquisition of Captured Position Information Process P1: (GPS Positioning) In FIG. 8A, when the photography mode is activated, the control unit 3 causes the GPS processing unit 1 to start positioning. An instruction signal is sent to start GPS positioning processing. Upon receiving the positioning start instruction signal, the GPS processing unit 1 activates the GPS positioning device and performs reception processing of the received radio wave received via the antenna 1 ', and after the reception processing, the self-position (coordinates) of the digital camera 10 Is calculated and the positioning result (calculated value) is sent to the control unit 3. When receiving the positioning result from the GPS processing unit 1, the control unit 3 terminates the positioning and stores the positioning result in the positioning result storage area of the RAM. Note that this process is performed before P2 for the sake of explanation, but is performed between the following processes P2 and P3 or P3
And P4.

Process P2: (Image Capture and Through Display) The control section 3 sequentially captures the subject image (image data) into the DRAM 5 via the imaging section 2 and displays the image (through a finder) on the display section 7.

Process P3: (Judgment of Presence or Absence of Photographing Instruction) The control unit 3 checks the status signal sent from the operation unit 4, and when the shutter button 46 is fully pressed, transitions to P4 as a photographing instruction. At the same time, P5 is activated.

Process P4: (Storing and storing process of photographed image)
(Shooting Process)) The control unit 3 performs a compression process on the image data taken in the DRAM 5, takes it into the flash memory 6, and stores and stores it.

Process P5 (Operation for Displaying Place Names and Selecting and Acquiring Place Names) The control section 3 obtains the positioning results (self-position =
Based on the photographing position (coordinates), a map and “place name” are displayed and / or “place name” is selected and acquired as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 (when a plurality of place names corresponding to the photographing position are registered). ).

Process P6: (Display of Captured Image) After the operation of selecting the place name in the process P5, the control section 3 takes out the image taken in the DRAM 5 at the time of the photographing instruction and sends it to the display section 7 for display ( (Still image display).

Process P7: (Judgment of termination of storage and storage of photographed image and place name display operation) The control unit 3 checks whether the above processes P4, P5 and P6 have been completed, and P4, P5 and P6 have been completed. In this case, the process proceeds to P8, and if not, the operation that has not been completed is executed (that is, if P4 is not completed, the image storage process of P4 is performed, and P5 or P6 must be completed). For example, a place name display operation is performed).

Process P8: (association of photographed image and photographing information) The control section 3 executes the processes P4 and P5 in the process P7.
When the end of P6 is determined, the photographing position information such as the place name (character data) acquired at P5 and the photographing position (coordinates) acquired at P1 are stored in the flash memory 6 in association with the photographed image stored and stored at P4. .

2. Example of performing place name selection and acquisition operation after storing and storing a captured image Process P4 ′: (Display of captured image) In FIG. Then, the image taken in the DRAM 5 is taken out, sent to the display unit 7 and displayed (still image display).

Process P 5 ′: (Storing and Saving Process of Captured Image (Shooting Process)) The control unit 3 compresses the image data taken in the DRAM 5, takes it into the flash memory 6, and stores it.

Process P6 ': (Operation for Displaying Place Names and Selecting and Acquiring Place Names, etc.) The control section 3 performs the process shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 9 based on the positioning results obtained in the process P1 and held in the positioning result storage area of the RAM. A map as shown in FIG. 10, display of “place name”, and selection and acquisition operation of “place name” are executed. Process P7 ': (association of photographed image and photographing information) When the process P6' is completed, the control unit 3 associates the photographed image stored and stored in P5 'with the place name (character data) acquired in P6' or acquired with P1. The photographing position information such as the photographed position (coordinates) is stored in the flash memory 6.

3. Process P4 ″: (Display of a Captured Image) After the Place Name Selection and Acquisition Operation Process P4 ″: (Display of a Captured Image) In FIG. The image taken in the DRAM 5 at the time is taken out, sent to the display unit 7 and displayed (still image display).

