JP2006053840A - Image classifying device, image classifying method, image classifying program and imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To classify an image by accurately reflecting an intention of a user, while reducing a burden of the user, when classifying the image on the basis of the imaging date. <P>SOLUTION: This image classifying device classifies the image of associatively storing information for indicating the imaging date; and has an image selecting part for selecting at least a partial image from a plurality of images on the basis of instruction of the user, an imaging period detecting part for detecting an imaging period being a period including the whole imaging dates in at least respective partial images on the basis of information for indicating the imaging date corresponding to at least the respective selected partial images, an imaging period storage part for storing information for indicating the imaging period, an imaging period extracting part for extracting the information for indicating the imaging period including the imaging date of one image from information for indicating a plurality of imaging periods, and an image classifying part for classifying the one image by associating information for indicating the extracted imaging period with the one image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image classification device, an image classification method, an image classification program, and an imaging device. In particular, the present invention relates to an image classification apparatus, an image classification method, an image classification program, and an imaging apparatus for classifying captured images, in which images that store information indicating the imaging date and time are associated and stored.

  In recent years, digital cameras have become widespread. Since digital cameras do not require film when capturing and recording images, digital camera users tend to capture more images than when using silver halide cameras. In recent years, the capacity of storage media used for digital cameras has been increasing, and the number of images taken by users tends to increase.

  For this reason, there is an increasing need to classify images so that a user of a digital camera can easily search for a desired image from a large number of captured images. The problem is that the burden on the user is very large.

  Thus, a technique is disclosed in which images are classified into a plurality of groups based on the image capturing date and time and displayed in units of groups (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-141130 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, images are classified for each period with different imaging frequencies. However, with this method, when the imaging frequency in a specific period has changed significantly, such as when more images than usual were taken during a trip, the images captured during that period are grouped and classified. However, it is not possible to classify images captured in periods before and after each other whose imaging frequency does not change significantly into different groups.

  The user wants to classify images not only in the period in which the imaging frequency changes but also in various periods such as yearly and seasonal units. It is not possible to perform classification that accurately reflects. For this reason, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the user may not be able to sufficiently solve the problem of easily searching for a desired image.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image classification device, an image classification method, an image classification program, and an imaging device that can solve the above-described problems. This object is achieved by a combination of features described in the independent claims. The dependent claims define further advantageous specific examples of the present invention.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the first embodiment of the present invention, an image classification device that classifies images in which information indicating imaging date and time is stored in association with each other, based on a user instruction, An image selection unit that selects at least some images from a plurality of images, and imaging in each of at least some images based on information indicating the imaging date and time corresponding to each of the selected at least some images From an imaging period detector that detects an imaging period that is a period including all of the date and time, an imaging period storage that stores information indicating the imaging period, and information that indicates a plurality of imaging periods stored in the imaging period storage An image period extracting unit for extracting information indicating an imaging period including the imaging date and time of one image, and an image for classifying one image by associating the extracted information indicating the imaging period with one image And a part.

  The imaging period detection unit has a predetermined period with respect to the last imaging date and time from a point in time at which a predetermined period is set with respect to the earliest imaging date and time among the imaging dates and times in at least some of the images. A period up to the time point when only elapses may be detected as an imaging period. When one imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit and another imaging period that has already been detected and information is stored in the imaging period storage unit overlap at least in a part of the period, another imaging period An imaging period updating unit that updates information indicating other imaging periods stored in the imaging period storage unit in a period excluding a period that overlaps with one imaging period may be further provided. Others stored in the imaging period storage unit in a period including both one imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit and other imaging periods that have already been detected and stored in the imaging period storage unit You may further provide the imaging period update part which updates the information which shows this imaging period. The imaging period update unit uses, as another imaging period, an imaging period selected by the user among at least one imaging period located before and after one imaging period in which the imaging period storage unit stores information. Also good.

  The image processing apparatus further includes a name assignment unit that assigns a name to the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit, and the imaging period storage unit stores information indicating the imaging period and the name assigned to the imaging period in association with each other, and stores the image The classification unit may classify one image by associating a name corresponding to the extracted imaging period with one image. The name assigning unit may assign the name input by the user to the imaging period. The name assignment unit includes a face image storage unit that stores a face image and information indicating the date of birth of the person representing the face image, and a plurality of face images stored in the face image storage unit. A face image detection unit for detecting a face image most frequently included in at least some images, and information indicating a person's date of birth indicating the face image detected by the face image detection unit is extracted from the face image storage unit And a name generation unit that generates a name of the imaging period based on the information indicating the imaging period and the extracted birth date, and assigns the name to the imaging period.

