JP2004088607A - Imaging apparatus, imaging method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately designate a category of information about a position name to be recorded together with an image, in response to the intention of a user. <P>SOLUTION: This apparatus is provided with a lens optical system 12 and a CCD 13 for imaging an object; GPS antenna 35 and GPS receiver 30 for acquiring the two-dimensional position of the present point; a map database 34 storing a plurality of kinds of information about position names for each category corresponding to the two-dimensional position information; a key input section 27 for designating arbitrary information from among the plurality of kinds of information about position names read for each category from the map database 34 based on the two-dimensional position information acquired by the GPS receiver 30 at the time of imaging; and a control section 22 for correlating the designated information about position names with the image data obtained by imaging, and recording the correlated information in a memory card 29. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging device, an imaging method, and a program suitable for a digital still camera, for example.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, digital still cameras that can convert image data obtained by photography into digital data and record the data on a memory card or the like have been widely used instead of a silver halide camera using a silver halide film.
[0003]
In a digital still camera of this type, while a variety of models are developed according to the number of pixels of an image sensor, a camera having a waterproof mechanism as a whole, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving function, and the like. There are also product developments for various applications, such as a built-in azimuth sensor that can record image data with position information and azimuth information added thereto.
[0004]
However, only three-dimensional coordinate positions consisting of latitude, longitude, and altitude information and accurate time can be obtained by the GPS positioning function. Numerical information of latitude and longitude is advantageous for performing distance calculation and the like. It is not information that is directly useful to users in real life situations.
[0005]
Therefore, the camera body is provided with a plurality of categories as position name information corresponding to the latitude and longitude information, for example, a map database storing the names of places and facilities, and the like. It is also conceivable to search the map database, read out the corresponding place names and facility names, and record them in association with image data.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, for example, when the place name of the place where the shooting was performed is “Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture” and the facility name is “Tokyo XXX Land”, the location name information to be recorded together with the image obtained by the shooting is Whether the category is the place name "Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture" or the facility name "Tokyo XXX Land" depends on the user's intention and circumstances at that time, and can be determined uniformly on the camera side is not.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device capable of accurately specifying a category of position name information to be recorded together with an image according to a user's intention. It is to provide an imaging method and a program.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit that captures a subject image, an acquisition unit that acquires imaging information including at least two-dimensional position information of a current location, and position name information for each of a plurality of categories corresponding to the imaging information are provided. The stored information storage means, a designation means for designating any of a plurality of position name information read out by category from the information storage means based on the photographing information acquired by the acquisition means, and designation by the designation means Recording means for recording the obtained position name information on a medium in association with the image data obtained by the image pickup means.
[0009]
With such a configuration, by specifying the category of the position name information according to the user's intention, it is possible to record the position name information of the specified category on the captured image with the incidental.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, based on the photographing information acquired by the acquiring means together with the image data obtained by the photographing by the imaging means in order to prompt the designation by the designation means. A display unit for displaying a plurality of pieces of position name information read from the information storage unit for each category is further provided.
[0011]
According to this structure, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1, by designating the intended category from the position name information displayed for each category, the position name information for each category can be displayed. After confirming the content, it is possible to reliably record the image attached to the image.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image capturing means for capturing an image of a subject, an obtaining means for obtaining capturing information including at least two-dimensional position information of a current position, and a plurality of category-specific position name information corresponding to the capturing information. The stored information storage means, a designation means for designating an arbitrary one of the plurality of categories in advance, and the photographing information acquired by the acquisition means and the information storage means based on the category designated by the designation means. Recording means for reading the position name information and recording it on a medium in association with the image data obtained by the imaging means.
[0013]
With such a configuration, by designating the category of the position name information in advance, it becomes possible to automatically read out the position name information of the designated category and record it with the image.
[0014]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the photographing information acquired by the acquiring means includes altitude information of a current position, photographing azimuth information for the subject, and photographing distance information to the subject. And at least one of shooting angle information including an elevation angle or a depression angle with respect to a subject, and shooting angle of view information.
[0015]
With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, not only the two-dimensional position of the camera at the time of shooting but also a position suitable for an image with more detailed shooting information The name information can be selected and read out, and can be recorded along with the image.
[0016]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an acquisition step of acquiring photographing information including at least two-dimensional position information of a current position, and a plurality of positions for each category corresponding to the photographing information based on the photographing information acquired in the acquiring step. A designation step of designating an arbitrary one of a plurality of position name information read out by category from the information storage unit storing the name information, and associating the position name information designated in the designation step with image data obtained by the imaging unit And a recording step of recording on a medium.
[0017]
According to such a method, by specifying the category of the position name information according to the user's intention, it becomes possible to record the taken image with the position name information of the specified category attached thereto.
[0018]
The invention according to claim 6, wherein a designation step of previously designating an arbitrary one from a plurality of categories indicating the type of position name information, and an acquisition step of acquiring photographing information including at least two-dimensional position information of a current point And, based on the category specified in the specifying step and the photographing information acquired in the acquiring step, read out the corresponding position name information from the information storage unit that stores a plurality of category-specific position name information corresponding to the photographing information, A recording step of recording on a medium in association with image data obtained by the imaging unit.
[0019]
According to such a method, by designating the category of the position name information in advance, it becomes possible to automatically read out the position name information of the designated category and record it with the image.
