JP2004201113A - Image data recorder, photographing device, image data recording method and image data recording program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically classify image data of a recording object from image data in a plurality of image groups and to record the image data on a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: The respective image groups composed of at least one piece of image data photographed by photographing devices 1A, 1B and 1C are recorded on memory cards a, b and c, respectively. An image data recorder 2 automatically classifies the image data recorded on the memory cards a, b and c into the image data of a recording object and image data that are not the recording object on the basis of photographing date and hour data in the respective image data. The classified image data of the recording object are recorded on a CD-R 4 being a recording medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image data recording device that records image data, an image data recording method, an image data recording program, and a photographing device that photographs image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, several schemes have been considered for classifying a plurality of image data shot by a DSC (digital still camera) or the like. One of the methods is to classify the image data in descending order of the similarity of information such as the color, frequency, registration date and time, shooting date and time, storage location on the database, and the like of the image data of the image data. Further, the image data is classified according to the image characteristics around the position on the image data image specified by the user. These classifications enable quick browsing of image data (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
Another method is to store a feature amount indicating a feature of image data in a database together with the image data, and classify the image data based on the feature amount. It is possible to search the classified image data. The feature amount is data such as the date and time of acquisition of an image, the date and time of registration of image data in a database, the location of photography, the name of a photographed subject, the name of the event where photography was performed, and the like (for example, see Patent Document 2). .
[0004]
Still another method is a method of analyzing an image data image and classifying the image data by identifying whether or not the subject is image data of a person (for example, see Patent Document 3).
[0005]
In addition, although the applicants and others have publicly implemented the disclosure, they have not disclosed it in patent applications and the like. In some cases, there has been an image data recording apparatus for recording on one recording medium (for example, CD-R). Further, there has been an image data recording apparatus for displaying image data recorded on a plurality of memory cards once and recording only image data selected by a user on one recording medium.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-276484 A (pages 9 to 11)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-297090 A (page 7)
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-357067 A (pages 5 to 9, FIGS. 2 to 5)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a method in which image data recorded on a plurality of memory cards are collectively recorded on a single recording medium, it is not necessary for a user to select necessary image data. Even image data was recorded.
[0008]
For example, a plurality of photographers go on a trip, and after each trip, each photographer brings a DSC memory card photographed during the trip, and the image data of each memory card photographed during the trip is stored on one CD. -R (Compact Disk-Recordable), and all photographers may share the CD-R. At this time, image data captured before and after the trip may exist in a certain memory card. The image data before and after the unnecessary travel was also recorded on the CD-R.
[0009]
Further, when the photographer who owns each memory card is different, unnecessary image data that one photographer does not want to show to another person is also recorded on the recording medium, and may be seen by another person. . Further, since image data generally has a large capacity, there is a large waste of recording capacity for recording unnecessary image data.
[0010]
Here, necessary image data means image data to be recorded on a recording medium. Unnecessary data means image data that is not to be recorded on a recording medium. At least one image data is recorded on each memory card. Here, a group having at least one image data corresponding to each memory card is referred to as an image group.
[0011]
In a method of displaying image data recorded on a plurality of memory cards once and recording only the image data selected by the user on one recording medium, the user confirms all the image data and determines a necessary image. There was a problem that the time and effort for selecting was troublesome. In particular, since the recording capacity of the recording medium is higher than in the past and the number of image data to be recorded is large, the selection is a difficult task.
[0012]
Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 only describe a method of classifying image data. The image data in a plurality of image groups is recorded on a recording medium. It does not take into account whether or not it is the subject of the recording.
[0013]
An object of the present invention is to automatically classify image data to be recorded from image data in a plurality of image groups and record the image data on a recording medium.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is
An image data recording apparatus comprising: a plurality of image groups having at least one image data; classifying the image data in the plurality of image groups and recording the classified image data on a recording medium;
Classification means for classifying image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded,
Recording means for recording the image data to be recorded classified by the classification means on the recording medium.
[0015]
The image data is one or both of a still image and a moving image.
[0016]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording apparatus according to the first aspect,
The image data has date and time data,
The classification unit classifies the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded, based on date and time data of the image data in the plurality of image groups. And
[0017]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
The classification unit analyzes the image data of the image data in the plurality of image groups, and, based on the analysis result, converts the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded. And is classified into
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The image group has recording necessity data indicating whether each image data is a recording target,
The classifying unit classifies the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded based on the data necessity of recording the image data in the plurality of image groups. It is characterized by.
[0019]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
A display unit that displays one or both of the image data of the recording target and the image data that is not the recording target classified by the classification unit,
A first input unit for selectively inputting image data to be actually recorded based on the image data displayed on the display unit,
The recording unit records the image data to be recorded, which is selected and input by the first input unit, on the recording medium.
[0020]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
A second input unit for inputting reference information serving as a reference for classifying the image data;
The classification unit classifies the image data in the plurality of image groups into recording target image data and non-recording target image data based on the reference information input by the second input unit. And
[0021]
The invention according to claim 7 is
Photographing means for photographing a subject and outputting the image data;
Input means for selectively inputting recording necessity data indicating whether image data photographed by the photographing means needs to be recorded on a second recording medium,
An adding unit that adds the recording necessity data selected and input by the input unit to the image data captured by the imaging unit;
A recording device for recording, on a first recording medium, image data to which recording necessity data has been added by the adding device.