  The image classification unit may classify one image by recording a name corresponding to the extracted information indicating the imaging period as tag information of an image file indicating the one image. The image classification unit may classify the one image by storing the image file indicating the one image in a directory having a name including the name corresponding to the extracted information indicating the imaging period.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image classification method for classifying an image in which information indicating an imaging date is stored in association with each other, and at least from a plurality of images based on a user instruction. An image selection stage for selecting some images, and a period including all of the imaging dates and times for each of the at least some images based on the information indicating the imaging dates and times corresponding to each of the selected at least some images From the imaging period detection stage for detecting the imaging period, the imaging period storage stage for storing information indicating the imaging period, and the information indicating the plurality of imaging periods stored in the imaging period storage stage, the imaging date and time of one image An imaging period extracting stage for extracting information indicating an imaging period including the image, and an image classification stage for classifying one image by associating the extracted information indicating the imaging period with one image Equipped with a.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image classification program for causing a computer to function as an image classification device for classifying an image in which information indicating an imaging date is stored in association with the computer. An image selection unit that selects at least some images from the plurality of images based on the instruction, and at least some images based on information indicating the imaging date and time corresponding to each of the selected at least some images An imaging period detection unit that detects an imaging period that is a period including all of the imaging dates and times in each of the images, an imaging period storage unit that stores information indicating the imaging period, and a plurality of imaging images stored in the imaging period storage unit An imaging period extracting unit that extracts information indicating an imaging period including the imaging date and time of one image from information indicating a period, and information indicating the extracted imaging period is associated with one image. By attaching, to function as an image classification apparatus and an image classifying unit for classifying an image.

  In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the imaging device classifies images, and stores an image capturing unit that captures an image, an image, and information indicating the date and time of capturing the image in association with each other. And an image selection unit that selects at least some images from a plurality of images based on a user's instruction, and information indicating imaging date and time corresponding to each of the selected at least some images An imaging period detector that detects an imaging period that includes all of the imaging dates and times of at least some of the images, an imaging period storage that stores information indicating the imaging period, and an imaging period storage. An imaging period extracting unit that extracts information indicating an imaging period including the imaging date and time of one image from information indicating a plurality of imaging periods, and by associating the extracted information indicating the imaging period with one image , And an image classifying unit for classifying an image.

  The above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention, and sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be the invention.

  According to the present invention, when images are classified based on the shooting date and time, classification that accurately reflects the user's intention can be performed while reducing the burden on the user.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the scope of claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are included. It is not necessarily essential for the solution of the invention.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image classification device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image classification device 10 is a personal computer (PC), for example, and classifies images captured by an imaging device such as a digital camera. In particular, the image classification device 10 classifies images in which information indicating the imaging date is stored in association with each other. Here, the information indicating the imaging date and time is information indicating the date and time acquired by a calendar and a clock included in the imaging device when the image is captured, for example. Further, information indicating the imaging date and time may be stored in association with the image as tag information in an Exif (Exchangeable image file) format.

  The image classification device 10 includes a first image storage unit 100, an image selection unit 110, an imaging period detection unit 120, a name assignment unit 130, an imaging period storage unit 140, an imaging period update unit 150, an imaging period extraction unit 160, and an image classification unit. 170 and a second image storage unit 180. The image classification device 10 stores the image stored in the first image storage unit 100 in the second image storage unit 180 in association with the name assigned in the period including the imaging date and time of the image. And classify the image.

  The image classification device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention uses the period when the image captured by the imaging device is classified in association with the name assigned to the period including the imaging date and time of the image. The purpose is to perform classification by reflecting the user's intention more accurately by making the user select a plurality of images.

  The first image storage unit 100 stores each of a plurality of images captured by the imaging device in association with information indicating the imaging date and time of the image. The first image storage unit 100 may be, for example, a semiconductor recording medium such as a flash memory used as a recording medium in a digital camera, and may be another recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a storage device such as a hard disk drive. There may be. The image selection unit 110 selects at least a part of images from the plurality of images stored in the first image storage unit 100 based on a user instruction. Then, the image selection unit 110 outputs the selected image to the imaging period detection unit 120 and the imaging period extraction unit 160.