Process P5 "(Operation for Displaying Place Names and the like and Selection and Acquisition of Place Names) The control unit 3 performs the process shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 1 based on the positioning results obtained in the process P1 and held in the positioning result storage area of the RAM.
A map as shown in FIG. 0, display of “place name”, and selection and acquisition operation of “place name” are executed.

Process P6 ": (Storing and Saving Process of Photographed Image and Photographing Position Information (Photographing Process)) When the process P5" is completed, the control unit 3
The compressed image data is subjected to a compression process, captured and stored in the flash memory 6, and the location name (character data) acquired at P5 "
The photographing position information such as the photographing position (coordinates) acquired in step is stored and stored.

In the process charts shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the photographed images are displayed before and after the place name display operation or the selection acquisition operation. However, step S6 "in FIG. 9C and FIG. 11B As shown in the above, the photographed image and the photographing position information such as the map and the place name may be simultaneously displayed on the display screen of the display unit 7. [Example of display operation of place name and the like and selection and acquisition of place name (1)] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a specific operation example of a process of selecting and acquiring a “place name” in the process P5 ′ (or P6 ′, P5 ″) in FIG. 8. FIG.
9 (b) shows an example of displaying a map after selecting and obtaining “place name”, and FIG. 9 (c) displays a map and a candidate of “place name” simultaneously (FIG. 9 (b)). This is an example of selecting and acquiring a place name by superimposed display.

1. Example of Selecting and Acquiring “Place Name” After Displaying Map Step S1: (Automatic Search of Map Search File) In FIG. 9A, the control unit 3 acquires the data in the process P1 of FIG. The map search file 110 shown in FIG. 3 is searched based on the held coordinate values (latitude, longitude) of the self-position, and the coordinate field 1 of the map search file 110 is searched.
12 and the coordinate value indicating the self-position are compared. When the record of the mesh number including the self-position is hit, the pointer of the L1 level map data is extracted from the map data pointer column 113 and the map data file 120 is searched. I do.

Step S2: (Display of Map) The control section 3 takes out the map data (compressed data) retrieved in step S1 and expands the map data to expand it in the work area of the DRAM 5. 5 is cut out from the L1 level map data and sent to the display unit 7 for display at the center of FIG.
(A)). At this time, a mark indicating the shooting position (FIG. 5)
In the example of (a), the symbol “x” shown at the center) is displayed.
In addition, the mark is discriminated display (displayed so that it can be distinguished from others by blinking or changing the display color so that you can see at a glance the shooting position)
It is desirable to do. When the photographing location is near the boundary with the adjacent L1 level map and the photographing position is the center, if only one L1 level map is insufficient for the map data, the adjacent map pointer field 114 is used. The pointers of the adjacent L1 level maps are taken out, necessary portions of the map data are cut out and joined, coordinate conversion is performed so that the shooting position is at the center of the screen, cut out to the screen size, and synthesized and displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the photographing position is the upper left corner of the map with the map number “522” (FIG. 3,
In the example of FIG. 4, the shooting position (marked with “x”) is the mesh number “522”
01), the pointers of the adjacent L1 level maps "421", "422", and "521" are extracted from the adjacent map pointer column 114 of the mesh number, and the necessary The parts are cut out and joined, and the coordinates are transformed so that the shooting position is at the center of the screen.

Step S3: (Determination of presence / absence of display level switching operation) When the user wants to switch the display level of the displayed map, the user presses the display switching key 44 to display a map of a different level (scale). it can. The control unit 3 checks the status signal sent from the operation unit 4 and, when detecting the operation of the display switching key 44, makes a transition to S4.
Transitions to.

Step S4: (Retrieval of Map Data of Specified Level) When the display switching key 44 is pressed once, the control unit 3 takes out the pointer of the L2 level map data from the map data pointer field 113 and outputs the map data file 130. Search for. When the display switching key 44 is further pressed, the L3 level,
The map data pointers are extracted in the order of the L1 level and the L2 level, and the map data files 140, 120, or 1 are extracted.
Search for 30.