[0022]
The invention according to claim 8 is
An image data recording method comprising: a plurality of image groups having at least one image data; classifying the image data in the plurality of image groups and recording the classified image data on a recording medium;
A classification step of classifying the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded,
Recording the classified image data to be recorded on the recording medium.
[0023]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording method according to the eighth aspect,
The image data has date and time data,
In the classifying step, based on date and time data of the image data in the plurality of image groups, the image data in the plurality of image groups are classified into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded. And
[0024]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording method according to the eighth or ninth aspect,
In the classifying step, the image data of the image data in the plurality of image groups is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the image data in the plurality of image groups is converted into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded. And is classified into
[0025]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording method according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects,
The image group has recording necessity data indicating whether each image data is a recording target,
In the classifying step, the image data in the plurality of image groups is classified into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded, based on the data necessity of recording the image data in the plurality of image groups. It is characterized by.
[0026]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording method according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects,
A display step of displaying one or both of the classified recording target image data and non-recording target image data,
A first input step of selectively inputting image data to be actually recorded based on the displayed image data.
In the recording step, the selected and input image data to be recorded is recorded on the recording medium.
[0027]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording method according to any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects,
A second input step of inputting reference information serving as a reference for classifying the image data,
In the classification step, the image data in the plurality of image groups is classified into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded based on the input reference information.
[0028]
The invention according to claim 14 is
A step of photographing the subject and outputting image data;
A step of selectively inputting recording necessity data indicating whether the photographed image data requires recording on a second recording medium,
A step of adding the selectively input recording necessity data to the photographed image data,
Recording the image data to which the recording necessity data is added on a first recording medium.
[0029]
The invention according to claim 15 is
On the computer,
A plurality of image groups having at least one image data, and a classification function of classifying image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded;
A recording function of recording the classified image data to be recorded on a recording medium.
[0030]
According to the invention described in claim 1, 8, or 15, the image data in the plurality of image groups is classified into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded, and the classified image data to be recorded Is recorded on a recording medium. Therefore, image data to be recorded can be automatically classified from a plurality of image groups and recorded on a recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary recording of image data that is not a recording target on the recording medium. Further, since the image data is automatically classified, the burden of the classification work of the image data can be reduced, and the classification work time can be shortened.
[0031]
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording program according to the fifteenth aspect,
The image data has date and time data,
The classification function classifies the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded, based on date and time data of the image data in the plurality of image groups. And
[0032]
According to the second, ninth, or sixteenth aspect, based on the date and time data of the image data in the plurality of image groups, the image data in the plurality of image groups is determined as the image data to be recorded and the image data not to be recorded. Classify into image data. Therefore, the image data to be recorded can be accurately classified based on the date and time data and recorded on the recording medium.
[0033]
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording program according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect,
The classification function analyzes the image data of the image data in the plurality of image groups, and, based on the analysis result, converts the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded. And is classified into
[0034]
According to the invention described in claim 3, 10 or 17, based on the analysis result of the image data of the image data in the plurality of image groups, the image data in the plurality of image groups It is classified into image data not to be recorded. For this reason, even if information is not added to the image data, the image data to be recorded can be accurately classified and recorded on the recording medium based on the analysis result of the image.
[0035]
According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording program according to any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects,
The image group has recording necessity data indicating whether each image data is a recording target,
The classification function is to classify the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded based on the recording necessity data of the image data in the plurality of image groups. It is characterized by.
[0036]
According to the fourth, eleventh or eighteenth aspects of the present invention, the image data in the plurality of image groups is recorded with the image data to be recorded based on the recording necessity data of the image data in the plurality of image groups. Classify into non-target image data. Therefore, the image data to be recorded can be accurately classified based on the recording necessity data and recorded on the recording medium.
[0037]
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording program according to any one of the fifteenth to eighteenth aspects,
To the computer,
A display function of displaying one or both of the classified recording target image data and non-recording target image data,
A first input function of selectively inputting image data to be actually recorded based on the displayed image data.
The recording function is to record the selected and inputted image data to be recorded, on the recording medium.
[0038]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 5, 12 or 19, one or both of the classified image data to be recorded and the image data not to be recorded are displayed, and recording is executed based on the displayed image data. The user selects and inputs target image data, and records the target image data to be recorded on a recording medium. For this reason, it is possible to easily select the image data to be subjected to recording based on the automatically classified image data and record it on the recording medium.
[0039]
According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image data recording program according to any one of the fifteenth to nineteenth aspects,
To the computer,
A second input function for inputting reference information serving as a reference for classifying image data is realized,
The classification function is characterized by classifying the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded based on the input reference information.
[0040]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 6, 13 or 20, the reference information is input, and the image data in the plurality of image groups is recorded on the basis of the reference information. Classified as For this reason, reference information can be arbitrarily input, and image data to be recorded can be recorded on a recording medium based on the reference information.
[0041]
The invention according to claim 21 is
On the computer,
A function of shooting a subject and outputting image data,
A function of selectively inputting recording necessity data as to whether or not the photographed image data requires recording on a second recording medium;
A function of adding the selectively input recording necessity data to the photographed image data,
The image data recording program realizes a function of recording the image data to which the recording necessity data is added on a first recording medium.
