JP2006252206A - Imaging device, information processor, and imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device and an information processor for efficiently dealing with image file data by adding meta data to image file data photographed by a digital camera, and applying information showing what to do after the image file data are photographed to the meta data. <P>SOLUTION: Image file data 60 are configured of a header part 20, meta data part 21 and a data part 22 in which photographed image data are stored. An EXIF library for compressing the photographed image data is recorded in the header part 20. A method for using the image file data is recorded in the meta data part 21 by the text data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and an imaging system, and more particularly to a method for improving the operability of an imaging apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and an imaging system by providing a metadata unit in image file data. .

There are various uses for using the image file data of a digital camera. For example, printing by a printer, sending by attaching to a mail, uploading to a server, and the like are available. In recent years, the capacity of recording media of digital cameras has increased, and the number of shootable images has increased accordingly. That is, as the amount of image files taken increases, the handling of image files after shooting increases, so there is a user need to reduce the complexity of handling.
Patent Document 1 is provided with a plurality of classification designation keys for designating the purpose of use of images taken by a digital camera. Then, a plurality of index files corresponding to the classification designation key are created in the image memory of the digital camera that stores the photographed images as image files. When any of the plurality of classification designation keys is pressed during display of the recorded image, the file name of the image being displayed is sequentially described in the index file corresponding to the pressed classification designation key. When using an image file on a personal computer, etc., the personal computer or the like reads a plurality of image files described on the basis of an index file corresponding to the desired purpose of use and batches the processing corresponding to the purpose of use. The technology to be performed is disclosed.
JP 2002-158947 A

The prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a technique for classifying image files existing in a digital camera with a main body key of the digital camera. If it is not used, desired operations such as classification cannot be performed. In addition, when the captured image file is used not only for browsing in the digital camera but also in an external device such as an information processing device (PC), it functions only in the digital camera, so the versatility as a function is low. There is a problem that the functions that can be implemented are limited.
In view of the above problems, the present invention efficiently adds image file data by adding metadata to image file data photographed by a digital camera, and adding information on what to do after image file data photography to the metadata. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and an information processing apparatus that can handle the information.

In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides an image capturing apparatus capable of generating image file data including a header portion, a data portion, and a metadata portion as a single file. It is characterized by comprising usage method recording means for recording the usage method of the image file data as text data, and file storage means for saving the entire data area generated as the single file.
In an imaging device that can generate image file data including a header portion, a metadata portion, and a data portion as a single file, the metadata portion is character string information that is text data, and can generate image file data. The imaging device records information for using the image file data in the metadata portion, and stores the information in the memory of the imaging device.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the metadata section includes a plurality of recording areas, and other metadata is recorded in a recording area different from the recording area in which the usage method of the image file data is recorded.
In an imaging device capable of generating image file data including a header portion, a metadata portion, and a data portion as a single file, the metadata portion is character string information that is text data, and a plurality of metadata portions. The imaging device configured and capable of generating image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata portion and stores the information in the memory of the imaging device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the usage method recording means records the usage method of the image file data as a simple program that can be easily executed by omitting the conversion to machine language.
In an imaging device that can generate image file data consisting of a header part, a metadata part, and a data part as a single file, the metadata part can be easily executed without converting to machine language. An imaging device that is a program (hereinafter referred to as a script) and can generate image file data records information for using the image file data as a script in the metadata portion. Since the metadata part is a script, a plurality of pieces of information for using the image file data are described. The imaging apparatus reads the script of the metadata part and executes the read script. Then, the imaging apparatus stores the main image file data in the memory.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the usage method recording unit records the usage method of the image file data as a binary program.
The metadata section of the present invention records a method of using image file data as a binary program. The binary format program in the metadata portion is a format that can be executed by the CPU of the imaging device, and the imaging device can read out the binary format program in the metadata portion and execute the read program.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the simple program or the binary program is a program for printing the image file.
If the simple program or binary program recorded in the metadata part is a program that prints an image file, the image file can be printed immediately.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the simple program or the binary program is a program that transmits the image file attached to an e-mail.
If the simple program or binary program recorded in the metadata section is a program that transmits an image file attached to an e-mail, the image file can be immediately transmitted as e-mail attachment information.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the simple program or the binary program is a program for transmitting the image file to a server.
If the simple program or binary program recorded in the metadata section is a program that transmits an image file to the server, the image file can be immediately transmitted to the server via the network.