Step S5: (Map Display of Specified Level) The control unit 3 extracts the hit map data (compressed data) from the map data file of the specified level retrieved in step S4, performs decompression processing, and After being developed in the work area, the map data is cut out to the display screen size such that the mesh of the mesh number and the adjacent mesh are located at the center of the map data so that the shooting position is at the center of the display screen, and the display unit 7 And display it in S3
Transitions to. At this time, a mark indicating the shooting position is displayed.

Step S6: (Search of place name file) The control unit 3 reads the pointer of the place name file 150 from the place name data point column 115 of the record of the mesh number of the map search file 110 searched in step S1 or S4. The location name file 150 is retrieved from the location name data group in the mesh, and the location name file 150 is searched. When a record having the same mesh number is hit, the location name data in the location name column 153 of the record having the same mesh number (that is, the location name code having the same mesh number) is obtained. (Character code representing the place name).

Step S7: (Determination of Number of Place Names) The control unit 3 determines whether or not a plurality of place name codes extracted in the above step S6 are registered in the place name file 150. If not, the process proceeds to S10.

Step S8: (Display of Place Name List and Selection of Place Name) When the control section 3 determines that a plurality of place name data in the same mesh are registered in the place name file 150 in the above step S7, the control section 3 extracts it in the above step S6. The place name code is sent to the display unit 7 to display a place name list (list) as shown in FIG. 11A, and the cursor 101 is displayed to prompt the user to select a place name. If the number of “place names” exceeds the number of lines that can be displayed on the screen, the “place names” can be scroll-displayed. The user can operate the +/- key 45 to move the cursor 101 up and down to select a "place name" indicating the shooting position or a "place name" closest to the shooting position. When the user selects the “place name” closest to the shooting position and presses a function selection key (for example, the display switching key 44), the characters “nearby”, “up”, “down”, “front”,
Characters that mean near, such as “after”, may be displayed so that they can be selected.

Step S9: (Confirmation of the place name to be selected) When the user presses a confirmation key (for example, shutter button 46), the control section 3 acquires the place name and the like (character code) selected and specified in step S8 and stores the RAM in the RAM. And P6
(FIG. 8A), P7 '(FIG. 8B) or P6 "(FIG. 8C).

Step S10: (Display of place name) If there is only one "place name" in the mesh in the determination in step S7, the control section 3 sends the place name code to the display section 7 to display the place name and The place name (character code) is acquired and stored in the RAM, and after a predetermined time elapses, P6 (FIG. 8)
(A)), P7 ′ (FIG. 8 (b)) or P6 ″ (FIG. 8
Go to (c)).

2. Example of Displaying Map After Selecting and Acquiring Place Name Step S1 ': (Automatic Search for Place Name File) In FIG. 9B, the control unit 3 acquires the data in the process P1 of FIG. 8 and stores it in the positioning result storage area of the RAM. Location name file 1 shown in FIG. 7 based on the coordinates (latitude, longitude) of the self-location
50 'is searched, and the coordinate field 152 of the place name file 150' is searched.
Is compared with the coordinate value indicating the own position, and if a record of the mesh number including the own position is hit, the place name data in the place name column 153 of the record having the same mesh number (that is, the place name code having the same mesh number) Take out.

Step S2 ': (Determination of Number of Place Names) The control section 3 determines whether or not a plurality of place name codes extracted in step S1' are registered in the place name file 150. Transition is made, and if not, transition is made to S5 '.

Step S3 ': (Display of Place Name List and Selection of Place Name) When the control section 3 determines that a plurality of place name data in the same mesh are registered in the place name file 150 in the above step S2', the control section 3 proceeds to the step S1. 'Sends the place name code (character code group) extracted to the display unit 1 to display a place name list (list) as shown in FIG. 11 (a) and display the cursor 101 to prompt the user to select "place name". Prompt. If the number of “place names” exceeds the number of lines that can be displayed on the screen, the “place names” can be scroll-displayed. The user can operate the +/- key 45 to move the cursor 101 up and down to select a "place name" indicating the shooting position or a "place name" closest to the shooting position. When the user selects a “place name” closest to the shooting position and presses a function selection key (for example, the display switching key 44), the letters “near”, “up”, “down”, “front”, “back” Alternatively, a character indicating the vicinity may be displayed so that the character can be selected.