[0042]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 7, 14, or 21, the subject is photographed, and the recording necessity data indicating whether the photographed image data requires recording on the second recording medium is selectively input, The selectively input recording necessity data is added to the photographed image data, and the image data to which the recording necessity data is added is recorded on the first recording medium. For this reason, when classifying the image data recorded on the first recording medium and recording it on the second recording medium, the classification is performed based on the recording necessity data added to the image data recorded on the first recording medium. Accurately classifying image data recorded on a first recording medium into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded, and recording the classified image data to be recorded on a second recording medium Can be.
[0043]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a first embodiment and a second embodiment according to the present invention will be sequentially described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0044]
(First Embodiment)
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the features of the apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image data recording system α according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image data recording device 2 of the image data recording system α shown in FIG.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 1, an image data recording system α according to the present embodiment includes photographing apparatuses 1A, 1B, 1C such as DSCs for photographing digital image data of a still image of a subject, and photographing apparatuses 1A, 1B, 1C, the memory cards a, b, and c in which photographed image data are recorded, and the image data recorded in the memory cards a, b, and c are classified into a CD-R4 as a recording medium. And an image data recording device 2 for recording the image data.
[0046]
It is assumed that three different photographers own and photograph the photographing apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C, respectively. Each of the memory cards a, b, and c records at least one photographed image data. The image data recorded on each of the memory cards a, b, and c is grouped into an image group.
[0047]
The image data recording device 2 is installed in, for example, a convenience store or a photo shop. However, it may be installed in a family restaurant, a karaoke shop, an izakaya, or the like, which is often used by a plurality of people in consideration of the operation performed by a plurality of people, but is not limited to these places.
[0048]
Each of the memory cards a, b, and c is a recording medium constituted by a small memory card, and may include an adapter for reading and writing data in the image data recording device 2.
[0049]
Also, in the present embodiment, a CD-R4 that can basically record and reproduce image data once is employed as a recording medium, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, CD-RW, flexible disk, MO (Magneto Optical disk), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD ± RW, next-generation high-density recording medium using blue-violet laser, portable HD (Hard disk) or the like.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 2, the image data recording apparatus 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 that performs central control of each unit, a RAM that temporarily stores information, and a memory that includes a ROM that readablely stores information. 22, a fixed HDD (hard disk drive) 23 capable of reading and writing information, an input means 24 for receiving input information from an operator, a display means 25 for displaying information, and a USB for connecting various peripheral devices and the like. (Universal Serial Bus) connection means 26 such as a port, communication means 27 for performing communication such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and recording means 28 for reproducing information recorded on the CD-R4 and recording information. , A USB port or the like, a slot means 30 on which memory cards a, b, c are set and for reading and writing the information, and a Board 31.
[0051]
An image data recording program for executing image data recording processing is recorded on the HDD 23. Further, in the image data recording device 2, the CPU 21 reads out the image data recording program stored in the HDD 23, develops the program on the RAM of the memory 22, and executes the program, thereby executing the image data recording process. In this execution configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a description will be given assuming that the classification unit 211 that realizes the function of classifying image data during the image data recording process is configured in the image data recording device 2. Note that the classification unit 211 is configured as software, but may be configured as hardware.
[0052]
The CPU 21 reads a designated application program from the system program and various application programs stored in the HDD 23 and expands the designated application program in (the RAM of) the memory 22. Then, the CPU 21 temporarily stores various instructions input from the input means 24 or various data corresponding thereto in the RAM 22 (the RAM thereof), and uses the input instructions and the input data to develop the application program. Various processes are executed in accordance with. Then, the CPU 21 stores the processing result in (the RAM of) the memory 22 and causes the display means 25 to display the result.
[0053]
The CPU 21 executes an image data recording process. By executing the image data recording process, the CPU 21 receives the designated date and time data input from the operator by the input means 24, automatically recognizes the memory data a, b, and c set in the slot means 30, and receives the input data. Based on the designated date and time data, all the image data 5 of the memory data a, b, and c are classified into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded. Then, the CPU 21 causes the display unit 25 to display the classified image data of the recording target, receives the image data of the recording execution target selected and input by the operator based on the display by the input unit 24, and receives the selected input. The image data to be recorded is recorded on the CD-R4 (see FIG. 4).
[0054]
The input unit 24 includes a keyboard provided with a cursor key, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and outputs a press signal pressed by the operator on the keyboard to the CPU 21. Further, the input unit 24 may include a mouse or the like as a pointing device, and output a position signal of the pointing device input by the operator to the CPU 21.
[0055]
The display means 25 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), but may be a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like. Screen display.
[0056]
The HDD 23 stores various application programs and various data in a readable and writable manner. In the present embodiment, an image data recording program is stored. In addition, the program, data, and the like stored in the HDD 23 may be partially or wholly received from the communication unit 27 via a communication network such as a LAN or a WAN (Wide Area Network) from an external device and stored. Good. Further, the HDD 23 may be a storage device of an external device constructed on a communication network. Further, the various programs may be transmitted and installed to an external device via the communication network.