[0020]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an acquiring step of acquiring photographing information including at least two-dimensional position information of a current position, and a plurality of positions for each category corresponding to the photographing information based on the photographing information acquired in the acquiring step. A designation step of designating an arbitrary one of a plurality of position name information read out by category from the information storage unit storing the name information, and associating the position name information designated in the designation step with image data obtained by the imaging unit And causing a computer built in the imaging apparatus to execute the recording step of recording on the medium.
[0021]
With such a program content, by specifying the category of the position name information according to the user's intention, it is possible to record the taken image with the position name information of the specified category attached thereto.
[0022]
The invention according to claim 8, wherein a designation step of designating in advance any one of a plurality of categories indicating the type of the position name information, and an acquisition step of acquiring photographing information including at least two-dimensional position information of the current position And reading the corresponding position name information from the information storage unit storing the position name information for each of a plurality of categories corresponding to the photographing information, based on the category specified in the specifying step and the photographing information acquired in the acquiring step. And a recording step of recording on a medium in association with image data obtained by the imaging unit, by a computer built in the imaging apparatus.
[0023]
With such program contents, by designating the category of the position name information in advance, it becomes possible to automatically read out the position name information of the designated category and record it with the image.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(First Embodiment)
A first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital still camera (hereinafter, abbreviated as “digital camera”) will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0025]
FIG. 1 shows the circuit configuration, and reference numeral 10 denotes a digital camera. The digital camera 10 can be set by switching between a photographing mode and a reproduction mode as a basic mode. In a monitoring state in the photographing mode, a lens optical system in which a focus position and an aperture position are moved by driving a motor 11. A CCD 13, which is an image pickup device disposed behind the 12 photographing optical axes, is scanned and driven by a timing generator (TG) 14 and a vertical driver 15, and outputs one photoelectric conversion output corresponding to an optical image formed at regular intervals. Output frames.
[0026]
This photoelectric conversion output is appropriately adjusted in gain for each of RGB primary color components in a state of an analog value signal, sampled and held by a sample and hold circuit (S / H) 16, and digitally converted by an A / D converter 17. And output to the color process circuit 18.
[0027]
The color process circuit 18 performs a color process process including a pixel interpolation process and a γ correction process on the digital data of the image sent from the A / D converter 17, and outputs a digital luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb, Cr. Is generated and output to a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 19.
[0028]
The DMA controller 19 converts the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit 18 into the DMA controller 19 once using the composite synchronization signal, the memory write enable signal, and the clock signal from the color process circuit 18. And a DMA transfer output to a DRAM 21 used as a buffer memory via a DRAM interface 20.
[0029]
After the DMA transfer of the luminance and chrominance signals to the DRAM 21 is completed, the control unit 22 reads the luminance and chrominance signals from the DRAM 21 via the DRAM interface 20 and writes the signals into the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23.
[0030]
The digital video encoder 25 periodically reads the luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23, generates a video signal based on the data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 26.
[0031]
The display unit 26 includes, for example, a color liquid crystal display panel with a backlight and a driving circuit for the display unit. The display unit 26 is disposed on the rear side of the digital camera 10 and functions as a monitor display unit (electronic finder) in a shooting mode. By performing the display based on the video signal from the digital video encoder 25, an image based on the image information fetched from the VRAM controller 23 at that time is displayed.
[0032]
When the image at that time is displayed on the display unit 26 in real time as a monitor image in this way, when the shutter key among the plurality of keys constituting the key input unit 27 is operated at the timing when the user wants to take a still image, And generate a trigger signal.
[0033]
In response to this trigger signal, the control unit 22 immediately stops the path from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 after the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals for one frame taken from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 at that time is completed. Transit to the save state.
[0034]
In this recording and storage state, the control unit 22 transmits the luminance and chrominance signals for one frame written in the DRAM 21 via the DRAM interface 20 to each of the Y, Cb, and Cr components by 8 pixels by 8 pixels. Is read out in units called basic blocks, and written into a JPEG (Joint Photography Coding Experts Group) circuit 28, which is an ADCC (Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform) and an entropy coding system. Data compression by processing such as conversion.
[0035]
Then, the obtained code data is read out from the JPEG circuit 28 as a data file of one frame, and is written on a memory card 29 which is detachably mounted as a recording medium of the digital camera 10 and in which a flash memory as a nonvolatile memory is enclosed. Put in.
[0036]
Then, with the compression processing of the luminance and chrominance signals for one frame and the completion of writing of all the compressed data to the memory card 29, the control unit 22 activates the path from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 again.
[0037]
The control unit 22 is further connected with a GPS receiver 30, a direction sensor 31, an angle sensor 32, a distance measurement sensor 33, and a map database 34.
The GPS receiver 30 calculates three-dimensional coordinate data of the current position, that is, data of latitude, longitude, and altitude, and current time based on radio waves arriving from a plurality of GPS satellites received by the GPS antenna 35, and performs the above control. To the unit 22.
[0038]
The azimuth sensor 31 includes a magnetic sensor for detecting terrestrial magnetism and a processing circuit thereof, and outputs azimuth data in a direction directly facing the camera body of the digital camera 10 to the control unit 22.
[0039]
The angle sensor 32 includes a gyro sensor and a processing circuit, and outputs angle data of an elevation angle or a depression angle formed by a photographing optical axis constituted by the lens optical system 12 and a horizontal plane to the control unit 22.