Step S4 ': (Confirmation of the place name to be selected) When the user presses the confirmation key (for example, shutter button 46), the control section 3 acquires the place name and the like selected and designated in step S3' and stores it in the RAM. Then, the processing makes a transition to S6 ′.

Step S5 ': (Display of place name) If there is only one "place name" in the mesh in the determination in step S2', the control section 3 displays the place name code on the display section 7.
To display the place name and place name (character code)
Is acquired and stored in the RAM, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the flow shifts to S6 ′.

Step S6 ': (Automatic Search of Map Search File) The control unit 3 uses the mesh number stored in the mesh number column 151 of the place name file 150' searched in step S1 'as a key to store the map search file 110. When a search is performed and a record having the same mesh number is hit, a pointer of the L1 level map data is extracted from the map data pointer column 113, and the map data file 120 is searched.

Step S7 ': (display of map) The control section 3 takes out the map data (compressed data) retrieved in step S6' and subjects it to decompression processing to obtain the DRAM.
5, the mesh of the mesh number and the adjacent mesh are cut out from the L1 level map data to the display screen size and sent to the display unit 7 for display so that the shooting position is at the center of the display screen. (FIG. 5 (a)).
At this time, a mark indicating the shooting position is displayed. If the shooting location is near the boundary with the adjacent L1 level map and the shooting position is the center, and if only one L1 level map does not have enough map data, the adjacent map pointer field 114 is used. The pointers of the adjacent L1 level maps are taken out, necessary portions of the map data are cut out and joined, coordinate conversion is performed so that the shooting position is at the center of the screen, cut out to the screen size, and synthesized and displayed. Step S8 ': (Determination of presence / absence of display level switching operation) The control unit 3 checks the state signal sent from the operation unit 4, and if the operation of the display switching key 44 is detected, the control unit 3 transits to S9'. Transition.

Step S 9 ′: (Search of Map Data of Specified Level) When the display switch key 44 is pressed once, the control unit 3 takes out the pointer of the L2 level map data from the map data pointer column 113 and outputs the map data file. Search 130. When the display switching key 44 is further pressed, the L3 level,
The map data pointers are extracted in the order of the L1 level and the L2 level, and the map data files 140, 120, or 1 are extracted.
Search for 30.

Step S10 ': (Display of Map of Specified Level) The control unit 3 extracts the hit map data (compressed data) from the map data file of the specified level retrieved in step S9', and performs expansion processing. After the image is expanded in the work area of the DRAM 5, the mesh of the mesh number and the adjacent mesh are cut out from the map data into a display screen size so that the shooting position is at the center of the display screen, sent to the display unit 7, and displayed on the display unit S8. To '. At this time,
A mark indicating the shooting position is displayed.

Step S11 ': (judgment of display end) The user presses the display end key (for example, the shutter button 4
When the user presses 6), the control unit 3 sets P6 (FIG. 8A), P7 '.
(FIG. 8B) or P6 ″ (FIG. 8C).

3. Example of Simultaneously Displaying a Map and Displaying Place Name Candidates to Select and Acquire Place Names Step S1 ": (Automatic Search for Place Name File) In FIG. 9C, the control unit 3 acquires in the process P1 in FIG. The place name file 150 'is searched based on the coordinate values (latitude, longitude) of the own position held in the result storage area, and each coordinate value in the coordinate column 152 of the place name file 150' and the coordinate value indicating the own position are searched. If a comparison is made and a record of a mesh number including the own position is hit, the place name data of the place name column 153 of the record having the same mesh number is extracted.

Step S 2 ″: (Automatic Search of Map Search File) The control unit 3 uses the mesh number stored in the mesh number column 151 of the place name file 150 ′ searched in step S 1 ″ as a key to When a search is performed and a record having the same mesh number is hit, a pointer of the L1 level map data is extracted from the map data pointer column 113, and the map data file 120 is searched. In the above description, the place name file 150 '(S
1)), the map search file 110 is searched using the search result (mesh number) (S2 ").
1 ", the map search file 110 may be searched, and in step S2", the place name file 150 'may be searched using the search result (place name data pointer).

