JP2006253875A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of imparting information effective to identification of an image file obtained by photographing to a file name or a folder name. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus 1A is provided with an IC tag reader 48 for detecting a receptible IC tag existing around the imaging apparatus 1A and capable of reading information stored in the IC tag by means of a radio wave. When the IC tag stores latitude/longitude information, the imaging apparatus 1A uses the IC tag reader 48 to read the information and a camera control section 40A generates a file name of, e.g. "(latitude)_(longitude)_*** (serial number).jpg". Then the imaging apparatus 1A imparts this file name to the image file obtained by photographing and stores the image file to a memory card 9. As a result, the imaging apparatus 1A can impart information effective to the identification of the image file to the file name or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device that captures a subject and generates an image file.

  When shooting is performed using an imaging device such as a digital camera, one folder is normally created on the memory card, and the image file is “*** (serial number) .jpg” (that is, “*** 0001”). .Jpg ”,“ *** 0002.jpg ”,...)), The file name is set. Therefore, when organizing image files after shooting, it is not possible to know what is in which image file, and it is necessary to open a huge number of image files one by one and perform identification work.

  On the other hand, as a method for identifying a desired image from a huge image group, for example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. According to this technology, it is possible to retrieve an image presumed to show the customer by referring to the shooting date / time and the customer's movement history from a large number of image files taken by the photographer at an amusement park or the like.

JP 2003-199032 A

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires management of shooting date / time and location and customer movement history, and thus the system configuration is complicated.

  On the other hand, if information effective for identifying an image file can be given at the time of image recording, it is effective for organizing images after shooting.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can give information effective for identifying an image file obtained by photographing to a file name or a folder name.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 is an imaging device that shoots a subject to generate an image file, and (a) stores information stored in an information transmission device capable of wirelessly transmitting information. A reading means for reading; and (b) a setting means for setting a file name assigned to the image file and / or a folder name for storing the image file based on the information read by the reading means.

  The invention of claim 2 is the imaging device according to the invention of claim 1, wherein the information transmitting device is configured as an IC tag, and the reading means is (a-1) in the vicinity of the IC tag. An IC tag reader capable of reading information stored in the IC tag;

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus for capturing an image of a subject and generating an image file, wherein (a) information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to a shooting location, and (b) acquired by the information acquisition means. And setting means for setting a file name to be given to the image file and / or a folder name for storing the image file.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, the information acquisition means can (a-1) wirelessly read position information stored in the IC tag around the IC tag. An IC tag reader, and (a-2) means for acquiring information on the shooting location based on position information read by the IC tag reader, and the IC tags are arranged at predetermined intervals. .

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect of the invention, the information acquisition means is (a-3) a position detecting means for detecting the position of the imaging apparatus using GPS. And (a-4) means for acquiring information on the shooting location based on the position information detected by the position detection means.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to the first and second aspects of the invention, the information stored in the information transmitting device capable of transmitting information by radio is read, and the file name assigned to the image file based on this information Since the folder name for storing the image file is set, information effective for identifying the image file obtained by shooting can be given to the file name or the folder name.

  In particular, in the invention of claim 2, since the IC tag reader capable of reading the information stored in the IC tag is provided around the IC tag, the information can be easily read.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the information about the shooting location is acquired, and the file name to be given to the image file and / or the folder name for storing the image file is set based on this information. Information useful for identifying image files can be given to file names and folder names.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the information on the shooting location is acquired from the IC tag arranged at a predetermined interval by the IC tag reader based on the position information, the shooting location information can be easily acquired.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the information on the shooting location is acquired based on the position information detected by the position detecting means for detecting the position of the imaging device using the GPS, it is easy to acquire the shooting location information. Yes.

<First Embodiment>
<Principal configuration of imaging device>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing functional blocks of an imaging apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging apparatus 1A is configured as a digital camera, and includes an imaging sensor 11, a signal processing unit 2 connected to the imaging sensor 11, an image processing unit 3 connected to the signal processing unit 2, and a camera control unit 40A. ing.

  The imaging sensor 11 is configured as an area imaging sensor in which primary color transmission filters of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are arranged in a checkered pattern, and is an all-pixel readout type imaging device. . In the imaging sensor 11, when the charge accumulation is completed, the photoelectrically converted signal is shifted to a light-shielded transfer path, read out from the buffer through this, and imaged by the imaging optical system including the lens group 13. An image signal related to the subject image is output. An optical LPF 12 is provided in front of the image sensor 11.

  The signal processing unit 2 includes a CDS 21, an AGC 22, and an A / D conversion unit 23.

  The image signal output from the image sensor 11 is sampled by the CDS 21 and noise of the image sensor 11 is removed, and then sensitivity correction is performed by the AGC 22.

  The A / D converter 23 is configured, for example, as a 10-bit AD converter, and digitizes the analog signal normalized by the AGC 22. From the digitized image signal, an image file subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 3 is generated.

