JP2006197140A - Imaging device and information providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device and an information providing system capable of preventing the deterioration of image quality, thereby acquiring an image signal excellent in the color reproducing precision of an object. <P>SOLUTION: In a digital camera 1 which is instructed to acquire weather information from a user, a control part 10 specifies a location on the basis of a radio wave to be received from a GPS receiver 15, and acquires weather information corresponding to the specified location and the current time from a server device 3. The control part 10 compares weather selected on the basis of image signals successively acquired after power supply with weather shown by the weather information acquired from the server device 3, and determines the final weather, and decides a parameter in AE control processing and white balance processing corresponding to the decided weather. Then, the control part 10 performs AE control based on the decided parameter, and performs imaging processing by an imaging part 16, and performs white balance processing based on the decided parameter to the acquired image signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that performs an imaging process according to weather information corresponding to an imaging location, and an information providing system capable of providing information to the imaging apparatus via a network.

  Digital cameras that can record image signals obtained by taking still images and moving images on a recording medium have become widespread. In recent years, digital cameras that can be connected to the Internet or a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) have been put into practical use. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). Such a digital camera performs various control processes at the time of shooting and the obtained image signal in order to accurately reproduce the color of the subject. For example, at the time of shooting, an AE (Auto Exposure) control process that automatically controls the amount of light input from the lens is performed, and the acquired image signal is an RGB image that maintains an appropriate white balance. White balance processing is performed to generate a signal.

Specifically, when the power is turned on and the digital camera is set to the shooting mode, the digital camera starts acquisition of an image signal by light input from the lens, and based on the sequentially acquired image signal, Specify parameters for white balance processing. When the user operates the shutter button, an AE control process based on the specified parameter is performed, an image signal is captured, and various signal processes including a white balance process based on the specified parameter are performed. As a result, it is possible to take an image with a good color reproduction of the subject.
JP 2003-274320 A

  When the above-described digital camera specifies parameters in the AE control process and the white balance process, the current weather is identified as clear, cloudy, or rain based on the color information of the image signals that are sequentially acquired. May be used for the AE control process and the white balance process. Here, since the color information of the image signal acquired by the digital camera includes information based on the color temperature of a light source such as natural light and a flash and the color component of the subject itself, based on such color information. May not be able to identify the appropriate weather. Therefore, if the weather is specified incorrectly, the appropriate AE control process and white balance process cannot be performed, and thus there is a problem that deterioration of image quality may not be prevented.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is to perform various processes in accordance with judgments based on objective weather information from external devices as well as judgments by own devices. An object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus and an information providing system capable of acquiring an image signal with good color reproduction accuracy of a subject while preventing deterioration of image quality.

  Another object of the present invention is to perform various processes in accordance with the judgment based on the weather information based on the image signal acquired by its own device and the objective weather information from the external device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image pickup apparatus and an information providing system that can further improve the color reproduction accuracy of the image.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes, from an external device, detection means for detecting a position and weather information corresponding to the position detected by the detection means in an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that acquires an image signal according to a required imaging condition. Weather acquisition means for acquiring, and the imaging unit is configured to change imaging conditions according to weather information acquired by the weather acquisition means.

  According to the present invention, an imaging device that acquires an image signal according to a required imaging condition acquires weather information corresponding to a position from an external device, and changes the imaging condition according to the acquired weather information. Therefore, since the image signal is acquired according to the imaging condition changed according to the weather information acquired from the external device, the imaging based on the objective weather information from the external device as well as the imaging condition based on the determination process by the own device. Imaging under conditions is possible.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the imaging unit is configured to change imaging conditions according to an image signal to be acquired and weather information acquired by the weather acquisition means.

  According to the present invention, an imaging device that acquires an image signal according to a required imaging condition changes the imaging condition according to weather information corresponding to the acquired image signal and position. Therefore, not only imaging conditions based on image signals acquired by the device itself but also imaging conditions based on objective weather information from an external device can be captured.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention is a detection that detects a position in an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging unit that acquires an image signal and a processing unit that performs signal processing based on a required processing condition on the image signal acquired by the imaging unit. And a weather acquisition unit that acquires weather information corresponding to the position detected by the detection unit from an external device, and the processing unit changes a processing condition according to the weather information acquired by the weather acquisition unit. It is configured as described above.

  According to the present invention, an imaging device that acquires an image signal and performs signal processing on the acquired image signal based on a required processing condition acquires weather information corresponding to the position from an external device, and responds to the acquired weather information. Change the processing conditions. Therefore, since the signal processing based on the processing conditions changed according to the weather information acquired from the external device is performed, the processing based on the objective weather information from the external device as well as the processing conditions based on the judgment processing by the own device Signal processing under conditions is possible.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the processing means is configured to change a processing condition in accordance with an image signal acquired by the imaging unit and weather information acquired by the weather acquisition means. .