[0057]
The communication network is, for example, a wireless LAN, but may include a LAN and a WAN, and may include a telephone line network, an ISDN line network, a broadband communication line network, a dedicated line, a mobile communication network, a communication satellite line, a CATV line, and an optical network. A configuration including a communication line, a wireless communication line, and an Internet service provider connecting them may be employed.
[0058]
It should be noted that the image data recording device 2 is configured by one information processing device in the present embodiment. However, a configuration may be employed in which various functions are distributed and executed by a plurality of devices, for example, by installing a plurality of devices via a communication network. In this case, loads for executing various functions are distributed.
[0059]
Next, the configuration of image data recorded on the memory cards a, b, and c will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the image data 5. At least one image data 5 is recorded on each of the memory cards a, b, and c.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 3, each image data 5 is composed of actual image data 51 which is data of an actual image, and Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) data 52 as additional data added to each actual image data 51. Including. The Exif data includes the shooting date and time data of the actual image data 51 and the like. However, the additional data added to the actual image data 51 is not limited to Exif data, and additional data of another method may be used.
[0061]
Next, an image data recording process as an operation of the image data recording device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the image data recording process. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing result of the image data recording processing.
[0062]
Before executing the image data recording process, the subject is photographed in advance by each photographer using the photographing devices 1A, 1B, and 1C, and at least one image data is recorded in each of the memory cards a, b, and c. Shall be. The image data recorded on each of the memory cards a, b, and c includes image data shot at an event common to all photographers.
[0063]
In the image data recording process, the CPU 21 reads out the image data recording program stored in the HDD 23 and develops the image data recording program in the RAM 22, triggered by input of the execution start of the image data recording process by the operator from the input unit 24. Executed.
[0064]
The operator is all photographers or one or more predetermined photographers among them. In order to allow a plurality of operators to operate the image data recording device 2, the display means 25 may be configured to have a wide viewing angle that can be viewed by a plurality of persons. Further, the operator may be a different person from the photographer, or a combination of the photographer and another person.
[0065]
First, the memory cards a, b, and c are simultaneously set in the slot means 30 (step S11). Then, the designated date and time data, which is a reference for the classification of the image data, is input from the operator to the input unit 24 (step S12). The designated date and time data is, for example, the date and time of an event in which image data is captured in common for the memory cards a, b, and c, and the image data captured in that event is to be recorded on the CD-R4. The event is a common event in which all photographers have taken at least one image, such as a trip accompanied by all photographers, an event such as a wedding, a play such as karaoke, and the like. Then, the image data shot in this event is classified as image data to be recorded on the CD-R4.
[0066]
Then, all the image data 5 is read from the memory cards a, b, and c set in the slot means 30 by the classification means 211, stored in the RAM of the memory 22, and automatically recognized (step S13). .
[0067]
Then, the classification means 211 automatically classifies all the image data 5 recognized in step S12 into image data 5 to be recorded on the CD-R 4 and image data not to be recorded (step S14). Specifically, first, in step S13, the shooting date and time data in all the image data 51 in the Exif data 52 of the image data 5 is read. In step S14, image data 5 having shooting date and time data within a predetermined range (event date and time range) from the designated date and time data input in step S12 among all the image data 51 is set as the image data 5 to be recorded. The image data 5 having the shooting date and time data outside the predetermined range (before or after the event date and time) from the designated date and time data is classified as the image data 5 not to be recorded.
[0068]
Then, only the image data 5 to be recorded classified in step S14 is displayed by the display means 25 (step S15). Then, referring to the image data 5 to be recorded displayed on the display means 25, the operator can easily determine the image data 5 not to be recorded actually to be recorded on the CD-R4. Then, the image data 5 to be actually recorded, which is to be actually recorded, is selectively inputted by the operator from the input means 24 (step S16). Of course, the image data 5 to be recorded, which is automatically classified in step S15, may be selected and input as it is after confirmation by the operator.
[0069]
Then, the image data 5 selected and input in step S16 by the recording means 28 is recorded on the CD-R 4 (step S17). Then, the image data recording process ends. Thereafter, the memory cards a, b, and c are removed from the slot means 30 and the CD-R 4 is removed from the recording means 28.
[0070]
Next, an example of a classification result by the image data recording process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, in the memory card a, unnecessary image data (image data not to be recorded) a1 before the predetermined range of the designated date and time data and required image data (images to be recorded) within the prescribed range of the designated date and time data are stored. Data) a2 and unnecessary image data a3 after a predetermined range of the designated date and time data are recorded. Further, unnecessary image data b1 before a predetermined range of the designated date and time data and necessary image data b2 within a prescribed range of the designated date and time data are recorded on the memory card b. The required image data c1 within a predetermined range of the designated date and time data is recorded on the memory card c.
[0071]
Then, in step S14, the image data recorded on the memory cards a, b, and c by the classifying means 21 is divided into the required image data a2, b2, c1 to be recorded and the unnecessary image data a1, b1, c2 not to be recorded. Classified as Then, in step S16, when the required image data a2, b2, and c1 are selected by the operator as the image data 5 to be recorded, in step S17, the selected required image data a2, b2, and c1 are stored in the CD. -Recorded in R4.
[0072]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, image data recorded on a plurality of memory cards is automatically converted into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded, using the shooting date and time data added to the image data. Image data to be recorded is recorded on the CD-R4. Therefore, the image data to be recorded can be accurately classified and recorded on the CD-R4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary recording of image data that is not a recording target on the CD-R.