[0040]
When the digital camera 10 has an active AF (automatic focusing) function, the distance measuring sensor 33 emits infrared rays to the subject position and receives the reflected light thereof. The processing circuit calculates the distance to the subject from the time lag from light transmission to light reception, and outputs the obtained distance data to the control unit 22.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 2, the map database 34 stores a plurality of categories such as events, facilities, prefectures, and locations of municipalities corresponding to areas set for each range of two-dimensional (latitude and longitude) position information. Name information is stored, and when two-dimensional position information is given from the control unit 22, the position name information of a plurality of categories in the corresponding area is read out to the control unit 22 in a lump.
[0042]
As shown in the figure, these pieces of position name information are not always set in a one-to-one correspondence with one area. When there is no position name information corresponding to a category, or when a plurality of It is assumed that position name information may be set.
[0043]
The key input unit 27 includes, in addition to the shutter key described above, a mode switching key for switching between a photographing (REC) mode and a playback (PLAY) mode, which are basic modes, a “menu” key for displaying various menu items, A cross key to indicate the up, down, left, and right directions for selecting images and various detailed modes, specifying menu selection items, etc.It is arranged at the center of this cross key and indicates the contents selected at that time And a display key for turning on / off the display on the display unit 26. Signals accompanying these key operations are sent directly to the control unit 22.
[0044]
Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 mainly shows the processing executed by the control unit 22 in a state where the photographing mode is selected as the basic mode.
In the photographing mode, which is the basic mode, a mode in which information indicating the photographing place name is recorded together with the photographed image can be selected in advance.
[0045]
At the beginning of the process, the image captured by the CCD 13 is held in the DRAM 21 as a buffer memory as it is, and a live view image display for monitor display is executed on the display unit 26 (step A01). The process of determining whether or not the shutter key has been pressed (step A02) is repeatedly executed to wait for the operation of the shutter key.
[0046]
When it is determined in step A02 that the shutter key has been pressed, the photographing process is immediately executed (step A03).
[0047]
At this time, it is determined whether or not the mode for recording information indicating the name of the shooting place together with the shot image is selected in advance (step A04). After only the compressed image data is compressed by the JPEG circuit 28, recording is set on the memory card 29 (step A17), and the process returns to step A01 to wait for the next photographing.
[0048]
If it is determined in step A04 that the mode for recording the information indicating the shooting location name has been selected in advance, then the GPS receiver 30 starts the positioning process of the current position (step A05). Two-dimensional (latitude and longitude) position information is acquired (step A06).
[0049]
It is to be noted that a mode in which the information indicating the shooting location name is recorded together with the shot image after pressing the shutter key is not selected in advance. The process may proceed to the processing of step A05 and subsequent steps only when the selection is set by the user.
[0050]
Then, the map database 34 is searched based on the obtained two-dimensional position information, and the position name information of a plurality of categories stored in association with the area including the obtained two-dimensional position is collectively read. Then, data obtained by superimposing the read-out position name information of a plurality of categories on the captured image data for each category is developed and stored on the VRAM 24, and is displayed on the display unit 26 (step A07).
[0051]
FIG. 4A exemplifies an image displayed on the display unit 26 at this time, and a part of the image, for example, a category name "event""facility""prefecture""city" Are displayed in a list, and the fact that one of the “facility” is designated is indicated by reverse display with a cursor, and then the specific location name information of the designated category “facility” is “Tokyo OO” XX sea ".
[0052]
FIG. 4B illustrates another display mode of a category and its specific position name information, which is displayed by being superimposed on the photographed image. In FIG. Although the specific position name information is displayed only for the specified category, the specific position name information may be displayed for each category here.
[0053]
In this case, the location name information "Fireworks display" for the category name "Event", the location name information "Tokyo XXXC" for the category name "Facility", and the location name information for the category name "Prefecture" The position name information “Chiba” is displayed collectively with the position name information “Urayasu” for the category name “Municipality”.
[0054]
The map database 34 may store a plurality of pieces of position name information in one category corresponding to the two-dimensional position information. In FIG. 4B, the position name information corresponding to the category name "event" may be stored. The symbol “→” in the same column indicates that there is other location name information other than “Fireworks display”.
[0055]
From such a display state, it is determined whether or not the up / down key of the cross key of the key input unit 27 has been operated (step A08), or is designated at that time by a “set” key located at the center of the cross key. By repeatedly determining whether or not the key operation for determining the position name information has been performed (step A10), these key operations are on standby.
[0056]
If the up / down key of the cross key is operated, the operation is determined in step A08, the designation of the category displayed by the cursor is moved according to the operated key, and the specific position name of the category is moved. After the information is newly displayed (step A09), the process proceeds to step A10.
[0057]
When the "set" key at the center of the cross key is operated, it is determined in step A10, the category of the position name information is determined according to the key operation, and the category is read out from the map database 34. It is determined whether there is only one position name information corresponding to the category (step A11).
[0058]
Here, when it is determined that there is only one position name information of the determined category, the image data obtained by the photographing and the position name information of the category are associated and recorded and set in the memory card 29 (step). A16) Then, a series of processes relating to photographing is temporarily ended, and the process returns to step A01 again in preparation for the next photographing.
[0059]
If it is determined that there is not one piece of position name information corresponding to the category determined in step A11 but a plurality of pieces of position name information, subsequently, all the position name information corresponding to the determined category is converted into the above-mentioned FIG. Are displayed in a list in place of the category names, one of them is highlighted by a cursor (step A12), and it is determined whether or not the up / down key in the cross key of the key input unit 27 has been operated (step A13). By repeatedly determining whether or not a key operation for determining the position name information designated at that time by the "set" key located at the center of the cross key has been performed (step A15), these key operations are on standby. I do.