8. An information processing apparatus capable of generating image file data composed of a header part, a data part, and a metadata part as a single file, wherein the metadata part uses text data as a method of using the image file data. And a file storage unit for storing the entire data area generated as the single file.
In an information processing device that can generate image file data consisting of a header part, metadata part, and data part as a single file, the metadata part is character string information that is text data, and image file data can be generated. The information processing apparatus describes information for using the image file data in the metadata section, and stores it in the memory of the information processing apparatus.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the metadata unit includes a plurality of recording areas, and other metadata is recorded in a recording area different from the recording area in which the usage method of the image file data is recorded.
In an information processing apparatus capable of generating image file data including a header portion, a metadata portion, and a data portion as a single file, the metadata portion is character string information that is text data, and there are a plurality of metadata portions. The information processing apparatus configured to generate image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata section and stores the information in the memory of the information processing apparatus.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the usage method recording unit records the usage method of the image file data as a simple program that can be easily executed without performing a conversion process to a machine language.
In an information processing apparatus capable of generating image file data including a header part, a metadata part, and a data part as a single file, the metadata part is a script, and the information processing apparatus capable of generating image file data is metadata. The information for using the image file data is recorded as a script. Since the metadata part is a script, a plurality of pieces of information for using the image file data are described. The information processing apparatus reads the script of the metadata part and executes the read script. Then, the information processing apparatus stores the main image file data in the memory.

The usage method recording means records the usage method of the image file data as a binary format program.
The metadata portion of the present invention is recorded as a binary program. The binary program in the metadata part is a format that can be executed by the CPU of the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus can read the binary program in the metadata part and execute the read program.
The twelfth aspect is characterized in that the simple program or the binary program is a program for printing the image file.
If the simple program or binary program recorded in the metadata part is a program that prints an image file, the image file can be printed immediately.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the simple program or the binary program is a program that transmits the image file attached to an e-mail.
If the simple program or binary program recorded in the metadata section is a program that transmits an image file attached to an e-mail, the image file can be immediately transmitted as e-mail attachment information.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the simple program or the binary program is a program for transmitting the image file to a server.
If the simple program or binary program recorded in the metadata section is a program that transmits an image file to the server, the image file can be immediately transmitted to the server via the network.
A fifteenth aspect includes the imaging device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and the information processing device according to any one of the eighth to fourteenth aspects.
Information for using image file data is recorded in the metadata section, stored in the memories of the imaging device and the information processing device, and connected to the information stored in the memory by connecting the imaging device and the information processing device. The operation can be automatically performed based on this.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the imaging device capable of generating image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata portion and stores it in the memory of the imaging device, so that the image file can be efficiently stored. Data can be handled and the operability of the imaging apparatus can be improved.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus that includes a plurality of metadata sections and that can generate image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata section and stores the information in a memory of the imaging apparatus. Therefore, a plurality of operations can be recorded in the metadata part.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the imaging device capable of generating image file data records information for using the image file data as a script in the metadata portion, a desired operation can be executed with a small memory capacity.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the usage method of the image file data is recorded as a binary program, the CPU of the imaging apparatus can execute the program.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the simple program or the binary program recorded in the metadata part is a program for printing an image file, the image file can be printed immediately from the imaging apparatus.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the simple program or the binary program recorded in the metadata part is a program for transmitting an image file attached to an e-mail, the image file is immediately transmitted from the imaging apparatus as e-mail attachment information. can do.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the simple program or the binary program recorded in the metadata part is a program for transmitting the image file to the server, the image file can be immediately transmitted to the server via the network.