[0073]
In particular, when the photographer who owns each memory card is different as in the present embodiment, unnecessary image data that a certain photographer does not want to show to another person is stored in a CD-R4 if the image data is not recorded. Since the image data is not recorded, it is possible to prevent the unnecessary image data from being seen by another person to whom the CD-R4 is distributed.
[0074]
Further, when a CD-R in which recorded data cannot be erased is used as a recording medium as in the present embodiment, even if unnecessary image data that is not a recording target is recorded on the CD-R, the recording is performed. The updated image data cannot be updated. In this case, the CD-R on which unnecessary image data is recorded must be discarded and recorded on another CD-R. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid re-recording the image data on the CD-R, and it is possible to reduce the work load of the CD-R, the operator, and waste of time.
[0075]
In addition, since the burden on the operator for classifying the image data is reduced, the convenience of the image data recording device 2 can be improved, and the number of users can be increased. Further, since the operation of the image data by the operator is simple, the classification work time of the operator can be reduced, and the rotation rate of the user of the image data recording device 2 can be improved.
[0076]
Also, since only the image data to be recorded is displayed on the display means 25, unnecessary display of image data that is not the recording target can be avoided. For example, when there are a plurality of operators, it is possible to prevent other operators from seeing image data that is not a recording target in a predetermined operator's image group, and to protect privacy.
[0077]
Further, according to the present embodiment, the image data to be actually recorded is selected by the operator from the automatically classified image data to be recorded. Therefore, the operator can easily select the image data to be recorded by referring to the automatically classified image data to be recorded.
[0078]
In the present embodiment, the image data is input from the memory card to the image data recording device 2 via the slot means 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which image data of an image group recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-R, a DVD, and a portable HD may be input. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which an image capturing device is directly connected to the connection unit 26 and image data stored in the image capturing device is input to the image data recording device 2. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which image data is received from an external device on the communication network via the communication unit 27 and a communication network connected to the communication unit 27 and input to the image data recording device 2.
[0079]
In the present embodiment, the CD-R4 as a portable recording medium is used as a recording destination of image data to be recorded (recording execution target), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the recording destination of the image data to be recorded may be a recording destination such as a fixed HDD having a fixed recording medium or a flash ROM. Further, the image data recorded on the recording medium can be transmitted to an external device on a communication network via the communication unit 27.
[0080]
Further, in the present embodiment, the image data 5 is configured to have the Exif data 52, and the image data is classified by referring to the shooting date and time data in the Exif data 52 in step S14, but is not limited thereto. is not. For example, a configuration may be employed in which the image data is classified with reference to a time stamp indicating the date and time when the image data 5 was created. According to this configuration, image data that does not include Exif data and that is generated by a photographing unit that is not compatible with Exif can also be classified. Further, the configuration may be such that the image data is classified with reference to both the shooting date / time data of the image data and the time stamp of the creation date / time.
[0081]
Further, in this embodiment, the operator is caused to input the designated date and time data in step S12, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration in which the operator does not input the designated date and time data may be employed. For example, in step S14, the image data recorded on the memory cards a, b, and c are recorded on the memory cards a, b, and c, respectively, and the photographing date and time data are within a predetermined range. A configuration in which image data and other non-recordable image data are automatically classified may be employed. In this case, the burden of inputting the image data classification by the operator is reduced.
[0082]
Further, in the present embodiment, after the image data is automatically classified, in step S16, the operator is further caused to select the image data to be subjected to recording, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be employed in which the operator inputs an approval to execute recording of image data to be recorded displayed on the display unit 25 onto the CD-R4. With this configuration, the burden on the operator for inputting image data classification is reduced. Further, a configuration in which the operator does not select the image data to be recorded and input the confirmation is not required. With this configuration, the burden on the operator for inputting image data classification is further reduced. Further, in this configuration, the display of the image data to be recorded on the display unit 25 in step S15 can be omitted.
[0083]
In this embodiment, only the image data to be recorded is displayed on the display means 25 in step S15, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which all image data of image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded may be displayed. At this time, image data that is not a recording target may be displayed so as to cover the image data so that the image cannot be seen. Alternatively, the display unit 25 may be configured to display only image data that is not to be recorded.
[0084]
Further, the numbers of the photographing devices and the memory cards are not limited to three, but may be other numbers. Further, the number of slots in which memory cards can be simultaneously set in the slot means 30 is not limited to three, and may be one or more arbitrary numbers. If a plurality of memory cards cannot be set in the slot means 30 at the same time, the plurality of memory cards are set in the slot means 30 one by one and all the image data is recorded in the HDD 23 and then stored in the HDD 23. The configuration is such that the classification processing in step S14 is performed on the image data thus selected.
[0085]
(Modification)
Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. In this modified example, the classification performed by the classification unit 211 based on the date and time data such as the photographing date and time data of the image data in step S14 of the image data recording process shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment is performed by another classification method. Things.