  According to the present invention, an imaging apparatus that acquires an image signal and performs signal processing on the acquired image signal based on a required processing condition changes the processing condition according to the acquired image signal and weather information corresponding to the position. . Therefore, not only processing conditions based on image signals acquired by the device itself but also signal processing based on processing conditions based on objective weather information from an external device can be performed.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a reception unit that receives an instruction to acquire weather information, and the weather acquisition unit is configured to acquire the weather information when the reception unit receives the acquisition instruction. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, when the weather information acquisition instruction is received, the weather information corresponding to the position is acquired, so that the weather information can be acquired as necessary according to the instruction from the user. In addition, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the imaging apparatus as compared with a configuration in which weather information is automatically acquired according to preset conditions.

  The information providing system according to the present invention is an information providing system in which a providing device that provides information and an imaging device that performs an imaging process according to a set condition are connected via a network. Means for transmitting information relating to imaging processing to the providing apparatus, the providing apparatus comprising means for transmitting a parameter corresponding to the received information to the imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging apparatus is based on a condition based on the received parameter; It is characterized by providing a means for setting.

  According to the present invention, an imaging device that performs an imaging process according to a set condition transmits information related to the imaging process to a providing device connected via a network, and corresponds to the information received by the providing device. The parameter is transmitted to the imaging apparatus, and a condition based on the parameter received by the imaging apparatus is set. Therefore, the imaging device can perform imaging processing according to the conditions based on the parameters received from the external providing device, so that not only the conditions based on the determination processing by the own device but also the objective from the external device. Imaging processing according to conditions based on various parameters becomes possible.

  In the information providing system according to the present invention, the imaging device includes a detecting unit that detects a position, and the information related to the imaging process includes a position detected by the detecting unit.

  According to the present invention, the imaging device detects a position, transmits information related to imaging processing including the detected position to the providing device, and receives a parameter corresponding to the information from the providing device. Therefore, the imaging device can receive a parameter corresponding to the position from the providing device and perform an imaging process according to the condition based on the received parameter. Imaging processing can be performed.

  In the information providing system according to the present invention, the imaging device acquires an image signal according to a set imaging condition, and performs a process of performing signal processing based on a processing condition set for the image signal acquired by the imaging unit And the parameter is a parameter relating to the imaging condition and the processing condition.

  According to the present invention, an imaging device that performs signal processing based on a set processing condition on an image signal acquired according to the set imaging condition receives the imaging condition and a parameter related to the processing condition from a providing device via a network. To do. Therefore, the imaging apparatus can perform imaging processing according to imaging conditions based on parameters received from an external providing apparatus and signal processing according to processing conditions based on the parameters. In addition to the imaging conditions and processing conditions based on the above, it is possible to perform imaging processing and signal processing according to imaging conditions and processing conditions based on objective parameters from an external device.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, weather information corresponding to a position is acquired from an external device, and an image signal is acquired according to an imaging condition that is changed according to the acquired weather information. Therefore, not only imaging conditions based on judgment processing by the device itself but also imaging conditions based on objective weather information from an external device can be performed, and an image signal that faithfully reproduces the color of the subject can be obtained. Can be acquired. Further, even when the weather information cannot be determined based on the image signal acquired by the own device, the imaging process based on the weather information acquired from the external device can be performed.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, an image signal is acquired according to an imaging condition that is changed according to the acquired image signal and weather information corresponding to the position. Therefore, it is possible to perform imaging not only based on the imaging condition based on the image signal acquired by the own device but also based on the objective weather information from the external device, and further improve the color reproduction accuracy of the subject. Can do.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, weather information corresponding to a position is acquired from an external device, and signal processing is performed based on processing conditions that are changed according to the acquired weather information. Therefore, not only the processing conditions based on the judgment processing by the device itself but also the signal processing can be performed under the processing conditions based on the objective weather information from the external device, and an image signal with high color reproduction accuracy of the subject is generated. can do.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the image signal is acquired according to the processing condition that is changed according to the acquired image signal and the weather information corresponding to the position. Therefore, it is possible to perform signal processing not only on the processing conditions based on the image signal acquired by the own device but also on the processing conditions based on objective weather information from the external device, thereby further improving the color reproduction accuracy of the subject. be able to.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, when an weather information acquisition instruction is received, the weather information corresponding to the position is acquired, so that the weather information can be acquired as necessary according to the instruction from the user. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which weather information is automatically acquired according to preset conditions, it is possible to reduce the processing burden on the imaging device and to prevent unnecessary weather information acquisition processing from being executed.