The information processing apparatus capable of generating image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata section and stores it in the memory of the information processing apparatus. And the operability of the information processing apparatus can be improved.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus having a plurality of metadata sections and capable of generating image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata section, and stores the information in a memory of the information processing apparatus. Since it is stored, a plurality of operations can be recorded in the metadata part.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus capable of generating image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata section as a script, so that a desired operation can be executed with a small memory capacity. .
Further, since the usage method of the image file data is recorded as a binary format program, the CPU of the information processing apparatus can execute the program.
According to the twelfth aspect, since the simple program or the binary program recorded in the metadata part is a program for printing an image file, the image file can be printed immediately from the information processing apparatus.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the simple program or binary program recorded in the metadata part is a program for transmitting an image file attached to an email, the image file is immediately sent from the information processing apparatus as email attachment information. Can be sent.
According to the fourteenth aspect, since the simple program or the binary program recorded in the metadata part is a program for transmitting the image file to the server, the image file can be immediately transmitted to the server via the network.
Further, in the fifteenth aspect, information for using the image file data is recorded in the metadata portion, stored in respective memories of the imaging device and the information processing device, and the memory is obtained by connecting the imaging device and the information processing device. The operation can be automatically performed based on the information stored in.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. However, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like described in this embodiment are merely illustrative examples and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only unless otherwise specified. .
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a digital camera (imaging device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera 100 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 1 that photoelectrically converts an optical image, a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) 2 that reduces noise included in the CCD 1, and an analog signal from the CCD 1 as a digital signal. An A / D converter 3 for converting to a digital signal, a digital signal processing circuit 4 for performing image processing in accordance with image processing parameters, a drive unit 5 for generating and driving timings of the CCD 1, CDS 2 and A / D converter 3; An operation including an external I / F 6 connected to an external device, a memory 7 for storing parameters, a CPU 8 for executing predetermined control based on a control program, and a release button for an operator to operate the camera body Stores a unit 9, a display unit 10 for displaying a captured image by a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a program for controlling the camera And ROM11 being, the RAM12 as a work memory, and includes a DC-DC converter 13 that generates various voltages from the voltage of the battery 14.