  The imaging period detection unit 120, based on information indicating the imaging date and time corresponding to each of the images selected by the image selection unit 110, an imaging period that is a period including all of the imaging dates and times in each of the selected images. To detect. Then, the imaging period detection unit 120 outputs the selected image and information indicating the detected imaging period to the name assignment unit 130 and the imaging period update unit 150. The name assignment unit 130 assigns a name to the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120. For example, the name assignment unit 130 assigns the name input by the user to the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120. Then, the name assignment unit 130 outputs the image selected by the image selection unit 110, information indicating the detected imaging period, and the name assigned to the imaging period to the imaging period storage unit 140 and the image classification unit 170.

  The imaging period storage unit 140 stores information indicating the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120 and the name assigned to the imaging period by the name assignment unit 130 in association with each other. The imaging period update unit 150 updates the information indicating the imaging period stored in the imaging period storage unit 140 based on the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120. In addition, the imaging period update unit 150 stores the image selected by the image selection unit 110, the information indicating the updated imaging period, and the name stored in the imaging period storage unit 140 in association with the information indicating the updated imaging period. Is output to the image classification unit 170.

  The imaging period extraction unit 160 extracts information indicating an imaging period including the imaging date and time of the image selected by the image selection unit 110 from information indicating a plurality of imaging periods stored in the imaging period storage unit 140. Then, the imaging period extraction unit 160 displays the selected image, the information indicating the extracted imaging period, and the name stored in the imaging period storage unit 140 in association with the information indicating the imaging period. Output to.

  The image classification unit 170 receives the image selected by the image selection unit 110 from at least one of the name assignment unit 130, the imaging period update unit 150, and the imaging period extraction unit 160. When the image classification unit 170 receives an image from the name assignment unit 130, the image classification unit 170 is further assigned from the name assignment unit 130 to the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120, specifically, to the imaging period. The received image is stored in the second image storage unit 180 in association with the received image, thereby classifying the received image. When the image classification unit 170 receives an image from the imaging period update unit 150, the image classification unit 170 further receives the updated imaging period, specifically the name assigned to the imaging period, received from the imaging period update unit 150. The received images are classified by being stored in the second image storage unit 180 in association with the received images. When the image classification unit 170 receives an image from the imaging period extraction unit 160, the image classification unit 170 further receives the extracted imaging period, specifically the name assigned to the imaging period, received from the imaging period extraction unit 160. The received images are classified by being stored in the second image storage unit 180 in association with the received images. The second image storage unit 180 stores the image classified by the image classification unit 170 and the name of the imaging period associated with the image. The second image storage unit 180 may be a storage device such as a hard disk drive, or may be a recording medium such as a flash memory.

  According to the image classification device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when an image is classified based on an imaging period, the user can specify the imaging period by selecting an image. Therefore, classification that accurately reflects the user's intention can be performed, and the user can more intuitively control the classification as compared with the case where the imaging period is directly input by characters or the like. In addition, since it is possible to automatically classify other images only by specifying the imaging period once, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user in classifying the images.

  In addition, according to the image classification device 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since the image is classified by associating the name assigned to the imaging period with the image, the user classifies each imaging period. It is possible to easily grasp the contents of the displayed image. Furthermore, the user is classified into each imaging period by causing the user to select an image and to input a name assigned to the period during which the selected image was captured in order to specify the imaging period. The contents of the image can be grasped more easily.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the imaging period storage unit 140 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The imaging period storage unit 140 stores the imaging period and the name assigned to the imaging period in association with each other. For example, the imaging period storage unit 140 stores a set of the start date / time and end date / time of the imaging period as the imaging period. Here, the imaging period storage unit 140 may associate one set of start date / time and end date / time with one name, or may associate a plurality of sets of start date / time and end date / time.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of processing in the imaging period update unit 150 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows an imaging period 200 in which information is stored in the imaging period storage unit 140. FIG. 3B shows the imaging period 210 detected by the imaging period detection unit 120.