Step S3 ″: (Simultaneous display of photographed image map and place name candidate) The control unit 3 takes out the map data (compressed data) retrieved in the above step S2 ″, performs decompression processing, and performs DRAM expansion.
5, the mesh of the mesh number and the adjacent mesh are cut out from the L1 level map data to the display screen size and sent to the display unit 7 for display so that the shooting position is at the center of the display screen. . Also, one of the place names (place name codes) extracted in step S1 "(the place name code of the first record in the record group at first)
11 to the display unit 7 and a captured image (displayed in the captured image display field 103) and a map (displayed in the captured image display field 103) are displayed in the place name candidate display field 105 of the display screen divided into three as shown in FIG. At the same time) to prompt the user to switch the display level or select a “place name”. At this time, a mark indicating the shooting position is displayed.

If there is only one "place name" extracted in step S1 ", the place name candidate display field 105
Becomes a place name display field for displaying the determined place name. Further, in this example, the captured image, the map, and the place name candidate are configured to be simultaneously displayed on the three divided screen areas.
FIG. 11 (c) shows the map and place name candidates (or place name list).
Windows 103 ', 104', 105 'as shown in FIG.
May be superimposed.

If the place name candidate displayed in the place name candidate display field 105 is not the place name of the shooting position or the place name closest to the shooting position when the "place name" is selected, the user presses the +/- key 45. The “place name” candidates can be sequentially displayed in the place name candidate display field 105 while being scrolled by operating. In this case, the control unit 3 sequentially extracts the place names (character codes) from the place name fields 153 of the records having the same mesh number and displays them in the place name candidate display field 105.

Step S4 ″: (Determination of presence / absence of display level switching operation) The control unit 3 checks the state signal sent from the operation unit 4, and if the operation of the display switching key 44 is detected, the control unit 3 transits to S5 ″. The state transits to S7 ".

Step S5 ″: (Retrieval of Map Data of Specified Level) When the display switch key 44 is pressed once, the control unit 3 takes out the pointer of the L2 level map data from the map data pointer column 113 and outputs the map data file. When the display switching key 44 is further pressed, each time the display switching key 44 is pressed, the L3 level,
The map data pointers are extracted in the order of the L1 level and the L2 level, and the map data files 140, 120, or 1 are extracted.
Search for 30.

Step S6 ": (Display of Map and Place Name Candidate at Specified Level) The control unit 3 extracts the hit map data (compressed data) from the map data file of the specified level retrieved at step S5", and decompresses it. After performing the processing and expanding the work area in the DRAM 5, the mesh of the mesh number and the adjacent mesh are cut out from the designated map data into the display screen size so that the photographing position is at the center of the display screen, and the cutout is displayed on the display unit 7. Send and display. Also, the above step S1 ″
The display unit 7 displays one of the place names (place name codes) extracted at step 1 (the place name code of the first record of the record group at first).
And a photographed image (displayed in the photographed image display column 103) and a map (displayed in the map display column 104) as placename candidates in a place name candidate display column 105 of the display screen divided into three as shown in FIG. And prompts the user to switch the display level or select “place name”. At this time, a mark indicating the shooting position is displayed. In this example, the photographed image, the map, and the place name candidate are configured to be simultaneously displayed on the three divided screen areas. However, the photographed image, the map, and the place name candidate (or place name list) are shown in FIG. Such windows 103 ', 104', and 105 'may be superimposed and displayed. Also, in the example of FIG. 11C, the captured image, the map, and the place name are displayed simultaneously, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the captured image, the place name, or only the map and the place name are displayed simultaneously. Good).