[0086]
For example, image data classification methods described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 described in [Prior Art] are applied to the first embodiment. When the classification method described in Patent Literature 1 is applied, reference image data serving as a reference for classifying image data is input by the operator via the input unit 24 in step S12 of the image data recording process. In step S14, the actual image data 51 itself in the image data 5 recorded on the memory cards a, b, and c is analyzed, and feature amounts such as information such as color and frequency of the image are calculated, and different image data are calculated. The relative distance between the feature amounts of the data is regarded as the similarity. Then, the total image data 5 recorded on the memory cards a, b, and c is the recording target image data whose similarity with the reference image data input in step S12 is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and the similarity is lower than the predetermined value. Is also automatically classified as image data that is not a low recording target.
[0087]
For example, when the event of capturing the image of the recording target is performed outdoors in the middle of the night, based on the characteristic amounts such as the color and frequency of the image image, based on the characteristic amounts such as the frequency of the image, The image data is classified into image data and non-recording target image data having a feature amount of an image which is bright and photographed other than at night.
[0088]
Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the shooting date / time image in the image image in the actual image data 51 is analyzed, and the analyzed shooting date / time data is used as a feature amount. Further, a configuration in which the information input by the operator in step S12 is not executed may be adopted. For example, in step S14, the image data recorded on the memory cards a, b, and c is recorded on each of the memory cards a, b, and c, and the similarity of the image data is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The image data may be automatically classified into the following image data and other image data that is not a recording target.
[0089]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the classification methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3, but may be configured to analyze an image of image data by another method and automatically classify the image data based on the analysis result.
[0090]
(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the imaging devices 1D, 1E, and 1F. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of the recording data 6 recorded on the memory cards d, e, and f. Since the present embodiment has many components in common with the first embodiment, components different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described in order to avoid redundant description.
[0091]
In the present embodiment, in the image data recording system α shown in FIG. Memory cards d, e, and f as first recording media on which image data captured by 1D, 1E, and 1F are recorded.
[0092]
The photographing devices 1D, 1E, and 1F are photographing devices that record DPOF files together with photographed image data on memory cards d, e, and f, respectively. A DOPF (Digital Print Order Format) file is a file having information specifying image data to be printed and information on the number of prints.
[0093]
As shown in FIG. 6, the imaging devices 1D, 1E, and 1F include a CPU 11 that performs central control of each unit, an input unit 12 that receives input information from an operator, a RAM 13 that temporarily stores information, A display means 14 for displaying, a memory 15 such as a flash ROM for storing various programs and various data, a connecting means 16 for connecting various external devices and the like, and memory cards d, e and f are set and read and write the information. The image forming apparatus includes a recording unit 17 for performing the recording, and a photographing unit 18 having a lens, an image sensor, and the like for photographing a subject and outputting image data.
[0094]
The memory 15 stores a recording necessity data addition program for executing the recording necessity data addition processing. Further, in the imaging devices 1D, 1E, and 1F, the recording necessity data addition processing is executed by the CPU 11 reading out the recording necessity data addition program stored in the memory 15 and developing and executing the program in the RAM 13. In this execution configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, the description will be made assuming that the addition unit 111 that implements the function of adding the recording necessity data to the image data under the recording necessity data addition processing is configured in the photographing apparatus 1. I do. Note that the adding unit 111 is configured as software, but may be configured as hardware.
[0095]
Next, the configuration of the recording data 6 recorded on the memory cards d, e, and f will be described with reference to FIG. The recording data 6 includes a DPOF file 61 and image data 5a and 5b. Like the image data 5 shown in FIG. 3, the image data 5a and 5b have actual image data 51a and 51b and Exif data 52a and 52b corresponding to the actual image data. The DPOF file 61 includes recording necessity data 62 indicating whether or not each image data is to be recorded on the CD-R4. The DPOF file generally does not include the recording necessity data 62, but has a data configuration including the recording necessity data 62 in the present embodiment.
[0096]
Here, with reference to FIG. 8, the recording necessity data adding process as an operation of the imaging devices 1D, 1E, and 1F will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the recording necessity data addition processing. Here, the operation in the imaging device 1D and the memory card d will be described as a representative, but the operation in the imaging devices 1E and 1F and the memory cards e and f is also the same.
[0097]
The recording necessity data addition process is triggered by the fact that the start of the execution of the recording necessity data addition process is input from the operator of the photographing apparatus 1D via the input unit 12, and the CPU 11 causes the recording recorded in the memory 15 to be performed. This is executed by reading out the necessity data addition program, storing it in the RAM 13 and executing it.
[0098]
The subject is photographed by the photographing means 18 in advance, and the photographed image data 5a and 5b are recorded on the memory card d. Then, recording necessity data to be recorded in the DPOF file or other data (for example, information for specifying image data to be printed, information on the number of prints) is input by the operator via the input means 23 (step S21). Then, it is determined whether or not the input information input in step S21 is recording necessity data (step S22). If not input (step S22; no), the process proceeds to step S21. If the input information is the recording necessity data (step S22; Yes), the recording necessity data input in step S21 is converted into the recording necessity data in the DPOF file 61 of the recording data 6 of the memory card d by the recording means 17. 62, it is added to the image data 5a, 5b (step S23). Then, the recording necessity data addition processing ends.
[0099]
If the input information is not the recording necessity data (step S22; No), the other data input in step S21 is recorded in the DPOF file 61 of the recording data 6 of the memory card d by the recording means 17 (step S24). . Then, the recording necessity data addition processing ends.