  In the information providing system of the present invention, the imaging apparatus transmits information related to the imaging process to the providing apparatus connected via the network, transmits parameters corresponding to the information received by the providing apparatus to the imaging apparatus, and the imaging apparatus Sets conditions based on the received parameters, and performs imaging processing according to the set conditions. Therefore, since the imaging apparatus can perform imaging processing according to the conditions based on the parameters received from the external providing apparatus, not only the conditions based on the determination process by its own apparatus, but also objective parameters from the external apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image signal that faithfully reproduces the color of the subject. Also, by providing the parameter requested by the providing device to the imaging device via the network, the parameter provided to the imaging device need only be updated in the providing device, thereby reducing the burden of parameter management processing. Can do.

  In the information providing system of the present invention, the imaging device detects a position, transmits information related to an imaging process including the detected position to the providing device, and receives a parameter corresponding to the information from the providing device. Therefore, since the imaging device can receive a parameter corresponding to the position from the providing device and perform imaging processing according to the condition based on the received parameter, imaging under an appropriate condition according to the position such as the shooting location Processing can be performed.

  In the information providing system of the present invention, an imaging device that performs signal processing based on a processing condition set for an image signal acquired according to a set imaging condition receives the imaging condition and a parameter relating to the processing condition from the providing device via a network. Receive. Therefore, the imaging apparatus can perform imaging processing according to the imaging condition based on the parameter received from the external providing apparatus and signal processing according to the processing condition based on the parameter. It is possible to perform imaging processing and signal processing according to imaging conditions and processing conditions based on objective parameters from an external device as well as imaging conditions and processing conditions.

Hereinafter, an information providing system and an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information providing system according to the first embodiment. An information providing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a digital camera 1 as an imaging device and a server device 3 as a providing device that provides information to the digital camera 1 via a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network). It is configured by connecting.

  The digital camera 1 includes a control unit 10 including a CPU or an MPU, a ROM 11, a RAM 12, an operation unit 13, a clock unit 14, a GPS receiver 15, an imaging unit 16, an A / D converter 17, a signal processing unit 18, and an image processing. 19, a storage unit 20, a display unit 21, a communication unit 22, and the like, which are connected to each other via a system bus 1 a.

  The control unit 10 controls each of the above-described hardware units connected via the system bus 1a, and executes various operations according to a control program stored in advance in the ROM 11. The ROM 11 stores in advance various control programs necessary for operating the digital camera 1 as the imaging device of the present invention, a positioning processing program, various information in the digital camera 1, and the like. The RAM 12 is configured by SRAM, flash memory, or the like, and temporarily stores data generated when the control unit 10 executes the control program.

  Note that the control unit 10 reads the positioning processing program stored in the ROM 11 into the RAM 12 and sequentially executes the positioning processing program, so that the GPS receiver 15 performs the positioning processing program of the digital camera 1 based on the radio wave received from the GPS satellite (not shown). It operates as detection means for detecting the current location (position), and obtains current location information indicating the detected current location.

  The operation unit 13 includes various keys (for example, a shutter button) necessary for the user to operate the digital camera 1. When each key is operated by the user, a control signal corresponding to the operated key is output. The data is sent to the control unit 10, and the control unit 10 executes processing corresponding to the acquired control signal. The clock means 14 clocks the absolute time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second), and the control unit 10 acquires the absolute time indicated by the clock means 14. The control unit 10 can also measure the predetermined time by calculating the elapsed time based on the difference in absolute time indicated by the clock means 14.

  The GPS receiver 15 includes an antenna (not shown) that receives radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites, and receives the radio waves via this antenna. The digital camera 1 detects the current location of the digital camera 1 as coordinates of longitude and latitude based on the radio wave received by the GPS receiver 15 by executing the positioning processing program stored in the ROM 11 by the control unit 10. To do. In addition, the digital camera 1 stores in advance in the ROM 11 a municipality database that associates each municipality in each prefecture with the longitude and latitude, and the control unit 10 identifies the municipality corresponding to the detected longitude and latitude.

  The imaging unit 16 includes a lens, a shutter, a flash, a CCD imaging device (all not shown), and the like. The imaging unit 16 acquires an analog image signal by photoelectrically converting the optical signal input through the lens by the CCD imaging device, and inputs the acquired image signal to the A / D converter 17. In addition, when the shutter button is pressed by the user, the control unit 10 appropriately controls the shutter, the flash, and the like according to various imaging conditions set in advance by the user, whereby the imaging unit 16 follows the required imaging conditions. The obtained image signal (still image signal, moving image signal) can be acquired.