[0060]
If the up / down key of the cross key is operated, it is determined in step A13, and the position name information displayed by the cursor is moved according to the operated key (step A14). Proceed to A15.
[0061]
If the "set" key at the center of the cross key has been operated, this is determined in step A15, and the position name information currently displayed by the cursor selected according to the key operation is added to the image data obtained by shooting. The recording is set in the memory card 29 in association with it (step A16), and a series of processes relating to the photographing is once ended, and the process returns to the step A01 again in preparation for the next photographing.
[0062]
In this way, by specifying the category of the position name information according to the user's intention after the image is captured, the position name information of the specified category is read out from the map database 34, and the memory card 29 is associated with the image data obtained by the shooting. Can be recorded.
[0063]
In this case, a list of category names is displayed on the display unit 26, and specific position name information corresponding to each category is also displayed to prompt the user to select a category. After confirmation, it is possible to reliably record the image accompanying the image.
[0064]
Note that the display unit 26 may display a list of only the position name information for each category without displaying the category name, and may prompt the user to select the position name information.
[0065]
In the operation of the above-described embodiment, after the photographing process in step A03, it is determined in step A04 whether or not a mode for recording the position name information of the photographing location together with the image data is selected, and the mode is selected. It is described that the processing of step A05 and the following steps are performed only when it is determined that the shooting location is not provided. However, after the shooting processing, the position name information corresponding to the shooting location is automatically recorded after the shooting processing. The process may be shifted to a process for performing the process.
[0066]
In steps A05 and A06, the two-dimensional position information of the photographing location by the GPS positioning is obtained at the time of the photographing process. However, when the digital camera 10 is turned on, the photographing mode is set, or the predetermined The GPS positioning may be performed every time to obtain the location information of the shooting location, and this may be stored, and the stored location information may be used at the time of actual shooting.
[0067]
In this case, in the live view image display state by the monitor display before actually performing the photographing process by the operation of the shutter key in the photographing mode, the position name information after step A07 is used by using the retained position information. May be performed in advance, and after the photographing process, the designated position name information may be recorded as it is in association with the image data obtained by photographing. May be superimposed on the through image.
[0068]
Further, in the above embodiment, the description has been given assuming that the position name information is recorded in association with the image data. However, at the time of photographing, the position information of the photographing location obtained by the GPS positioning is not recorded in association with the image data, and the image data is stored at a later date. At the time of reproducing the image data recorded on the card 29, by selecting the mode for selecting the position name information of the photographing place, the display screen becomes as shown in FIG. 4A, and the processing after step A07 is performed. May be executed, and the selected position name information may be recorded again in association with the image data.
[0069]
(Second embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital still camera (hereinafter abbreviated as “digital camera”) will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0070]
The circuit configuration is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and its illustration and description are omitted.
[0071]
In addition, the position name information for each category of the area corresponding to the two-dimensional position information stored in the map database 34 is assumed to be the same as that shown in FIG.
[0072]
Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
[0073]
FIG. 5 shows the content of processing in the category setting mode executed prior to the processing in the shooting mode.
[0074]
As shown in the figure, at the beginning of the process, a list of category names is displayed on the display unit 26 (step B01), and it is determined whether or not the up / down key of the cross key of the key input unit 27 has been operated (step B01). B02) or by repeatedly determining whether or not a key operation for selecting and setting a category designated at that time by a “set” key located at the center of the cross key (step B04) is repeated. Wait for operation.
[0075]
FIG. 7A shows a state in which a list of category names is displayed on a part of the display unit 26 at this time. Here, the category names "event", "facility", "prefecture", and "city" are listed, and in particular, "facility" is highlighted by a cursor.
[0076]
When the category names are enumerated in this way and one of them is selected by the cursor, if the up / down key of the cross key is operated, this is determined in step B02, and the cursor is determined according to the operated key. After the category name to be highlighted is moved (step B03), the process proceeds to step B04.
[0077]
If the "set" key at the center of the cross key has been operated, this is determined in step B04, and the currently highlighted category name selected according to the key operation is associated with the image data obtained in the shooting mode. The position name information is stored and stored as a category (step B05), and a series of processing in the category setting mode is completed.
[0078]
Next, FIG. 6 shows processing contents mainly executed by the control unit 22 in the photographing mode. At the beginning of the process, the image captured by the CCD 13 is held in the DRAM 21 as a buffer memory as it is, and a live view image display for monitor display is executed on the display unit 26 (step C01). It is determined whether or not the shutter key has been pressed (step C02), and the process is repeatedly executed to wait for the operation of the shutter key.
[0079]
When it is determined in step C02 that the shutter key has been pressed, the photographing process is immediately executed (step C03).
[0080]
Next, the GPS receiver 30 starts positioning processing of the current position, and acquires two-dimensional (latitude and longitude) position information of the current position (steps C04 and C05). Then, the map database 34 is searched based on the obtained two-dimensional position information, and among the category names stored in association with the area including the obtained two-dimensional position, the category name set in the category setting mode is used. Read out all the corresponding position name information (Step C06)
Next, it is determined whether or not the read position name information is only one (step C07).