Step S7 ″: (Confirmation of the place name to be selected) When the user presses the confirmation key (for example, shutter button 46), the control unit 3 acquires the place name and the like selected and specified in step S3 ″ or S6 ″. It is stored in the RAM, and P6 (FIG. 8A), P7 ′ (FIG. 8B) or P6 ″ (FIG.
Go to (c)). [Example of Displaying Place Names and Selecting and Acquiring Place Names (2)] FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing a specific operation example of the process of displaying a place name and the like and selecting and acquiring a place name in step P5 (or P6 ′, P5 ″) in FIG. In FIG. 10, the control unit 3 obtains the RA acquired in the process P1 of FIG.
The location name file 150 'is searched based on the coordinates (latitude, longitude) of the self-position held in the positioning result storage area of M, and each coordinate value of the coordinates field 152 of the place-name file 150' and the coordinates indicating the self-position. When the record is compared with the value and the record of the mesh number including the own position is hit, the place name data (that is, the place name code having the same mesh number) of the place name column 153 of the record having the same mesh number is extracted.

Step T2: (Determination of Number of Place Names) The control section 3 determines whether or not a plurality of place name codes extracted in the above-described step T1 are registered in the place name file 150. Otherwise, transition to T5.

Step T3: (Display of Place Name List and Selection of Place Name) If the control unit 3 determines that a plurality of place name data in the same mesh is registered in the place name file 150 in the above step T2, the control unit 3 takes out the data in the above step T1. As shown in FIG. 11A, the list of the place name codes is displayed as a list, and the cursor 101 is displayed to prompt the user to select "place name". If the number of “place names” exceeds the number of lines that can be displayed on the screen, the “place names” can be scroll-displayed. The user operates the +/- key 45 to move the cursor 10
By raising and lowering 1, the “place name” indicating the shooting position or the “place name” closest to the shooting position can be selected. Also,
When selecting the "place name" closest to the shooting position, pressing a function selection key (for example, the display switching key 44) causes characters such as "nearby" and "up", "down", "front", and "back". May be displayed so that the character can be selected.

Step T4: (Confirmation of the place name to be selected) When the user presses the confirmation key (for example, shutter button 46), the control section 3 acquires the place name and the like selected and designated in step T3, and stores it in the RAM. P6 (FIG. 8A),
The process proceeds to P7 ′ (FIG. 8B) or P6 ″ (FIG. 8C).

Step T5: (Display of place name) If there is only one "place name" in the mesh in the determination in step T2, the control section 3 sends the place name code to the display section 7 to display the place name and The place name (character code) is acquired and stored in the RAM, and after a predetermined time elapses, P6 (FIG. 8)
(A)), P7 ′ (FIG. 8 (b)) or P6 ″ (FIG. 8
Go to (c)).

In the above description, positioning is performed by GPS positioning. However, the positioning is not limited to this (for example, a self-position may be obtained by a gyro). In the above description, the place name file is searched based on the shooting position, and the user selects the shooting position or the place name closest to the shooting position from the displayed place names and associates the place name with the shot image. Not done.

For example, in the place name file shown in FIG. 6, the coordinates of a point represented by the name of a building or the like registered in the place name column are also registered. The nearest point may be searched and displayed automatically, and may be associated with the captured image. In the map search file of FIG. 3, instead of the mesh number column 111, a place name number field for storing a place name code corresponding to each place name on a one-to-one basis is provided, and the coordinate field 112 is provided with the coordinates (latitude, longitude) of the “place name”. ) As a set, place name data pointer column 115 is “place name”
Is compared with the coordinates (latitude / longitude) of the acquired shooting location (latitude and longitude) and the coordinates (latitude / longitude) of the coordinate field 112, and the location name having the location name where the closest coordinates are stored is taken as the shooting location. And a map may be displayed.

In the above description, the place name (character data) and the position (coordinates) are associated with the photographed image as the photographing position information. However, the photographing position information is not limited to this (for example, the photographing position information as the photographing position information). A peripheral map may be included and stored in association with a captured image.)

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made.

[0095]

As described above, the first, second, fourth
According to the camera apparatus of the present invention and the photographing position information display method of the eleventh invention, information related to the photographing position such as a place name or a map can be automatically displayed after photographing based on the acquired photographing position. It is not necessary to switch to the reproduction mode after photographing and confirm information related to the photographing position, as in the prior art, and it is possible to confirm immediately and easily after photographing.