  The A / D converter 17 is an amplifier (not shown) that amplifies an analog image signal input from the imaging unit 16 at a predetermined amplification factor, and a correlated double that samples the amplified image signal at a predetermined timing. A sampling function (CDS) or the like is incorporated, and each value obtained by sampling processing by CDS is converted into a digital signal, and the obtained digital image signal is input to the signal processing unit 18.

  The signal processing unit (processing unit) 18 performs predetermined signal processing such as gamma correction processing, filtering processing, and contour enhancement processing on the image signal input from the A / D converter 17, for example, RGB ( R: red signal, G: green signal, B: blue signal) signal is generated, and the generated RGB signal is input to the image processing unit 19 or the storage unit 20. In addition, when the signal processing unit 18 transfers an image signal subjected to predetermined signal processing to the display unit 21, the captured image can be displayed on the display unit 21.

  Here, when performing a filtering process for generating an RGB signal from the image signal input from the A / D converter 17, the signal processing unit 18 performs a white balance process so as to achieve an appropriate white balance. The signal processing unit 18 appropriately changes parameters in the white balance processing based on the color temperature, the color temperature of the flash, and the like in the image signal sequentially input from the A / D converter 17. As a result, when shooting outdoors, it is possible to adjust the white balance appropriately according to the weather at the time of shooting, and faithful color reproduction of the subject can be performed.

  The image processing unit 19 is configured to perform various image processing requested by the user via the operation unit 13, for example, and causes the storage unit 20 to store the image signal subjected to the requested image processing. In addition, a memory 19a is connected to the image processing unit 19, and the image processing unit 19 uses the memory 19a as a buffer when performing various types of image processing. The image processing unit 19 may be configured to perform compression processing and decompression processing based on, for example, the MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group) system. In this case, the image signal input from the signal processing unit 18 is processed. For example, a compression process is performed after conversion to a YUV (Y: luminance signal, U: red color difference signal, V: blue color difference signal) signal.

  The storage unit 20 is configured by a magnetic medium, a magneto-optical medium, a semiconductor memory, or the like, and an image signal acquired by the imaging unit 16 when the shutter button is pressed by the user is converted into an A / D converter 17 and a signal processing unit. Stored after predetermined processing is performed by the unit 18 and the image processing unit 19, respectively. The communication unit 22 is an interface for communicating with an external device via the network NW, and transmits / receives various information to / from the server device 3 and other devices connected via the network NW. Can be done.

  The display unit 21 includes a liquid crystal display panel in which a plurality of liquid crystal elements are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and displays various types of information. The display unit 21 is, for example, the operation status of the digital camera 1, information to be notified to the user, an image signal that has been subjected to predetermined signal processing by the signal processing unit 18, read from the storage unit 20, and An image signal or the like that has undergone predetermined image processing is displayed. In addition, by using the touch panel type display unit 21, some or all of the various keys of the operation unit 13 can be substituted.

  In the digital camera 1 having the above-described configuration, for example, when the user operates the shutter button of the operation unit 13, an analog still image signal is acquired by the imaging unit 16, and the A / D converter 17 and the signal processing unit 18 perform predetermined processing. It has a still image capturing function for generating a still image by executing signal processing. In addition, when the user operates a recording button (not shown) of the operation unit 13, for example, the digital camera 1 is operated by the imaging unit 16 for 1 second, for example, until a recording stop button (not shown) is operated by the user. It has a moving image capturing function for generating a moving image by acquiring 30 still image signals per and sequentially executing predetermined signal processing by the A / D converter 17 and the signal processing unit 18.

  The digital camera 1 also has a storage function for storing the image signal (still image signal, moving image signal) obtained by imaging as described above in the storage unit 20, the image signal obtained by imaging, or the storage unit 20. The display unit 21 has a display function for displaying the image signal recorded on the display unit 21. Furthermore, the digital camera 1 has a communication function for performing communication with an external device via the network NW.

  Note that the control unit 10 starts capturing an image signal by the imaging unit 16 when the power is turned on, and based on the image signal sequentially processed by the A / D converter 17 and the signal processing unit 18. A parameter in the AE control process for controlling the amount of light input from the lens of the imaging unit 16 is specified. Specifically, the control unit 10 selects the current weather from sunny, cloudy, or rain based on the image signals sequentially processed by the A / D converter 17 and the signal processing unit 18, and selects the selected weather. The parameter corresponding to is specified.

  The signal processing unit 18 performs white balance processing so as to achieve appropriate white balance when performing filtering processing for generating RGB signals from the image signal input from the A / D converter 17. 10 also specifies parameters for white balance processing based on the color temperature and the color temperature of the flash in the image signal sequentially processed by the A / D converter 17 and the signal processing unit 18 together with the parameters in the AE control processing. . Also in this case, the control unit 10 selects the current weather from sunny, cloudy, or rain based on the image signals sequentially processed by the A / D converter 17 and the signal processing unit 18, and selects the selected weather. Identify the corresponding parameter.