[0081]
Here, if it is determined that there is only one position name information of the preset category, there is no room for selection, so that the image data obtained by shooting and the position name information of the category are associated with each other. Then, the recording is set on the memory card 29 (step C12), and a series of processes relating to the photographing is once ended, and the process returns to the step C01 again in preparation for the next photographing.
[0082]
If it is determined in step C07 that there is not a single photographing position and a plurality of position name information corresponding to a preset category name, the image data obtained in the photographing process in step C03 is subsequently processed. Data for displaying a list of all the shooting name and all the position name information corresponding to the preset category name is superimposed and stored in the VRAM 24, and is displayed on the display unit 26 (step C08).
[0083]
FIG. 7B illustrates an example of an image displayed on the display unit 26 at this time. Part of the image, for example, the position information and the position name information “Tokyo OO” corresponding to the category “facility” are provided at the lower left end. XX Land, Tokyo XXXX Sea, Hotel XXXX, and XXXX Mountain are listed, and one of them, Tokyo Xxx Sea, is selected. The selected position name information “Tokyo OOOO” is separately shown after being represented by inverted display with the cursor.
[0084]
In such a display state, it is determined whether or not the up / down key of the cross key of the key input unit 27 has been operated (step C09), or is selected at that time by a “set” key located at the center of the cross key. By repeatedly determining whether or not a key operation for determining position name information has been performed (step C11), these key operations are on standby.
[0085]
If the up / down key of the cross key is operated, it is determined in step C09, and the position name information displayed by the cursor is moved according to the operated key (step C10). Proceed to C11.
[0086]
If the "set" key at the center of the cross key is operated, this is determined in step C11, and the currently highlighted position name information determined according to the key operation is added to the image data obtained by shooting. The recording is set in the memory card 29 in association with each other (step C12), and a series of processes relating to the photographing is once ended, and the process returns to the step C01 again in preparation for the next photographing.
[0087]
In this way, by specifying the category of the position name information before shooting, the position name information of the specified category is automatically read from the map database 34 after the image is shot, and is associated with the image data obtained by shooting. Recording on the memory card 29.
[0088]
In this case, when there are a plurality of pieces of position name information corresponding to the set category and the position information, a list of the position name information is displayed on the display unit 26 as shown in FIG. Since the user is prompted to select the information, the user can confirm the contents of the position name information and record the information in association with the image without fail.
[0089]
In the operation of the above-described embodiment, the two-dimensional position information of the photographing place by the GPS positioning is obtained in steps C04 and C05 after the photographing processing. However, when the digital camera 10 is turned on or the photographing mode is set. Alternatively, GPS positioning may be performed at predetermined time intervals in the shooting mode to obtain the position information of the shooting location, and this may be stored, and the held position information may be used during actual shooting. .
[0090]
In this case, in the live view image display state by the monitor display before actually executing the photographing process by the operation of the shutter key in the photographing mode, the position name information after step C06 is used by using the held position information. May be performed in advance, and after the photographing process, the designated position name information may be recorded as it is in association with the image data obtained by photographing. May be superimposed on the through image.
[0091]
Further, in the above embodiment, the description has been made assuming that the position name information is automatically associated with the image data and recorded. However, it is only necessary to record the image data in association with the position information of the shooting location obtained by GPS positioning at the time of shooting. When the image data recorded on the memory card 29 is reproduced at a later date, by selecting a mode for recording the position name information of the shooting location, the processing after step C06 is executed, and the position information and the preset category are set. The position name information determined by the name may be recorded again in association with the image data.
[0092]
(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, a third embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital still camera (hereinafter abbreviated as “digital camera”) will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0093]
The circuit configuration is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and its illustration and description are omitted.
[0094]
As shown in FIG. 8, the map database 34 includes a plurality of categories, such as events, famous places / historical sites, prefectures, and the like, corresponding to the areas set for each range of the three-dimensional (latitude, longitude, and altitude) position information. In addition, location name information is stored for each municipalities, and when three-dimensional location information is given from the control unit 22, the location name information of a plurality of categories of the corresponding area is read out to the control unit 22 collectively. I do.
[0095]
As shown in the figure, these pieces of position name information are not always set in a one-to-one correspondence with one area. When there is no position name information corresponding to a category, or when a plurality of Position name information may be set.
[0096]
Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
[0097]
Note that, here, the shutter key of the key input section 27 operates in two-step strokes, and in the first-stage operation state generally expressed as "half-press", AF (automatic focusing), AE (automatic exposure) ), And the photographing is performed in the operation state of the second stage in which a stronger pressing operation is performed, which is generally expressed as “full press”.
[0098]
FIG. 9 mainly shows the processing executed by the control unit 22 in a state where the photographing mode is selected as the basic mode.
At the beginning of the process, the image captured by the CCD 13 is held in the DRAM 21 as a buffer memory as it is, and a live view image display for monitor display is executed on the display unit 26 (step D01). It is determined whether or not the shutter key has been half-pressed (step D02), and the process waits until the shutter key is half-pressed.
[0099]
When it is determined in step D02 that the shutter key has been half-pressed, distance data from the distance measuring sensor 33 to the subject is acquired (step D03), and the focus lens in the lens optical system 12 is converted to the distance data. Move to the corresponding step position (step D04).
[0100]
At this time, an appropriate exposure value is obtained by executing the AE process at the same time, and the aperture value and the shutter speed are set according to the exposure value.
[0101]
Thereafter, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the shutter key is fully pressed (step D05) and whether or not the shutter key is half-pressed (step D06). While waiting for the shutter key to be fully pressed.