According to the camera device of the third invention,
Since a mark indicating the shooting position and a place name are displayed on the displayed map, the shooting position on the map can be understood at a glance, and the place name can be easily associated.

According to the camera device of the fifth invention,
At the time of taking a time-consuming captured image into the storage memory (that is, at the time of compression processing and storage and storage), information relating to the capturing position such as a map or a place name corresponding to the capturing position of the captured image is displayed. The savings can be made, and the waiting time can be effectively used without making the user feel the waiting time apparently.

Further, according to the camera device of the sixth invention,
Since the photographed image is displayed after displaying the information related to the photographing position such as the map and the place name, it is easy to select and confirm the information related to the photographing position such as the map and the place name.

According to the camera device of the seventh invention,
After displaying the photographed image, information related to the photographing position such as a map or a place name is displayed, so that the relation with the photographed image is easily understood.

According to the camera device of the eighth invention,
When the photographing position is acquired, the place name candidate corresponding to the photographing position is automatically displayed, so that the user can immediately select and input the place name on the spot after photographing, and can surely select and input an appropriate place name.

According to the camera device of the ninth aspect,
After the photographing, after the user confirms the information on the photographing position automatically displayed, the information is stored and stored in association with the photographed image, so that it can be confirmed again later.

Further, according to the camera apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the map and the place name and the photographed image can be displayed simultaneously, the user's confirmation can be facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a camera device having a positioning function according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a database.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a map search file.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an adjacent map adjacent to a mesh (divided area).

FIG. 5 is a display example of a map including a shooting position.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a place name file.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a place name file in which a database composed of only place name files is stored and stored.

FIG. 8 is a process chart illustrating a schematic operation of the camera device in a shooting mode.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a specific operation example of a place name selection acquisition process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a specific operation example of a map, display of place names, and a process of selecting and obtaining place names.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example when a place name is displayed and selected.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 GPS processing part (photographing position acquisition means) 2 Imaging part (photographing means) 3 Control part (display control means, storage control means, place name display control means, place name selection means) 4 Display part [display means] 6 Flash memory (storage) Storage means) 10 Digital camera (camera device) 45 +/- key (Place name selection means) 150, 150 'Place name file (Place name storage means)

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A camera device comprising a photographing means and a display means, comprising: a photographing position acquiring means for acquiring a photographing position; and information relating to the photographing position based on the photographing position acquired by the photographing position acquiring means. A camera apparatus comprising: a photographing position information acquiring unit that acquires the information; and a display control unit that displays information related to the photographing position on the display unit after photographing by the photographing unit. 2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the photographing position is a map around a photographing point. 3. The map includes a mark indicating a shooting location and / or
3. The camera device according to claim 2, further comprising a place name of a photographing point. 4. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the photographing position is a place name of a photographing point. 5. A storage device for storing a photographed image obtained by the photographing means, wherein the display control means displays information relating to the photographing position when the photographed image is taken into the storage memory means. The camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the camera device displays the information. 6. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays a photographed image after displaying information relating to the photographing position on the display means. apparatus. 7. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays information related to the photographing position after displaying the photographed image on the display unit. apparatus. 8. The photographing position information acquiring means, a place name storing means in which a plurality of place names are registered, a plurality of place names around the photographing point are taken out from the place name storing means based on the photographing position, and are displayed on the display means. Place name display control means to be displayed, Place name selection means for selecting a desired place name from the place names displayed on the display means by the place name display control means,
The camera device according to claim 1, further comprising: 9. A storage device for storing a photographed image obtained by the photographing device, and information relating to a photographing position acquired by the photographing position information acquiring device is stored in the storage memory device in association with the photographed image. The camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a storage control unit configured to perform the operation. 10. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein said display control means simultaneously displays information relating to said photographing position and a photographed image on said display means. 11. A camera device, comprising: acquiring a photographing position; acquiring information relating to the photographing position based on the acquired photographing position; and displaying information relating to the photographing position after photographing. How to display shooting location information.