  Thus, when the user presses the shutter button, an appropriate amount of light is input from the lens, and appropriate white balance processing can be performed on the image signal acquired based on such light. The color reproduction of the subject can be performed faithfully regardless of the outdoor weather.

  On the other hand, the server device 3 includes a CPU 30, a ROM 31, a RAM 32, a communication unit 33, a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HD) 34, and the like, which are mutually connected via a system bus 3a. The CPU 30 controls the above-described hardware units connected via the system bus 3 a and executes various operations according to a control program stored in advance in the ROM 31. The ROM 31 stores various control programs necessary for operating the server device 3 as the providing device of the present invention in advance. The RAM 32 is configured by SRAM, flash memory, or the like, and temporarily stores data generated when the control program is executed by the CPU 30.

  The communication unit 33 is an interface for communicating with an external device via the network NW, and transmits / receives various information to / from the digital camera 1 and other devices connected via the network NW. Can be done.

  The HD 34 is a large-capacity storage device, and stores various information provided by the server device 3 to an external device via the network NW, for example, a weather information table 34a as shown in FIG. In the weather information table 34a, weather forecast information every three hours (hereinafter referred to as weather information) is associated with each municipality in each prefecture. Thereby, the server apparatus 3 can provide the weather information corresponding to a prefecture, a municipality, and time when the weather information is requested via the network NW.

  Here, the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment is configured to acquire weather information from the server device 3 via the network NW. For example, when the user appropriately operates the operation unit 13, the digital camera 1 is displayed on the display unit 21. It is possible to request acquisition of weather information from the displayed menu screen. Note that a dedicated button may be provided in the digital camera 1, and the user may request acquisition of weather information by operating the button.

  In the digital camera 1, when the user appropriately receives the weather information acquisition instruction by appropriately operating the operation unit (accepting unit) 13, the control unit 10 reads the positioning processing program stored in the ROM 11 into the RAM 12. By executing, the current location information of the digital camera 1 is acquired based on the radio wave received by the GPS receiver 15. In addition, the control unit 10 detects the current location (city / town / village) corresponding to the acquired current location information with reference to the municipality database stored in the ROM 11.

  Furthermore, the control part 10 requests | requires the weather information corresponding to the detected present location and the present time which the clock means 14 shows to the server apparatus 3 via the network NW. The server device 3 identifies weather information corresponding to the current location and current time received from the digital camera 1 from the weather information table 34a, and returns the identified weather information and the valid time of the weather information to the digital camera 1. Accordingly, the control unit 10 of the digital camera 1 operates as a weather acquisition unit that acquires weather information from the server device 3, and temporarily stores the weather information received from the communication unit 22 and the effective time in the RAM 12.

  Then, the control unit 10 compares the weather selected based on the image signals sequentially processed by the A / D converter 17 and the signal processing unit 18 with the weather indicated by the weather information acquired from the server device 3, and finally To determine the weather. Specifically, when the weather selected by itself matches the weather indicated by the weather information acquired from the server device 3, the control unit 10 determines that weather and performs AE control processing corresponding to the determined weather, Determine the parameters for white balance processing. In addition, the control unit 10 determines the weather selected by the user when the weather selected by the user and the weather indicated by the weather information acquired from the server device 3 do not match, and performs AE control processing corresponding to the determined weather, Determine the parameters for white balance processing.

  In addition, when the time indicated by the clock means 14 has passed the valid time of the weather information stored in the RAM 12, the control unit 10 displays a message indicating an instruction to acquire new weather information from the server device 3 on the display unit 21. To notify the user. Note that when the time indicated by the clock means 14 has passed the valid time of the weather information stored in the RAM 12, the control unit 10 may automatically acquire new weather information from the server device 3.

  In this manner, not only the parameters in the AE control process and the white balance process are determined based on the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 16, but also the AE control in consideration of the weather information acquired from the server device 3 via the network NW. By determining the parameters in the processing and the white balance processing, it is possible to perform processing based on weather information from the server device 3 as objective information as well as judgment processing by its own device, Even when the weather cannot be determined, it is possible to acquire an image signal that faithfully reproduces the color of the subject based on the weather information acquired from the server device 3.

  Hereinafter, in the information providing system 100 configured as described above, a process for acquiring weather information from the server device 3 and an image capturing process by the digital camera 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of imaging processing by the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment. The following processing is executed by the control unit 10 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 11. In the digital camera 1 in which the power is turned on and the initial preparation is completed, the control unit 10 starts taking in the image signal by the imaging unit 16 (S1), and sequentially processes by the A / D converter 17 and the signal processing unit 18. The current weather is specified based on the image signal to be executed (S2).