[0102]
If the half-pressed state of the shutter key has been released, this is determined in step D06, the AF and AE locked states are released, and the process returns to step D01 again.
[0103]
Then, when it is determined in step D05 that the shutter key has been fully pressed, a photographing process is executed (step D07).
[0104]
At this time, the GPS receiver 30 simultaneously starts the positioning process of the current position, and acquires three-dimensional (latitude, longitude and altitude) position information of the current position (step D08).
[0105]
At the same time, azimuth data of the photographing optical axis by the lens optical system 12 is obtained from the azimuth sensor 31 (step D09), and the vertical angle of the photographing optical axis, that is, angle data of the elevation angle or the depression angle is obtained by the angle sensor 32. (Step D10).
[0106]
Then, the three-dimensional position of the subject image, that is, the position of latitude, longitude, and altitude is calculated based on the acquired latitude, longitude, altitude of the current position, the shooting distance to the subject image, the shooting azimuth, and the shooting angle (step). D11).
[0107]
The map database 34 is searched based on the calculated three-dimensional position information of the subject image, and the position name information of a plurality of categories stored in association with the area including the obtained three-dimensional position is read out collectively. Above, the data in which the read-out position name information of the plurality of categories is superimposed on the photographed image data for each category is developed and stored in the VRAM 24, and is displayed on the display unit 26 (step D12).
[0108]
FIG. 10 exemplifies a screen of the captured image displayed on the display unit 26 at this time. A part of the screen, for example, the category name “event”, “famous place / historic site”, “prefecture”, “city” Of the subject image corresponding to the specified category “Famous place / historical site” after displaying that one of the “Famous place / History” is designated by highlighting with the cursor. This indicates that the specific location name information is “Mt. Fuji”.
[0109]
In this case, in addition, in the upper left portion of the screen of the display unit 26, the GPS information is used to associate the positional information by the GPS positioning with the recording of the three-dimensional position of the subject image from the photographing distance, the photographing direction, the photographing angle, and the like. It is indicated by characters, magnetic compass marks, etc.
[0110]
From such a display state, by executing the same processing as in steps A08 to A16 in FIG. 3, the position name information corresponding to the category is selected and determined, and the memory card 29 associates the image data with the position name information. To be recorded.
[0111]
As described above, the three-dimensional position of the subject image to be photographed is calculated, not the position where the photographing digital camera 10 exists, and the corresponding position name information is recorded in association with the image data. And
[0112]
Therefore, it is possible to select more appropriate and detailed position name information for the captured image, and to record the selected position name information attached to the image data.
[0113]
In the above embodiment, the position name information corresponding to the three-dimensional position of the subject image is displayed for each category. However, the position name information corresponding to the three-dimensional position of the digital camera 10 is displayed for each category. May be.
[0114]
Also, the following combinations:
1. Two-dimensional position and shooting direction of digital camera 10
2. Two-dimensional position of digital camera 10, shooting direction, and two-dimensional position of subject image calculated by shooting distance × cos (shooting angle)
3. A shooting azimuth range calculated from the two-dimensional position of the digital camera 10, the shooting azimuth, and the zoom value (angle of view) of the lens optical system 12.
May be displayed for each category.
[0115]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, after the photographing processing in step D07, the description is made assuming that the position name information of the subject image is automatically recorded together with the image data and the processing shifts to the processing in step D08 and thereafter. It is also possible to determine whether or not the mode for recording the position name information of the shooting location together with the image data is selected as shown in (3), and only when it is determined that the mode is selected, the processing of step D08 and thereafter may be performed.
[0116]
In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made assuming that the image data is recorded in association with the position name information of the subject image. When the image data recorded on the card 29 is reproduced, the display screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed by selecting the mode for selecting the position name information of the shooting location, and the processing after step A08 in FIG. May be executed, and the selected position name information may be recorded again in association with the image data.
[0117]
(Fourth embodiment)
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital still camera (hereinafter abbreviated as “digital camera”) will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0118]
The circuit configuration is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and its illustration and description are omitted.
[0119]
In addition, the position name information for each category of the area corresponding to the three-dimensional position information stored in the map database 34 is assumed to be the same as that shown in FIG.
[0120]
Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
[0121]
Here, it is assumed that an arbitrary category is selected and set in advance in the category setting mode prior to the processing in the shooting mode. However, the processing content is the same as that shown in FIG. Description is omitted.
[0122]
FIG. 11 mainly shows the processing contents executed by the control unit 22 in a state where the photographing mode is selected as the basic mode.
In the digital camera 10, the shutter key of the key input unit 27 operates in two stages of strokes, and operates in a first stage operation state, which is generally expressed as "half-pressing", in an AF (automatic focusing), It is assumed that preparations for photographing including AE (automatic exposure) are made, and photographing is performed in a second-stage operation state in which a stronger pressing operation is generally expressed as "full press".
[0123]
At the beginning of the processing, the image captured by the CCD 13 is held as it is in the DRAM 21 serving as a buffer memory, and a live view image display for monitor display is performed on the display unit 26 (step E01). It is determined whether or not a half-press operation has been performed (step E02), and the process waits for a half-press operation of the shutter key.
[0124]
When it is determined in step E02 that the shutter key has been half-pressed, distance data from the distance measurement sensor 33 to the subject is obtained (step E03), and the focus lens in the lens optical system 12 is converted to the distance data. Move to the corresponding step position (step E04).