  The imaging period update unit 150 includes at least a part of one imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120 and another imaging period in which information has already been detected and stored in the imaging period storage unit 140. In the case of overlapping, information indicating the other imaging period stored in the imaging period storage unit 140 is updated in a period obtained by excluding a period overlapping with the one imaging period from the other imaging period. Specifically, the imaging period update unit 150 includes an imaging period 210 detected by the imaging period detection unit 120 and an imaging period 200 that has already been detected and information is stored in the imaging period storage unit 140. As shown in the figure, when overlapping at least in a part of the period, it is stored in the imaging period storage unit 140 in the period excluding the period overlapping the imaging period 210 from the imaging period 200, that is, the imaging period 220 and the imaging period 230. The information indicating the current imaging period 200 is updated. More specifically, when the imaging period 210 is detected in a state where the imaging period 200 is stored with the name “first grader in middle school” and the name “summer vacation of the first grader” is assigned, the imaging period is finally reached. The period storage unit 140 stores an imaging period 220 and an imaging period 230 named “first grader in middle school”, and an imaging period 210 named “summer vacation of first grader in middle school”.

  Here, when the information indicating the imaging period 200 stored in the imaging period storage unit 140 is updated by the imaging period update unit 150, the imaging date / time is an image included in the imaging period 210 and already corresponds to the imaging period 200. The attached image may remain classified in association with the imaging period 200, and the classification may be changed by associating with the imaging period 210.

  According to the image classification device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in a state where a certain imaging period is stored in the imaging period storage unit 140, an imaging period included in the imaging period is set as a new imaging period. Can be stored. This allows for flexible classification, for example, classifying images for each predetermined period such as yearly units, and independently classifying images for a specific period, such as images taken at a travel destination. Can do.

  FIG. 4 shows another example of processing in the imaging period update unit 150 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A shows an imaging period 300 and an imaging period 310 in which information is stored in the imaging period storage unit 140. FIG. 4B shows the imaging period 320 detected by the imaging period detection unit 120.

  The imaging period update unit 150 performs imaging in a period including both one imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120 and another imaging period that has already been detected and information is stored in the imaging period storage unit 140. Information indicating the other imaging period stored in the period storage unit 140 is updated. Specifically, the imaging period update unit 150 includes a period including both the imaging period 320 detected by the imaging period detection unit 120 and the imaging period 300 that has already been detected and information is stored in the imaging period storage unit 140. That is, in the imaging period 330, information indicating the imaging period 300 stored by the imaging period storage unit 140 is updated.

  Here, the imaging period update unit 150 is operated by the user among at least one imaging period located before and after the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120 in which the imaging period storage unit 140 stores information. The selected imaging period may be an imaging period to be updated. Specifically, the imaging period update unit 150 may update the imaging period selected by the user from among the imaging period 300 and the imaging period 310 located before and after the detected imaging period 320. . More specifically, the imaging period update unit 150 displays the names assigned to the imaging period 300 and the imaging period 310 on the display device provided in the image classification device 10, and notifies the user of either one of them. Let the name be selected. Then, the imaging period update unit 150 updates information indicating the imaging period corresponding to the name selected by the user in a period including both the imaging period corresponding to the name selected by the user and the imaging period 320. .

  According to the image classification device 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, after the user designates the imaging period once, the imaging period includes a longer imaging period including the imaging date and time of other images. If you want to update to an extended period of time, instead of selecting all the images included in the longer imaging period, including images that have already been classified, specify only the images included in the extended period. Since the period can be updated, convenience is improved. In addition, since it can be specified by selecting an imaging period to be updated from an already stored imaging period, specifically, a name corresponding to the imaging period, the user can more intuitively update the imaging period to be updated. Can be specified.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the name assignment unit 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an example of the face image storage unit 132 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, it has been described that the name assignment unit 130 assigns the name input by the user to the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120. Instead, the name assignment unit 130 selects the image selection unit 130. A name may be automatically generated based on the image selected by the unit 110, and the generated name may be assigned to the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120. In this figure, a process when the name assignment unit 130 automatically generates a name assigned to the imaging period will be described.

  The name assignment unit 130 includes a face image storage unit 132, a face image detection unit 134, a birth date extraction unit 136, and a name generation unit 138. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the face image storage unit 132 stores a face image and information indicating the date of birth of the person representing the face image in association with each other. The face image detection unit 134 detects a face image that is most frequently included in the images selected by the image selection unit 110 among the plurality of face images stored in the face image storage unit 132. For example, the face image detection unit 134 uses each of the plurality of face images stored in the face image storage unit 132 as a pattern image, and performs known pattern matching on each of the images selected by the image selection unit 110. By performing the processing, a face image that is most frequently included in the image selected by the image selection unit 110 may be detected. Then, the face image detection unit 134 outputs information indicating the detected face image to the birth date extraction unit 136. The date of birth extraction unit 136 extracts information indicating the date of birth of the person representing the face image detected by the face image detection unit 134 from the face image storage unit 132. In other words, the date of birth extraction unit 136 acquires the date of birth of the person most frequently included as an object in the image selected by the image selection unit 110. Then, the birth date extraction unit 136 outputs information indicating the extracted birth date to the name generation unit 138.