Next, an operation example of the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 will be described. A subject image is input to the CCD 1 and converted into an electrical signal. The image sensor output signal is converted into a digital signal through the CDS 2 by the A / D conversion circuit 3 at an optimum sampling frequency (for example, an integer multiple of the subcarrier frequency of the NTSC signal). The CDS output signal converted into the digital signal is subjected to normal camera signal processing such as gamma correction and color separation in the digital signal processing circuit 4 to create Y (luminance), Cb, and Cr (color difference) signals. This signal is encoded by the digital signal processing circuit 4. The encoded image data is recorded in the memory 7. The ROM 11 stores a program for controlling the camera, and can store information that the user wants to keep. The CPU 8 controls all operations inside the camera. The CPU 8 controls the camera based on a program stored in the ROM 11. The RAM 12 is a work area for the CPU 8.
Image data shooting and playback operations can be performed through the operation unit 9. Information such as photographed image data can be displayed on the display unit 10. The data structure of image data recorded in the memory 7 at the time of shooting is also controlled by the CPU 8.
The external I / F 6 transmits the image data recorded in the memory 7 to an external device or network connected to the external I / F 6. As external devices, there are an information processing device (PC), a printing device (printer), a network, and the like. If the external device is an information processing device, image data can be transmitted, and the information processing device stores the received image data in an auxiliary storage device. If the external device is a printing device, the image data is transmitted to the printing device, and a print command is issued to the printing device. If the external device is a network connection destination mail server, the digital camera 100 can transmit image data as mail attachment data. If the network connection destination FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server is used, the image data is transferred to the FTP server. Can be uploaded to the server. The power of the digital camera 100 is input from the battery 14 to the DC-DC converter 13 and supplied to each part inside the digital camera.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data configuration of image data recorded in the memory 7. The image file data 60 includes a header part 20, a metadata part 21, and a data part 22 in which captured image data is stored. The header section 20 stores an EXIF library for compressing captured image data. The metadata unit 21 records how to use the image file data as text data.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the metadata unit 21 of FIG. The same components will be described with the same reference numerals. For example, the metadata part 21 records a metadata part (1) 21a, a metadata part (2) 21b, and a metadata part (3) 21c, and can include a plurality of metadata parts having different contents.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a PC (information processing apparatus). The PC 200 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 50, a RAM (main storage device) 51, an HDD (auxiliary storage device) 52, an operation unit 53, a display unit 54, and an external I / F 55, all of which are connected to a bus 56. Connected through. The operation unit 53 includes devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display unit 54 includes a display monitor or the like. The external I / F 55 is configured by USB (Universal Serial Bus), Ethernet (registered trademark), or the like. The external I / F 55 is connected to a peripheral device such as a digital camera or a printing apparatus (printer), another information processing apparatus, a server connected to a network, or the like. The CPU 50 controls all operations of the information processing apparatus 200. The HDD 52 stores a basic program (OS) and application programs (application software) for controlling the information processing apparatus 200, and the CPU 50 operates the information processing apparatus 200 based on the contents of the basic programs and application programs. The RAM 51 is a work area for the CPU 50.
In the HDD 52 of the information processing apparatus 200, application software capable of generating a metadata portion is registered (installed) in image data including a header portion and a data portion. This application software can generate the image file data 60 having the configuration shown in FIGS. The application software can receive captured image data from the digital camera 100 connected to the external I / F 55. 2 and 3 that can be generated by the application software, even image data received from the digital camera 100 connected to the external I / F 55 is generated by other devices. It may be the image data. The generation source is not limited as long as it is image file data including a header portion and a data portion. If the printing apparatus is connected to the external I / F 55, the application software transmits image data to the printing apparatus and issues a print command to the printing apparatus. If the connection destination of the external I / F 55 is a network, and the mail server is a network connection destination, the application software can send image data as mail attachment data, and the connection destination is FTP (File Transfer). Protocol server can upload image data to an FTP server.
That is, in the digital camera that can generate the image file data 60 composed of the header portion 20, the metadata portion 21, and the data portion 22 as a single file, the metadata portion 21 is character string information that is text data, A digital camera capable of generating the file data 60 describes information for using the image file data 60 in the metadata unit 21 and stores the information in the memory 7 of the digital camera 100.
Further, the application software on the information processing apparatus 200 generates the metadata part 21 for the image data composed of the header part 20 and the metadata part 21, and the image composed of the header part 20, the metadata part 21, and the data part 22. The file data 60 can be generated in the same manner as the digital camera described above. Like the digital camera described above, the metadata unit 21 is character string information that is text data. Information for using the image file data is recorded in the metadata unit 21 and stored in the HDD 52 of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation according to the first embodiment of the imaging apparatus and information processing apparatus of the present invention. First, the header part 20, the metadata part 21, and the data part 22 are generated as a single data file (S1). Next, a method of using the image file is recorded in the metadata unit 21 (S2). Then, the data is stored as file data in the memory 7 or the HDD 52 (S3).