[0125]
At this time, an appropriate exposure value is obtained by executing the AE process at the same time, and the aperture value and the shutter speed are set according to the exposure value.
[0126]
Thereafter, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the shutter key is fully pressed (step E05) and whether or not the shutter key is half-pressed (step E06). While waiting for the shutter key to be fully pressed.
[0127]
If the half-pressed state of the shutter key is released, this is determined in step E06, the locked state of AF and AE is released, and the process returns to step E01 again.
[0128]
Then, when it is determined in step E05 that the shutter key has been fully pressed, a photographing process is executed (step E07).
[0129]
At this time, the positioning process of the current position by the GPS receiver 30 is started at the same time, and three-dimensional (latitude, longitude and altitude) position information of the current position is obtained (step E08).
[0130]
At the same time, the azimuth data of the photographing optical axis by the lens optical system 12 is obtained from the azimuth sensor 31 (step E09), and the angle sensor 32 acquires the vertical angle of the photographing optical axis, that is, the angle data of the elevation angle or the depression angle. (Step E10).
[0131]
Then, the three-dimensional position of the subject image, that is, the position of latitude, longitude, and altitude is calculated based on the acquired latitude, longitude, altitude of the current position, the shooting distance to the subject image, the shooting azimuth, and the shooting angle (step). E11).
[0132]
Next, the map database 34 is searched based on the calculated three-dimensional position information of the subject image and a preset category name, and the category name stored in association with the area including the calculated three-dimensional position is stored. All the position name information corresponding to the category name set in the category setting mode is read (step E12).
[0133]
Here, it is determined whether there is only one position name information read from the map database 34 (step E13).
[0134]
Here, if it is determined that there is only one position name information of the preset category, there is no room for selection, so that the image data obtained by shooting and the position name information of the category are associated with each other. Then, recording is set on the memory card 29 (step E18), and a series of processes relating to photographing is temporarily terminated as described above, and the process returns to step E01 again to prepare for the next photographing.
[0135]
If it is determined in step E13 that there is not one shooting position and a plurality of position name information corresponding to a preset category name, the image data obtained in the shooting process in step E07 The data for superimposing and displaying the list of all the position name information corresponding to the shooting position and the category name set in advance is expanded and stored in the VRAM 24, and is displayed on the display unit 26 (step E14).
[0136]
In such a display state, it is determined whether or not the up / down key of the cross key of the key input unit 27 has been operated (step E15), or is selected at that time by a “set” key located at the center of the cross key. By repeatedly determining whether or not the key operation for determining the position name information has been performed (step E17), these key operations are on standby.
[0137]
If the up / down key of the cross key is operated, it is determined in step E15, and the position name information displayed by the cursor is moved according to the operated key (step E16). Proceed to E17.
[0138]
If the "set" key at the center of the cross key has been operated, this is determined in step E17, and the position name information currently displayed by the cursor determined according to the key operation is added to the image data obtained by shooting. The recording is set in the memory card 29 in association with it (step E18), and a series of processes relating to the photographing is once ended, and the process returns to the step E01 again in preparation for the next photographing.
[0139]
In this way, by designating the category of the position name information before shooting, the position name information of the designated category is automatically stored in the map database 34 in correspondence with the three-dimensional position of the subject image after the image is shot. The data can be recorded on the memory card 29 in association with the image data obtained by reading and photographing.
[0140]
In this case, if there are a plurality of position name information based on the set category and the three-dimensional position of the subject image, a list of the position name information is displayed on the display unit 26 to prompt the user to select the position name information. Thus, the user can confirm the content of the position name information and then reliably record the information in association with the image.
[0141]
In the above embodiment, the position name information corresponding to the three-dimensional position of the subject image is displayed in accordance with the category set in advance, but the position name information corresponding to the three-dimensional position of the digital camera 10 is displayed. Information may be displayed corresponding to a preset category.
[0142]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, after the photographing process in step E07, the position name information of the subject image is automatically recorded together with the image data, and the process proceeds to step E08 and thereafter. It is also possible to judge whether or not the mode for recording the position name information of the shooting place together with the image data as shown in (1) is selected, and to execute the processing after step E08 only when it is judged that the mode is selected.
[0143]
In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made assuming that the image data is recorded in association with the position name information of the subject image. However, at the time of photographing, the image data is not recorded in association with the three-dimensional position information of the subject image, but is recorded at a later date. When the image data recorded on the card 29 is reproduced, by selecting a mode for recording the position name information of the photographing place, the processing after step E12 in FIG. 11 is executed, and three-dimensional position information is set in advance. The position name information determined by a certain category name may be recorded again in association with the image data.
[0144]
Although the first to fourth embodiments have described the case where the present invention is applied to a digital still camera, the present invention is not limited to this, and a camera using a silver halide film may be used. (Hereinafter referred to as a “silver salt camera”), a camera-equipped mobile phone, a camera-equipped PDA, a camera-equipped notebook personal computer, and the like.
[0145]
In this case, in the case of a silver halide camera using an APS (Advanced Photo System) standard for the silver halide film, since the transparent magnetic recording coating is applied to the entire surface of the film, the position name information is also converted to magnetic data. What is necessary is to record for each frame (image) to be performed.
[0146]
Further, a silver halide camera using a 35 mm system, which is more widely used as a silver halide film, may print the position name information on the film as a part of an optical image in the same manner as a general date mechanism. Just fine.
[0147]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof.