  The name generation unit 138 generates a name of the detected imaging period based on the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120 and the information indicating the date of birth extracted by the birth date extraction unit 136, Assign to the imaging period. For example, the name generation unit 138 calculates an age or an age range corresponding to the detected imaging period in the extracted person, and a name indicating the age or age range, specifically “ A name such as “10 years old” or “3 to 5 years old” may be generated. Further, the name generation unit 138 may generate a name indicating a grade or a range of grades such as “elementary school fifth grader”, “junior high school student”, and “high school second grader to third grader” instead of age. In addition, the name generation unit 138 may generate a name using a phrase indicating the season corresponding to the imaging period and a phrase indicating the date and time. In addition, the face image storage unit 132 may store the name of the person in association with the face image and information indicating the date of birth of the person representing the face image. The name may be generated using the name of the person who is born.

  According to the image classification device 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, images classified into respective imaging periods based on the age of a person who is a main subject without causing the user to input a name. The name that can be easily grasped by the user can be automatically generated and assigned to each imaging period, so the user can easily search for the desired image from the classified images In addition, while making it possible to refer to it, it is possible to greatly reduce the burden on the user in classifying images.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the image classification device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image classification device 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention allows a user to select an image, thereby specifying an imaging period used for image classification, and an image using an already specified imaging period. Two processes are performed, that is, a process for classifying the data. In this figure, the former process of causing the user to select an image and specifying an imaging period will be described.

  First, the image selection unit 110 selects at least some images from a plurality of images stored in the first image storage unit 100 based on a user instruction (S1000). For example, the image selection unit 110 displays a list of thumbnail images of images stored in the first image storage unit 100 on a display device provided in the image classification device 10. Then, the image selection unit 110 causes the user to select a plurality of thumbnail images using, for example, a mouse. Then, the image selection unit 110 selects each of the images stored in the first image storage unit 100 corresponding to each of the plurality of thumbnail images selected by the user.

  Subsequently, the imaging period detection unit 120 detects an imaging period that is a period including all of the imaging dates and times in each of the images selected by the image selection unit 110 (S1010). Here, the imaging period detection unit 120 is the last imaging date and time from the time point that is a predetermined period before the earliest imaging date and time among the imaging dates and times in each of the images selected by the image selection unit 110. In contrast, a period up to the time point when a predetermined period has elapsed may be detected as the imaging period. In this case, the period that goes back with respect to the earliest imaging date and time and the period that elapses with respect to the last imaging date and time may be equal to each other or may be different from each other. As described above, when the imaging period is detected, by providing a margin before and after the period to be detected, the imaging is performed immediately before the earliest imaging date or immediately after the last imaging date and time among the imaging dates and times of the selected image. Since the selected image can be classified as an image in the same imaging period as the selected image, it is possible to classify the image more accurately reflecting the user's intention.

  Subsequently, the image classification device 10 uses the detected imaging period to determine whether to update the information indicating the existing imaging period, that is, the imaging period already stored by the imaging period storage unit 140 (S1020). . For example, the image classification device 10 may determine whether or not to update the imaging period based on a user instruction given by an input unit (not shown). When updating the information indicating the existing imaging period (S1020: Yes), the imaging period updating unit 150 determines whether to reduce or extend the existing imaging period using the detected imaging period (S1030). . For example, the imaging period update unit 150 may determine whether to reduce or extend the imaging period based on a user instruction given by an input unit (not shown).

  When the existing imaging period is reduced (S1030: Yes), the imaging period update unit 150 detects the imaging period detection unit 120 from the imaging periods stored in the imaging period storage unit 140 as illustrated in FIG. The imaging period stored by the imaging period storage unit 140 is updated with a reduced period excluding the captured imaging period (S1040). Then, when the existing imaging period is not updated (S1020: No), or when the imaging period is reduced and updated (S1040), the name assignment unit 130 names the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120. Is assigned (S1050). Subsequently, the imaging period storage unit 140 stores the information indicating the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit 120 and the name assigned to the imaging period by the name assignment unit 130 in association with each other (S1060).