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not acquisition of weather information is requested by the user appropriately operating the operation unit 13 (S3), and when requested (S3: YES), the ROM 11 stores The stored positioning processing program is read into the RAM 12 and executed, and the current location information of the digital camera 1 is acquired based on the radio wave received by the GPS receiver 15 (S4). Moreover, the control part 10 detects the present location corresponding to the acquired present location information with reference to the municipality database memorize | stored in ROM11 (S5).

  And the control part 10 requests | requires the weather information corresponding to the detected present location and the present time which the clock means 14 shows to the server apparatus 3 via the network NW, and acquires corresponding weather information from the server apparatus 3 (S6). . In addition, the control part 10 acquires the effective time of this weather information with corresponding weather information, and memorize | stores these in RAM12 once. The control unit 10 determines the final weather from the weather specified based on the image signal in step S2 and the weather indicated by the weather information acquired from the server device 3, and performs AE control processing and white corresponding to the determined weather. Parameters for the balance process are determined (S7).

  In addition, when acquisition of weather information is not requested | required by the user by step S3 (S3: NO), the control part 10 skips the process of step S4-S6, and the AE control process corresponding to the weather specified by step S2 Then, parameters in the white balance process are determined (S7). Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the shutter button of the operation unit 13 has been pressed by the user (S8). If it is determined that the shutter button has been pressed (S8: YES), the determination is made in step S7. After performing the AE control process according to the parameters, an image signal is acquired by the imaging unit 16 (S9).

  Further, the control unit 10 performs predetermined signal processing including white balance processing according to the parameters determined in step S7 on the acquired image signal (S10), and stores the obtained image signal in the storage unit 20 ( S11). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the power is shut off due to the user turning off a power button (not shown), exhaustion of power supplied from a battery (not shown), or the like (S12). If it is determined that the power is not shut off (S12: NO), the process proceeds to step S1, and if it is determined that the power is shut off (S12: YES), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the shutter button has not been pressed (S8: NO), the control unit 10 displays the current time indicated by the clock means 14 stored in the RAM 12 acquired from the server device 3 in step S6. It is determined whether the valid time corresponding to the information has passed (S13). When it is determined that the effective time has not elapsed (S13: NO), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S12, and when it is determined that the effective time has elapsed (S13: YES), the control unit 10 newly starts from the server device 3. A message instructing acquisition of the correct weather information is displayed on the display unit 21 to notify the user (S14), and the process returns to step S3.

  As described above, by determining the parameters in the AE control process and the white balance process in consideration of the weather information acquired from the server apparatus 3 via the network NW, not only the determination process by the own apparatus but also the objective process Parameters in the AE control process and the white balance process can be determined based on the weather information from the server device 3 as information, and an imaging process in which the color reproduction of the subject is accurately performed can be realized.

  In the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment described above, parameters in the AE control process and the white balance process are determined according to the weather information acquired from the server device 3 and the weather information determined based on the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 16. However, the parameter may be determined based only on the weather information acquired from the server device 3. Further, the digital camera 1 is configured to request the weather information based on the current location information and the current time, but the weather information corresponding to the time when the server device 3 receives the request for the weather information is displayed. When configured to provide, the weather information may be requested based only on the current location information.

  In the first embodiment described above, the control unit 10 of the digital camera 1 acquires current location information based on the radio wave received by the GPS receiver 15, and refers to the municipal database for the current location corresponding to the acquired current location information. Although it is configured to detect, the current location information acquired by the control unit 10 and the current time indicated by the clock means 14 are transmitted to the server device 3, and the corresponding current location is specified from the current location information acquired by the server device 3. You may comprise.

(Embodiment 2)
Below, the information provision system in Embodiment 2 is explained in full detail. Note that the information providing system of the second embodiment can be realized by a configuration similar to that of the information providing system 100 of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description of the configuration is omitted. In the information providing system 100 according to the second embodiment, the digital camera 1 is configured to acquire parameters in the AE control process and the white balance process from the server device 3 via the network NW.

  Specifically, when the user appropriately operates the operation unit 13 to request acquisition of parameters in the AE control process and the white balance process from the server device 3, the control unit 10 stores information stored in the ROM 11. Reads out the model name of the digital camera 1 as its own device, reads out the positioning processing program stored in the ROM 11 into the RAM 12 and executes it, and based on the radio wave received from the GPS satellite by the GPS receiver 15. The present location information indicating the present location of the current location is acquired.