[0100]
The image data is classified by the image data recording device 21 using the memory cards d, e, and f on which the recording necessity data 62 is recorded as described above, and the image data to be recorded is used as a second recording medium. Recorded on CD-R4. In the present embodiment, portions different from the image data recording process shown in FIG. 4 will be described. First, the memory cards d, e, and f are set in the slot means 30 in step S11. Further, the input processing of the operator in step S12 is omitted. Then, in step S13, all the image data and the recording necessity data 62 recorded on the memory cards d, e, and f are read.
[0101]
Then, in step S14, the recording necessity data 62 read out in step S13 is referred to, and all the image data recorded in the memory cards d, e, and f indicate that the recording necessity data 62 requires recording. The recording target image data is automatically classified into the recording target image data and the recording necessity data 62 is not recording target image data indicating that recording is not required. Other steps are the same as in the first embodiment.
[0102]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, all image data recorded on the memory cards d, e, and f are recorded on the basis of the recording necessity data 62 additionally recorded by the photographing devices 1D, 1E, and 1F. The image data to be recorded is classified into image data and image data not to be recorded, and is recorded on the CD-R4. For this reason, the input load of the operator is reduced without performing the input of the operator in step S12, the image data is automatically and accurately classified based on the recording necessity data 62, and the image data to be recorded is Can be recorded on CD-R4.
[0103]
In the present embodiment, the recording necessity data is added to the image data which has been photographed in advance and recorded on the memory card, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at or before photographing a subject, the photographer inputs from the input unit 12 whether image data to be photographed is to be recorded on a CD-R. Then, the recording necessity data corresponding to the input may be added to the photographed image data, and the added image data may be recorded on the memory card.
[0104]
In the present embodiment, the recording necessity data is recorded in the DPOF file. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recording necessity data may be recorded on the memory card by another method.
[0105]
Note that, in the first embodiment, a method of classifying image data based on date and time data added to the actual image data, a method of classifying image data based on an analysis result obtained by analyzing the contents of the actual image data in a modification thereof, The classification method of the image data based on the recording necessity data in the second embodiment is not limited to being executed independently. A configuration in which at least two of these classification methods are combined may be employed.
[0106]
Further, in the first embodiment, the modified example thereof, and the second embodiment, the configuration using the image data of the still image has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may be used in which moving image data is used as the image data. Further, in the first embodiment, the modified example thereof, and the second embodiment, it has been described that a plurality of image groups (for example, memory cards) have different photographers, but the same photographer has a plurality of photographers. A configuration in which image data included in an image group is captured may be adopted.
[0107]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described means and methods, but may achieve the object of the present invention and have the effects of the present invention. Can be appropriately changed and implemented.
[0108]
【The invention's effect】
According to the invention described in claim 1, 8, or 15, the image data in the plurality of image groups is classified into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded, and the classified image data to be recorded Is recorded on a recording medium. Therefore, image data to be recorded can be automatically classified from a plurality of image groups and recorded on a recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary recording of image data that is not a recording target on the recording medium. Further, since the image data is automatically classified, the burden of the classification work of the image data can be reduced, and the classification work time can be shortened.
[0109]
According to the second, ninth, or sixteenth aspect, based on the date and time data of the image data in the plurality of image groups, the image data in the plurality of image groups is determined as the image data to be recorded and the image data not to be recorded. Classify into image data. Therefore, the image data to be recorded can be accurately classified based on the date and time data and recorded on the recording medium.
[0110]
According to the invention described in claim 3, 10 or 17, based on the analysis result of the image data of the image data in the plurality of image groups, the image data in the plurality of image groups It is classified into image data not to be recorded. For this reason, even if information is not added to the image data, the image data to be recorded can be accurately classified and recorded on the recording medium based on the analysis result of the image.
[0111]
According to the fourth, eleventh or eighteenth aspects of the present invention, the image data in the plurality of image groups is recorded with the image data to be recorded based on the recording necessity data of the image data in the plurality of image groups. Classify into non-target image data. Therefore, the image data to be recorded can be accurately classified based on the recording necessity data and recorded on the recording medium.
[0112]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 5, 12 or 19, one or both of the classified image data to be recorded and the image data not to be recorded are displayed, and recording is executed based on the displayed image data. The user selects and inputs target image data, and records the target image data to be recorded on a recording medium. For this reason, it is possible to easily select the image data to be subjected to recording based on the automatically classified image data and record it on the recording medium.
[0113]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 6, 13 or 20, the reference information is input, and the image data in the plurality of image groups is recorded on the basis of the reference information. Classified as For this reason, reference information can be arbitrarily input, and image data to be recorded can be recorded on a recording medium based on the reference information.