That is, in the digital camera that can generate the image file data 60 composed of the header portion 20, the metadata portion 21, and the data portion 22 as a single file, the metadata portion 21 is character string information that is text data, The digital camera 100 capable of generating the file data 60 describes information for using the image file data 60 in the metadata unit 21 and stores the information in the memory 7 of the digital camera 100.
The application software on the information processing apparatus 200 also generates the metadata part 21 for the image data composed of the header part 20 and the metadata part 21, and the image composed of the header part 20, the metadata part 21, and the data part 22. The file data 60 can be generated in the same manner as the digital camera described above. Like the digital camera described above, the metadata unit 21 is character string information that is text data. Information for using the image file data is described in the metadata unit 21 and stored in the HDD 52 of the information processing apparatus 200.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation according to the second embodiment of the imaging apparatus and information processing apparatus of the present invention. First, the header part 20, the metadata part 21, and the data part 22 are generated as a single data file (S11). Next, a method of using the image file is recorded as a script in the metadata unit 21 (S12). Then, the data is stored as file data in the memory 7 or the HDD 52 (S13). Then, the script information of the metadata unit 21 is read and executed (S14).
Further, in the digital camera 100 capable of generating the image file data 60 composed of the header section 20, the metadata section 21, and the data section 22 as a single file, the metadata section 21 is a script, and the image file data 60 can be generated. The digital camera 100 describes information for using the image file data in the metadata unit 21 as a script. Script information for printing image file data is described in the script of the metadata unit 21. The digital camera 100 reads script information, transmits image file data to a printing apparatus connected to the external I / F 6, issues a print command to the printing apparatus, and can print the image file data from the printing apparatus. The digital camera 100 stores the main image file data in the memory 7 of the digital camera 100.
The application software on the information processing apparatus also generates a metadata part 21 for the image data composed of the header part 20 and the metadata part 21, and an image file composed of the header part 20, the metadata part 21, and the data part 22. Data 60 can be generated in the same manner as the digital camera described above. Like the digital camera described above, the metadata part is a script, and script information for printing image file data is described in the script. The application software on the information processing apparatus 200 reads the script information, transmits the image file data to the printing apparatus connected to the external I / F 55, issues a print command to the printing apparatus, and prints the image file data from the printing apparatus. Is possible. Further, the information processing apparatus 200 stores the image file data in the HDD 52 of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation according to the third embodiment of the imaging apparatus and information processing apparatus of the present invention. First, the header part 20, the metadata part 21, and the data part 22 are generated as a single data file (S21). Next, a method of using an image file is recorded in the metadata unit 21 as a binary program (S22). Then, the data is stored as file data in the memory 7 or the HDD 52 (S23). Then, the binary program of the metadata unit 21 is read and executed (S24).
In the digital camera 100 capable of generating the image file data 60 composed of the header section 20, the metadata section 21, and the data section 22 as a single file, the metadata section 21 is a binary program, and the image file data 60 is stored in the digital camera 100. The digital camera that can be generated stores a binary program for the purpose of using image file data in the metadata unit 21. The binary format program of the metadata unit 21 is a format that can be executed by the CPU 8 of the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 can read the binary format program of the metadata unit 21 and execute the read program. The digital camera 100 stores the main image file data in the memory 7 of the digital camera 100.
The application software on the information processing apparatus 200 also generates the metadata part 21 for the image data composed of the header part 20 and the metadata part 21, and the image composed of the header part 20, the metadata part 21, and the data part 22. The file data 60 can be generated in the same manner as the digital camera described above. Similar to the digital camera described above, the metadata unit 21 is a binary format program, and the metadata unit 21 stores a binary format program for the purpose of using image file data. The binary format program of the metadata unit 21 is a format that can be executed by the CPU 50 of the information processing device 200, and the application software of the information processing device 200 reads the binary format program of the metadata unit 21 and executes the read program. Is possible. The information processing apparatus 200 stores the image file data in the HDD 52 of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system including the digital camera and the PC of the present invention. In the imaging system 300, the digital camera 100 of the present invention and a PC 200 are connected by a cable 70, and a printer 71 is connected to the PC 200, for example. With such a configuration, information for using the image file data 60 is recorded in the digital camera 100 and the PC 200 metadata unit 21, stored in the respective memories of the digital camera 100 and the PC 200, and the digital camera 100 and the PC 200 are connected. Thus, the operation can be automatically performed based on the information stored in the memory.
As described above, the digital camera 100 capable of generating image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata unit 21 and stores the information in the memory 7 of the digital camera 100. Therefore, the image file data can be efficiently stored. And the operability of the digital camera 100 can be improved.
In addition, the digital camera 100 that includes a plurality of metadata units 21 and that can generate image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata unit 21 and stores the information in the memory of the digital camera 100. Therefore, a plurality of operations can be recorded in the metadata unit 21.