[0148]
Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent features. For example, even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments, at least one of the problems described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects described in the column of the effect of the invention can be solved. When at least one of the effects described above is obtained, a configuration from which this component is deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0149]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the invention, by specifying the category of the position name information according to the user's intention, it is possible to record the position name information of the specified category on the captured image with the incidental.
[0150]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, by designating the intended category from the position name information displayed for each category, the position name for each category is designated. After confirming the content of the information, it is possible to reliably record the image accompanying the image.
[0151]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, by designating the category of the position name information in advance, it becomes possible to automatically read out the position name information of the designated category, and record it with the image.
[0152]
According to the invention set forth in claim 4, in addition to the effects of the invention set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3, in addition to the two-dimensional position of the camera at the time of shooting, the image is more suitable for an image with more detailed shooting information. The selected position name information can be selected, read out, and recorded along with the image.
[0153]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by specifying the category of the position name information according to the user's intention, it becomes possible to record the position name information of the specified category on the captured image with the incidental.
[0154]
According to the invention of claim 6, by designating the category of the position name information in advance, it becomes possible to automatically read out the position name information of the designated category and record it with the image.
[0155]
According to the seventh aspect of the invention, by specifying the category of the position name information according to the user's intention, it becomes possible to record the taken image with the position name information of the specified category attached thereto.
[0156]
According to the eighth aspect of the invention, by designating the category of the position name information in advance, the position name information of the designated category can be automatically read out and recorded along with the image.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view exemplifying an information structure stored in a map database of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing in a shooting mode according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a view exemplifying a captured image according to the embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a category setting mode according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing in a shooting mode according to the embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a view exemplifying category selection and captured images according to the embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a diagram exemplifying an information structure stored in a map database according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing contents in a shooting mode according to the embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a view exemplifying a captured image according to the embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a shooting mode according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Digital camera
11 ... Motor (M)
12 ... Lens optical system
13 ... CCD
14. Timing generator (TG)
15 Vertical driver
16 ... Sample hold (S / H) circuit
17 ... A / D converter
18 ... Color process circuit
19 ... DMA controller
20 DRAM interface (I / F)
21 ... DRAM
22 ... Control unit
23 VRAM controller
24 ... VRAM
25 ... Digital video encoder
26 ... Display unit
27 ... Key input section
28 ... JPEG circuit
29… Memory card
30 ... GPS receiver
31… Direction sensor
32 ... Angle sensor
33 ... Distance sensor
34 ... Map database
35 ... GPS antenna

Claims (8)

Imaging means for photographing a subject image;
Acquiring means for acquiring photographing information including at least two-dimensional position information of the current point;
Information storage means for storing a plurality of category-specific position name information corresponding to the shooting information;
Designation means for designating any of a plurality of position name information read out by category from the information storage means based on the photographing information acquired by the acquisition means;
Recording means for recording the position name information designated by the designation means on the medium in association with the image data obtained by the imaging means. A plurality of position name information read out from the information storage means based on the photographing information acquired by the acquisition means are displayed together with the image data obtained by the photographing by the imaging means in order to prompt designation by the designation means. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that performs the operation. Imaging means for photographing a subject image;
Acquiring means for acquiring photographing information including at least two-dimensional position information of the current point;
Information storage means for storing a plurality of category-specific position name information corresponding to the shooting information;
Specifying means for specifying in advance any of the plurality of categories;
Recording means for reading out the position name information from the information storage means based on the photographing information obtained by the obtaining means and the category specified by the specifying means, and recording the position name information on a medium in association with the image data obtained by the imaging means; An imaging device, comprising: The photographing information acquired by the acquiring means is at least one of altitude information of a current point, photographing azimuth information on the subject, photographing distance information on the subject, photographing angle information including an elevation angle or a depression angle on the subject, and photographing view angle information. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: An acquisition step of acquiring photographing information including at least two-dimensional position information of the current point;
On the basis of the photographing information acquired in the acquiring step, an arbitrary one of the plurality of position name information read out by category from the information storage unit storing a plurality of position name information by category corresponding to the photographing information is designated. Designated process,
A recording step of associating the position name information specified in the specifying step with image data obtained by the imaging unit and recording the information on a medium. A designation step of designating in advance any one of a plurality of categories indicating the type of position name information;
An acquisition step of acquiring photographing information including at least two-dimensional position information of the current point;
Based on the category specified in the specifying step and the photographing information acquired in the acquiring step, the corresponding position name information is read from the information storage unit storing the position name information for each of the plurality of categories corresponding to the photographing information, and the image pickup unit A recording step of recording the image data in a medium in association with the image data obtained in the step (a). An acquiring step of acquiring photographing information including at least two-dimensional position information of the current point;
Based on the photographing information acquired in the acquiring step, an arbitrary one of the plurality of position name information read out by category from the information storage unit storing the plurality of position name information by category corresponding to the photographing information is designated. A designated step,
And a recording step of recording the position name information specified in the specifying step on the medium in association with the image data obtained by the imaging unit. A designation step of designating in advance any one of a plurality of categories indicating the type of position name information;
An acquiring step of acquiring photographing information including at least two-dimensional position information of the current point;
Based on the category specified in the specifying step and the photographing information acquired in the acquiring step, the corresponding position name information is read out from the information storage unit storing the position name information for each of a plurality of categories corresponding to the photographing information, and And a recording step of recording the image data in a medium in association with the image data obtained by the section.

Images