[0114]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 7, 14, or 21, the subject is photographed, and the recording necessity data indicating whether the photographed image data requires recording on the second recording medium is selectively input, The selectively input recording necessity data is added to the photographed image data, and the image data to which the recording necessity data is added is recorded on the first recording medium. For this reason, when classifying the image data recorded on the first recording medium and recording it on the second recording medium, the classification is performed based on the recording necessity data added to the image data recorded on the first recording medium. Accurately classifying image data recorded on a first recording medium into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded, and recording the classified image data to be recorded on a second recording medium Can be.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image data recording system α according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image data recording device 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of image data 5;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of an image data recording process.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing result of image data recording processing.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the imaging devices 1D, 1E, and 1F.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of recording data 6 recorded on memory cards d, e, and f.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating recording necessity data addition processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
α ... Image data recording system
1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F ... photographing device
a, b, c, d, e, f ... memory card
2. Image data recording device
21, 11 ... CPU
211 ... Classification means
22, 15 ... memory
23 ... HDD
24, 12 ... input means
25, 14 ... display means
26, 29, 16 ... connecting means
27 Communication means
28, 17 ... recording means
30 Slot means
31 ... Motherboard
111 ... additional means
13 ... RAM
18 ... Photographing means
19. Bus
4 ... CD-R

Claims (21)

An image data recording apparatus comprising: a plurality of image groups having at least one image data; classifying the image data in the plurality of image groups and recording the classified image data on a recording medium;
Classification means for classifying image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded,
An image data recording apparatus, comprising: recording means for recording, on the recording medium, image data to be recorded classified by the classification means. The image data has date and time data,
The classification unit classifies the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded, based on date and time data of the image data in the plurality of image groups. 2. The image data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The classification means analyzes the image data of the image data in the plurality of image groups, and, based on the analysis result, converts the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded. The image data recording device according to claim 1, wherein the image data recording device is classified into: The image group has recording necessity data indicating whether each image data is a recording target,
The classifying unit classifies the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded based on the data necessity of recording the image data in the plurality of image groups. The image data recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A display unit that displays one or both of the image data of the recording target and the image data that is not the recording target classified by the classification unit,
A first input unit for selectively inputting image data to be actually recorded based on the image data displayed on the display unit,
5. The image data recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit records, on the recording medium, the image data to be recorded, which is selected and input by the first input unit. 6. apparatus. A second input unit for inputting reference information serving as a reference for classifying the image data;
The classification unit classifies the image data in the plurality of image groups into recording target image data and non-recording target image data based on the reference information input by the second input unit. The image data recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein Photographing means for photographing a subject and outputting the image data;
Input means for selectively inputting recording necessity data indicating whether image data photographed by the photographing means needs to be recorded on a second recording medium,
An adding unit that adds the recording necessity data selected and input by the input unit to the image data captured by the imaging unit;
A photographing device comprising: a recording unit that records, on a first recording medium, image data to which recording necessity data has been added by the adding unit. An image data recording method comprising: a plurality of image groups having at least one image data; classifying the image data in the plurality of image groups and recording the classified image data on a recording medium;
A classification step of classifying the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded,
Recording the classified image data to be recorded on the recording medium. The image data has date and time data,
In the classifying step, based on date and time data of the image data in the plurality of image groups, the image data in the plurality of image groups are classified into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded. The image data recording method according to claim 8, wherein In the classification step, the image data of the image data in the plurality of image groups is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the image data in the plurality of image groups is converted into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded. The image data recording method according to claim 8, wherein the image data is classified into: The image group has recording necessity data indicating whether each image data is a recording target,
In the classifying step, the image data in the plurality of image groups is classified into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded, based on the data necessity of recording the image data in the plurality of image groups. The image data recording method according to claim 8, wherein: A display step of displaying one or both of the classified recording target image data and non-recording target image data,
A first input step of selectively inputting image data to be actually recorded based on the displayed image data.
The image data recording method according to claim 8, wherein in the recording step, the image data to be subjected to the recording, which is selectively input, is recorded on the recording medium. A second input step of inputting reference information serving as a reference for classifying the image data,
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the classifying step classifies the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded based on the input reference information. 13. The image data recording method according to claim 12. A step of photographing the subject and outputting image data;
A step of selectively inputting recording necessity data indicating whether the photographed image data requires recording on a second recording medium,
A step of adding the selectively input recording necessity data to the photographed image data,
Recording the image data to which the recording necessity data is added on a first recording medium. On the computer,
A plurality of image groups having at least one image data, and a classification function of classifying image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded;
A recording function of recording the classified image data to be recorded on a recording medium. The image data has date and time data,
The classification function classifies the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded, based on date and time data of the image data in the plurality of image groups. The image data recording program according to claim 15, wherein The classification function analyzes the image data of the image data in the plurality of image groups and, based on the analysis result, converts the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded. 17. The image data recording program according to claim 15, wherein the image data recording program is classified into: The image group has recording necessity data indicating whether each image data is a recording target,
The classification function is to classify the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded based on the recording necessity data of the image data in the plurality of image groups. The image data recording program according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: To the computer,
A display function of displaying one or both of the classified recording target image data and non-recording target image data,
A first input function of selectively inputting image data to be actually recorded based on the displayed image data.
The image data recording program according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the recording function records the selected and input image data to be recorded on the recording medium. To the computer,
A second input function for inputting reference information serving as a reference for classifying image data is realized,
The method according to claim 15, wherein the classification function classifies the image data in the plurality of image groups into image data to be recorded and image data not to be recorded based on the input reference information. 17. An image data recording program according to any one of claims 19 to 19. On the computer,
A function of shooting a subject and outputting image data,
A function of selectively inputting recording necessity data as to whether or not the photographed image data requires recording on a second recording medium;
A function of adding the selectively input recording necessity data to the photographed image data,
An image data recording program for realizing a function of recording the image data to which the recording necessity data is added on a first recording medium.

Images