  On the other hand, when the existing imaging period is extended and updated (S1030: No), the imaging period updating unit 150, as shown in FIG. 4, the imaging period stored in the imaging period storage unit 140, and the imaging period Information indicating the imaging period stored in the imaging period storage unit 140 is updated with an extended period including both the imaging period detected by the detection unit 120 (S1070). When the imaging period is stored (S1060), the image classification unit 170 stores the image selected by the image selection unit 110 in the second image storage unit 180 in association with the name assigned by the name assignment unit 130. Thus, the image is classified (S1080). When the existing imaging period is extended and updated (S1070), the image classification unit 170 captures the image selected by the image selection unit 110 in association with the imaging period updated by the imaging period update unit 150. The image is classified by being stored in the second image storage unit 180 in association with the name stored in the period storage unit 140 (S1080).

  Here, the image classification unit 170 may classify the image by recording a name associated with the image to be classified as tag information of an image file indicating the image. For example, the image classification unit 170 may store the name of the image as Exif format tag information in the image file indicating the image to be classified. Thereby, even when an image file indicating each image is moved to a device different from the image classification device 10, the classification result can be easily referred to. Further, the image classification unit 170 may classify the image by storing an image file indicating the image to be classified in a directory having a name including a name associated with the image. Accordingly, the user can easily refer to the classification result in a device such as a PC which is the image classification device 10.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing flow in the image classification apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a process for classifying images based on information indicating an imaging period already stored in the imaging period storage unit 140 will be described. First, the image selection unit 110 selects at least some images from a plurality of images stored in the first image storage unit 100 based on a user instruction (S1100). Here, the user's instruction is not limited to an explicit instruction by an operation of selecting an image or the like. For example, all the images stored in the first image storage unit 100 without performing an explicit instruction. May be selected by the image selection unit 110.

  Subsequently, the imaging period extraction unit 160 extracts information indicating the imaging period including the imaging date and time of the image selected by the image selection unit 110 from the information indicating the plurality of imaging periods stored in the imaging period storage unit 140. At the same time, the name associated with the information indicating the imaging period is extracted from the imaging period storage unit 140 (S1110). Then, the image classification unit 170 stores, for each image selected by the image selection unit 110, the name extracted for the image in the second image storage unit 180 in association with the image. Are classified (S1120).

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the imaging device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device 20 is, for example, a digital camera or a mobile phone terminal provided with a camera function, and captures images and classifies the captured images.

  When the imaging device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention classifies the captured image in association with the name assigned to the period including the imaging date and time of the image, The purpose is to perform classification by reflecting a user's intention more accurately by selecting a plurality of images.

  The imaging device 20 includes an imaging unit 400, an imaging date acquisition unit 410, a first image storage unit 100, an image selection unit 110, an imaging period detection unit 120, a name assignment unit 130, an imaging period storage unit 140, an imaging period update unit 150, An imaging period extraction unit 160, an image classification unit 170, and a second image storage unit 180 are provided. Of the members shown in this figure, only the differences from FIG. 1 will be described for members having the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG.

  The imaging unit 400 captures an image and outputs digital image data indicating the captured image to the first image storage unit 100. The imaging date and time acquisition unit 410 acquires information indicating the date and time when an image is captured by the imaging unit 400 using, for example, a calendar and a clock included in the imaging device 20, and uses the acquired information and information indicating the imaging date and time as the first image storage unit 100. Output to. The first image storage unit 100 stores an image captured by the imaging unit 400 and information indicating the imaging date and time of the image in association with each other. Then, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, the imaging device 20 stores the imaging period and the name assigned to the imaging period in association with each other and stores the image stored in the first image storage unit 100. The image is classified by being stored in the second image storage unit 180 in association with the name assigned to the imaging period including the imaging date and time of the image.

  According to the imaging device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the name assigned to the imaging period specified by the user selecting and specifying the image is associated with the captured image without using a device such as a PC. Thus, the captured image can be classified more accurately reflecting the user's intention.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 1500 according to the embodiment of the present invention. A computer 1500 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU peripheral unit having a CPU 1505, a RAM 1520, a graphic controller 1575, and a display device 1580 connected to each other by a host controller 1582, and a host controller 1582 by an input / output controller 1584. I / O unit having a communication interface 1530, a hard disk drive 1540, and a CD-ROM drive 1560 connected to the I / O controller, and a legacy input having a ROM 1510, a flexible disk drive 1550, and an I / O chip 1570 connected to the I / O controller 1584. And an output unit.