Further, since the digital camera 100 capable of generating image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata unit 21 as a script, a desired operation can be executed with a small memory capacity.
Further, since the usage method of the image file data is recorded as a binary program, the CPU 8 of the digital camera 100 can execute the program.
In addition, since the simple program or binary program recorded in the metadata unit 21 is a program for printing an image file, the image file can be printed immediately by the digital camera 100.
In addition, since the simple program or the binary program recorded in the metadata unit 21 is a program that transmits an image file attached to an e-mail, the image file is immediately transmitted from the digital camera 100 as e-mail attachment information. Can do.
In addition, since the simple program or binary program recorded in the metadata unit 21 is a program that transmits an image file to the server, the image file can be immediately transmitted to the server via the network.
Further, since the PC 200 capable of generating image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata portion and stores it in the HDD 52 of the PC 200, the image file data can be handled efficiently, and the PC 200 Operability can be improved.
Further, since the metadata unit 21 includes a plurality of pieces and the PC 200 capable of generating image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata unit 21 and stores the information in the HDD 52 of the PC 200, the metadata A plurality of operations can be recorded in the unit 21.

In addition, since the PC 200 capable of generating image file data records information for using the image file data in the metadata unit 21 as a script, a desired operation can be executed with a small memory capacity.
Further, since the usage method of the image file data is recorded as a binary format program, the CPU 50 of the PC 200 can execute the program.
Further, since the simple program or binary program recorded in the metadata unit 21 is a program for printing an image file, the image file can be printed immediately by the PC 200.
In addition, since the simple program or binary format program recorded in the metadata part is a program that transmits an image file attached to an e-mail, the image file can be immediately transmitted from the PC 200 as e-mail attachment information.
In addition, since the simple program or binary program recorded in the metadata unit 21 is a program that transmits an image file to the server, the image file can be immediately transmitted to the server via the network.
Also, information for using the image file data is recorded in the metadata unit 21, stored in the memories of the digital camera 100 and the PC 200, and the information stored in the memory by connecting the digital camera 100 and the PC 200. The operation can be automatically performed based on the above.

1 is a configuration diagram of a digital camera (imaging device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the data structure of the image data recorded on the memory of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the metadata part 21 of FIG. 2 of this invention. The block diagram of PC (information processing apparatus). 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation according to the first embodiment of the imaging apparatus and the information processing apparatus of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation according to a second embodiment of the imaging apparatus and the information processing apparatus of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an operation according to a third embodiment of the imaging apparatus and the information processing apparatus of the present invention. The figure which shows the structure of the imaging system comprised by the digital camera of this invention, and PC.

Explanation of symbols

100 digital camera, 1 CCD, 2 CDS, 3 A / D converter, 4 digital signal processing circuit, 5 drive device, 6 external I / F, 7 memory, 8 CPU, 9 operation unit, 10 display unit, 11 ROM, 12 RAM, 13 DC-DC converter, 14 battery

Claims (15)

In an imaging device capable of generating image file data composed of a header part, a data part and a metadata part as a single file,
A usage method recording unit that records the usage method of the image file data as text data in the metadata part, and a file storage unit that stores the entire data area generated as the single file, An imaging device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the metadata unit includes a plurality of recording areas, and records other metadata in a recording area different from a recording area in which a method of using the image file data is recorded. .   3. The usage method recording unit records the usage method of the image file data as a simple program that can be easily executed without converting to machine language. Imaging device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the usage method recording unit records a usage method of the image file data as a binary program.   5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the simple program or the binary program is a program for printing the image file.   5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the simple program or the binary program is a program that transmits the image file attached to an e-mail.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the simple program or the binary program is a program that transmits the image file to a server. In an information processing apparatus capable of generating image file data composed of a header part, a data part and a metadata part as a single file,
A usage method recording unit that records the usage method of the image file data as text data in the metadata part, and a file storage unit that stores the entire data area generated as the single file, Information processing apparatus.   9. The information processing according to claim 8, wherein the metadata section includes a plurality of recording areas, and records other metadata in a recording area different from a recording area in which the method of using the image file data is recorded. apparatus.   10. The usage method recording unit records the usage method of the image file data as a simple program that can be easily executed by omitting conversion to machine language. Information processing device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the usage method recording unit records the usage method of the image file data as a binary format program.   12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the simple program or the binary program is a program for printing the image file.   12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the simple program or the binary program is a program that transmits the image file attached to an e-mail.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the simple program or the binary program is a program for transmitting the image file to a server. An imaging system comprising: the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

Images