  Further, the control unit 10 detects the current location (city / town / village) corresponding to the acquired current location information with reference to the city / town / village database stored in the ROM 11, and acquires the current time indicated by the clock means 14, as shown in FIG. Such a parameter request screen is displayed on the display unit 21. Note that a dedicated button may be provided in the digital camera 1 so that the parameter request screen is displayed when the user operates the button.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the parameter request screen displays the model name, current location, and time of the digital camera 1, and further displays the type of subject input by the user. Note that the type of subject can be selected from, for example, a person, a landscape, a flower, and the like, and the time is not limited to the current time, and any time can be input. Thereby, the user can acquire a parameter from the server device 3 in advance, for example, the day before shooting, and can realize shooting that performs various processes based on the acquired parameter.

  The parameter request screen further displays an OK button and a cancel button. When the cancel button is operated by the user, the control unit 10 ends the parameter acquisition process from the server device 3. When the user operates the OK button, the control unit 10 sends the model name, current location, time, and subject type (information related to the imaging process) displayed on the parameter request screen to the server device 3 via the network NW. The server device 3 is requested for the corresponding parameter.

  Here, the server device 3 of the second embodiment also stores a weather information table in which weather information every three hours is associated with each municipality in each prefecture in the HD 34, and via the network NW. When the parameter is requested, the CPU 30 reads the weather information corresponding to the prefecture, the municipality and the time from the HD 34. Further, the CPU 30 stores a parameter table in the HD 34 in which the parameters in the AE control process and the white balance process corresponding to the weather information and the type of subject are associated with each model of the digital camera 1. A parameter corresponding to the acquired model name, subject type, and weather information read from the HD 34 is specified from the parameter table, and the specified parameter and the effective time of the parameter are returned to the digital camera 1.

  The control unit 10 of the digital camera 1 temporarily stores the parameter and effective time acquired from the server device 3 in the RAM 12, and performs AE control processing and white based on the acquired parameter when shooting is performed within the effective time. Perform balance processing. As described in the first embodiment, the control unit 10 determines parameters in the corresponding AE control processing and white balance processing based on the image signals sequentially processed by the A / D converter 17 and the signal processing unit 18. However, when parameters are acquired from the server device 3 as described above, AE control processing and white balance processing based on the acquired parameters are performed.

  In addition, when the time indicated by the clock means 14 has passed the valid time of the parameter stored in the RAM 12, the control unit 10 displays a message indicating an instruction to acquire a new parameter from the server device 3 on the display unit 21 to display the user. Notify Note that when the time indicated by the clock means 14 has passed the valid time of the weather information stored in the RAM 12, the control unit 10 may automatically acquire a new parameter from the server device 3.

  In this way, not only the parameters in the AE control process and the white balance process are determined based on the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 16, but also the parameters of the own apparatus are acquired from the server apparatus 3 via the network NW. In addition to the determination processing by the digital camera 1, it is possible to perform processing based on the parameters from the server device 3 as objective information, and to reduce the processing burden in the parameter specification processing by the digital camera 1, while reproducing the color of the subject. It is possible to acquire a faithful image signal.

  Hereinafter, in the information providing system 100 configured as described above, a parameter acquisition process and an imaging process performed by the digital camera 1 from the server device 3 will be described. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the imaging process by the digital camera 1 of the second embodiment. The following processing is executed by the control unit 10 and the CPU 30 in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROMs 11 and 31. In particular, step S30 in the figure is processing performed by the CPU 30 of the server device 3, and otherwise the digital camera 1 The process which the control part 10 performs is shown.

  In the digital camera 1 in which the power is turned on and the initial preparation is completed, the control unit 10 starts taking in the image signal by the imaging unit 16 (S21), and sequentially processes by the A / D converter 17 and the signal processing unit 18. The current weather is specified based on the image signal to be executed (S22). Further, the control unit 10 specifies parameters in the AE control process and the white balance process corresponding to the specified weather, and temporarily stores them in the RAM 12 (S23).

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not parameter acquisition is requested by the user appropriately operating the operation unit 13 (S24), and when requested (S24: YES), it is stored in the ROM 11. The positioning processing program is read out and executed in the RAM 12, and the current location information of the digital camera 1 is acquired based on the radio wave received by the GPS receiver 15 (S25). Moreover, the control part 10 detects the present location corresponding to the acquired present location information with reference to the municipality database memorize | stored in ROM11 (S26).

  Further, the control unit 10 acquires the current time indicated by the clock means 14, displays a parameter request screen as shown in FIG. 4 on the display unit 21 (S27), and confirms whether the OK button in the parameter request screen has been operated by the user. It is determined whether or not (S28). When the OK button is not operated (S28: NO), that is, when the cancel button is operated by the user, the control unit 10 ends the parameter acquisition process from the server device 3 and returns the process to step S21.