  The host controller 1582 connects the RAM 1520 to the CPU 1505 and the graphic controller 1575 that access the RAM 1520 at a high transfer rate. The CPU 1505 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1510 and the RAM 1520 and controls each unit. The graphic controller 1575 acquires image data generated by the CPU 1505 and the like on a frame buffer provided in the RAM 1520 and displays the image data on the display device 1580. Alternatively, the graphic controller 1575 may include a frame buffer that stores image data generated by the CPU 1505 or the like.

  The input / output controller 1584 connects the host controller 1582 to the hard disk drive 1540, the communication interface 1530, and the CD-ROM drive 1560, which are relatively high-speed input / output devices. The hard disk drive 1540 stores programs and data used by the CPU 1505 in the computer 1500. The communication interface 1530 communicates with the imaging device 20 via a network, and provides programs and data to the imaging device 20. The CD-ROM drive 1560 reads a program or data from the CD-ROM 1595 and provides it to the hard disk drive 1540 and the communication interface 1530 via the RAM 1520.

  The input / output controller 1584 is connected to the ROM 1510, the flexible disk drive 1550, and the relatively low-speed input / output device of the input / output chip 1570. The ROM 1510 stores a boot program executed when the computer 1500 is started up, a program depending on the hardware of the computer 1500, and the like. The flexible disk drive 1550 reads a program or data from the flexible disk 1590 and provides it to the hard disk drive 1540 and the communication interface 1530 via the RAM 1520. The input / output chip 1570 connects various input / output devices via a flexible disk drive 1550 and, for example, a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, and the like.

  A program provided to the hard disk drive 1540 via the RAM 1520 is stored in a recording medium such as the flexible disk 1590, the CD-ROM 1595, or an IC card and provided by the user. The program is read from the recording medium, installed in the hard disk drive 1540 in the computer 1500 via the RAM 1520, and executed by the CPU 1505. A program installed and executed on the computer 1500 works on the CPU 1505 and the like to cause the computer 1500 to function as the image classification apparatus 10 described with reference to FIGS.

  A program provided to the communication interface 1530 via the RAM 1520 is stored in a recording medium such as the flexible disk 1590, the CD-ROM 1595, or an IC card and provided by the user. The program is read from the recording medium, provided to the communication interface 1530 via the RAM 1520, and transmitted to the imaging device 20 via the network. The program transmitted to the imaging device 20 is installed and executed in the imaging device 20. The program installed and executed in the imaging device 20 causes the imaging device 20 to function as the imaging device 20 described with reference to FIGS.

  The program shown above may be stored in an external storage medium. As the storage medium, in addition to the flexible disk 1590 and the CD-ROM 1595, an optical recording medium such as a DVD or PD, a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MD, a tape medium, a semiconductor memory such as an IC card, or the like can be used. Further, a storage device such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet may be used as a recording medium, and the program may be provided to the computer 1500 via the network.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the image classification device 10 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the imaging period storage part 140 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the process in the imaging period update part 150 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the process in the imaging period update part 150 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the name allocation part 130 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the face image storage part 132 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a process in the image classification device 10 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the flow of a process in the image classification device 10 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the imaging device 20 which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer 1500 concerning embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image classification device, 20 Imaging device, 100 1st image storage part, 110 Image selection part, 120 Imaging period detection part, 130 Name allocation part, 132 Face image storage part, 134 Face image detection part, 136 Birth date extraction part 138 Name generation unit, 140 imaging period storage unit, 150 imaging period update unit, 160 imaging period extraction unit, 170 image classification unit, 180 second image storage unit, 200 to 230 imaging period, 300 to 330 imaging period, 400 imaging Unit, 410 imaging date and time acquisition unit

Claims (13)

An image classification device for classifying images in which information indicating imaging date and time is stored in association with each other,
An image selection unit that selects at least some of the images from the plurality of images based on a user instruction;
An imaging period detection for detecting an imaging period that is a period including all of the imaging dates and times in each of the at least some images, based on information indicating the imaging dates and times corresponding to each of the selected at least some images And
An imaging period storage unit for storing information indicating the imaging period;
An imaging period extraction unit that extracts information indicating the imaging period including the imaging date and time of the one image from information indicating the plurality of imaging periods stored in the imaging period storage unit;
An image classification apparatus comprising: an image classification unit that classifies the one image by associating the extracted information indicating the imaging period with the one image.   The imaging period detector is configured to determine the last imaging date and time from a time point that is a predetermined period before the earliest imaging date and time among imaging dates and times in each of the at least some images. The image classification device according to claim 1, wherein a period up to a point in time when a predetermined period has elapsed is detected as the imaging period.   When one imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit and another imaging period that has already been detected and information is stored by the imaging period storage unit overlap in at least a part of the period, The imaging period update part which updates the information which shows the other imaging period stored by the imaging period storage part in the period except the period which overlaps with the one imaging period from the other imaging period. Item 2. The image classification device according to Item 1.   In the period including both the one imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit and the other imaging period that has already been detected and information is stored in the imaging period storage unit, the imaging period storage unit The image classification device according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging period updating unit that updates information indicating the stored other imaging period.   The imaging period update unit selects the imaging period selected by the user among at least one imaging period located before and after the one imaging period in which the imaging period storage unit stores information. The image classification apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the other imaging period is set. A name assigning unit that assigns a name to the imaging period detected by the imaging period detection unit;
The imaging period storage unit stores information indicating the imaging period and the name assigned to the imaging period in association with each other,
The image classification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image classification unit classifies the one image by associating the name corresponding to the extracted imaging period with the one image.   The image classification device according to claim 6, wherein the name assignment unit assigns the name input by the user to the imaging period. The name assigning unit
A face image storage unit that stores a face image and information indicating the date of birth of the person representing the face image in association with each other;
A face image detection unit that detects the face image that is most frequently included in the at least some of the plurality of face images stored in the face image storage unit;
A birth date extraction unit that extracts information indicating the date of birth of the person representing the face image detected by the face image detection unit from the face image storage unit;
The image classification device according to claim 6, further comprising: a name generation unit that generates the name of the imaging period based on the imaging period and the extracted information indicating the date of birth, and assigns the name to the imaging period.   The image classification unit classifies the one image by recording the name corresponding to the extracted information indicating the imaging period as tag information of an image file indicating the one image. The image classification device described.   The image classification unit classifies the one image by storing an image file indicating the one image in a directory having a name including the name corresponding to the extracted information indicating the imaging period. 6. The image classification device according to 6. An image classification method for classifying an image in which information indicating an imaging date and time is stored in association with each other,
An image selection step of selecting at least some of the images from the plurality of images based on a user instruction;
An imaging period detection for detecting an imaging period that is a period including all of the imaging dates and times in each of the at least some images, based on information indicating the imaging dates and times corresponding to each of the selected at least some images Stages,
An imaging period storage stage for storing information indicating the imaging period;
An imaging period extracting step of extracting information indicating the imaging period including the imaging date and time of one image from a plurality of information indicating the imaging periods stored in the imaging period storage stage;
An image classification method comprising: classifying the one image by associating the extracted information indicating the imaging period with the one image. An image classification program that causes a computer to function as an image classification device that classifies images stored in association with information indicating imaging date and time,
The computer,
An image selection unit that selects at least some of the images from the plurality of images based on a user instruction;
An imaging period detection for detecting an imaging period that is a period including all of the imaging dates and times in each of the at least some images, based on information indicating the imaging dates and times corresponding to each of the selected at least some images And
An imaging period storage unit for storing information indicating the imaging period;
An imaging period extraction unit that extracts information indicating the imaging period including the imaging date and time of the one image from information indicating the plurality of imaging periods stored in the imaging period storage unit;
An image classification program that functions as an image classification device including an image classification unit that classifies the one image by associating the extracted information indicating the imaging period with the one image. An imaging device for classifying images,
An imaging unit that captures the image;
An image storage unit that stores the image and information indicating the image capturing date and time of the image in association with each other;
An image selection unit that selects at least some of the images from the plurality of images based on a user instruction;
An imaging period detection for detecting an imaging period that is a period including all of the imaging dates and times in each of the at least some images, based on information indicating the imaging dates and times corresponding to each of the selected at least some images And
An imaging period storage unit for storing information indicating the imaging period;
An imaging period extraction unit that extracts information indicating the imaging period including the imaging date and time of the one image from information indicating the plurality of imaging periods stored in the imaging period storage unit;
An imaging apparatus comprising: an image classification unit that classifies the one image by associating the extracted information indicating the imaging period with the one image.

Images