  If the control unit 10 determines that the OK button has been operated (S28: YES), the server device transmits the parameters corresponding to the model name, current location, time, and subject type displayed on the parameter request screen via the network NW. 3 is requested (S29). The CPU 30 of the server device 3 reads the weather information corresponding to the current location and time acquired from the digital camera 1 from the HD 34, and sets the parameters corresponding to the read weather information, the model name acquired from the digital camera 1, and the subject type on the HD 34. The parameter is specified from the parameter table, and the specified parameter and the effective time of the parameter are transmitted to the digital camera 1 (S30).

  The control unit 10 of the digital camera 1 temporarily stores the parameter acquired from the server device 3 and the valid time in the RAM 12 (S31). If parameter acquisition is not requested from the user in step S24 (S24: NO), the control unit 10 skips steps S25 to S31 and shifts the process to step S32. Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the shutter button of the operation unit 13 has been pressed by the user (S32). If the control unit 10 determines that the shutter button has been pressed (S32: YES), it is stored in the RAM 12 in step S23 or S31. After performing AE control processing according to the stored parameters, an image signal is acquired by the imaging unit 16 (S33).

  The control unit 10 executes predetermined signal processing including white balance processing according to the parameters stored in the RAM 12 in step S23 or S31 on the acquired image signal (S34), and stores the obtained image signal in the storage unit. 20 (S35). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the power is shut off due to the user turning off a power button (not shown), exhaustion of power supplied from a battery (not shown), or the like (S36). If it is determined that the power is not shut off (S36: NO), the process proceeds to step S21. If it is determined that the power is shut off (S36: YES), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the shutter button has not been pressed (S32: NO), the control unit 10 determines that the current time indicated by the clock means 14 is valid corresponding to the parameter stored in the RAM 12 in step S23 or S31. It is determined whether the time has passed (S37). When it is determined that the effective time has not elapsed (S37: NO), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S36, and when it is determined that the effective time has elapsed (S37: YES), the control unit 10 starts a new operation from the server device 3. A message for instructing acquisition of a correct parameter is displayed on the display unit 21 to notify the user (S38), and the process returns to step S24.

  As described above, by performing the AE control process and the white balance process based on the parameters acquired from the server apparatus 3 via the network NW, the server apparatus 3 as objective information as well as the determination process by the own apparatus. AE control processing and white balance processing can be performed based on the parameters from the above, and imaging processing with accurate color reproduction of the subject can be realized. Note that the information providing system 101 according to the second embodiment can be applied to a modification similar to the modification described in the second embodiment.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the information provision system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of a weather information table. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of imaging processing by the digital camera according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of a parameter request | requirement screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of imaging processing by the digital camera according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of imaging processing by the digital camera according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 Information provision system 1 Digital camera (imaging device)
10 Control unit (detection means, weather acquisition means)
13 Operation part (reception means)
16 Imaging unit 18 Signal processing unit (processing means)
22 Communication unit 3 Server device (providing device)
NW network

Claims (8)

In an imaging device including an imaging unit that acquires an image signal according to a required imaging condition,
Detecting means for detecting the position;
Weather acquisition means for acquiring weather information corresponding to the position detected by the detection means from an external device,
The imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging unit is configured to change imaging conditions according to weather information acquired by the weather acquisition unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit is configured to change imaging conditions according to an image signal to be acquired and weather information acquired by the weather acquisition unit. An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that acquires an image signal; and a processing unit that performs signal processing based on a required processing condition for the image signal acquired by the imaging unit.
Detecting means for detecting the position;
Weather acquisition means for acquiring weather information corresponding to the position detected by the detection means from an external device,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the processing unit is configured to change processing conditions according to weather information acquired by the weather acquisition unit.   The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the processing unit is configured to change processing conditions according to an image signal acquired by the imaging unit and weather information acquired by the weather acquisition unit. . A reception means for receiving an instruction to acquire weather information;
5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weather acquisition unit is configured to acquire the weather information when the reception unit receives an acquisition instruction. 6. In an information providing system in which a providing device that provides information and an imaging device that performs imaging processing according to set conditions are connected via a network,
The imaging device includes means for transmitting information relating to imaging processing to the providing device,
The providing device includes means for transmitting a parameter corresponding to the received information to the imaging device,
The information providing system, wherein the imaging apparatus includes means for setting a condition based on a received parameter. The imaging apparatus includes a detecting unit that detects a position,
The information providing system according to claim 6, wherein the information related to the imaging process includes a position detected by the detection unit. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit that acquires an image signal according to a set imaging condition, and a processing unit that performs signal processing based on a processing condition set for the image signal acquired by the imaging unit,
The information providing system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the parameter is a parameter related to the imaging condition and the processing condition.

Images