  The image processing unit 3 includes a CPU and a memory, and includes a digital processing unit 3a, an image compression unit 35, a video encoder 38, and a memory card driver 39.

  The digital processing unit 3 a includes a color balance evaluation integrator 30, a pixel interpolation unit 31, a resolution conversion unit 32, a white balance control unit 33, and a gamma correction unit 34.

  The image data input to the image processing unit 3 is written in the image memory 41 configured by SDRAM, for example, in synchronization with the reading of the imaging sensor 11. Thereafter, the image data stored in the image memory 41 is accessed, and various processes are performed by the digital processing unit 3a.

  With respect to the image data on the image memory 41, pixel integration data for each small area is calculated for each color (RGB) by the color balance evaluation integrator 30. This small area is a divided area obtained by dividing one screen into multiple areas. By performing the integration of the pixel values in such a small area, an effect equivalent to performing the averaging process can be obtained. Using the calculation result of the color balance evaluation accumulator 30, the gain data of each RGB pixel is obtained.

  Then, the white balance control unit 33 performs gain correction on each of the RGB pixels independently, and RGB white balance correction is performed. In this white balance correction, a portion that is originally considered to be white from a photographic subject is estimated from luminance, saturation data, etc., and the average, G / R ratio, and G / B ratio of each of R, G, and B are obtained. Correction control is performed using the G / R ratio and the G / B ratio as R and B correction gains.

  In the image data subjected to white balance correction, each pixel of RGB is masked by the respective filter pattern by the pixel interpolation unit 31, and for G having pixels up to a high band, a median (intermediate value) filter is used to intermediate the surrounding four pixels. Replace with the average of two values. For R and B, average interpolation is performed.

  The RGB data in the interpolated image data is subjected to non-linear conversion suitable for each output device by the gamma correction unit 34, and then Y, RY, BY data are calculated from RGB by matrix calculation, and image memory is obtained. 41.

  The Y, RY, and BY data are subjected to horizontal / vertical reduction or thinning, and the resolution conversion unit 32 performs resolution conversion to the number of pixels of the recorded image. Also, in the monitor display, the resolution conversion unit 32 performs thinning and creates a low resolution image to be displayed on the LCD monitor 43 and the electronic viewfinder 44.

  At the time of preview (live view), a low resolution image of 640 * 240 pixels read out from the image memory 41 is encoded into NTSC / PAL by the video encoder 38, and this is imaged on the electronic viewfinder 44 or LCD monitor 43 as a field image. Perform playback. Further, at the time of image recording, an image of the set recording resolution is subjected to, for example, JPEG compression processing by the image compression unit 35, and then the compressed image is recorded on the memory card 9 by the memory card driver 39.

  The camera control unit 40A includes a CPU and a memory, and processes an operation input performed by a photographer on an operation unit 49 having a shutter button, a zoom button, a main switch, and the like.

  When the live view display in which the subject is displayed on the LCD monitor 43 or the like in a moving image mode before the main photographing is performed, the image pickup apparatus 1A fixes the optical aperture value of the shutter 45 to the open state by the aperture driver 46. As for the charge accumulation time of the image sensor 11, exposure control data is calculated by the camera control unit 40A based on the light amount data measured in the photometry area selected from the image acquired by the image sensor 11. Then, feedback control is performed by the timing generator sensor driver 47 so that the exposure time of the image sensor 11 is appropriate based on a program diagram set in advance based on the exposure control data calculated by the camera control unit 40A.

  In the imaging apparatus 1A, the exposure amount to the imaging sensor 11 is controlled by the aperture driver 46 and the timing generator sensor driver 47 according to a program diagram set in advance based on the above-mentioned photometric light amount data at the time of actual photographing.

  The imaging apparatus 1A is an IC tag reader that can read information stored in an IC tag in a specific area around the IC tag that functions as an information transmitting apparatus capable of transmitting information wirelessly, that is, in a specific range centered on the IC tag. 48. Then, based on the information of the IC tag acquired using the IC tag reader 48, the imaging device 1A can set the file name of the captured image data. This file name setting will be described in detail.

<File name settings>
As described above, the imaging apparatus 1A includes an IC tag reader 48 that detects a receivable IC tag existing around the imaging apparatus 1A and reads information on the IC tag by radio waves.

  Here, when the above IC tag stores location information about latitude and longitude, if this information can be reflected in the file name of the photographed image file, the photographing location becomes clear and useful for organizing images. It is. Since the IC tag is usually limited to a relatively narrow range of several meters, the IC tag for storing latitude / longitude information is arranged at a predetermined interval (for example, every several meters as described above). Is preferred.

  Therefore, in the imaging apparatus 1A, when latitude / longitude information indicating the position of the IC tag is stored in the IC tag, the position information is read by the IC tag reader 48, for example, “(latitude) _ (longitude) _ **”. A file name having a configuration of “* (serial number) .jpg” is generated by the camera control unit 40A. Then, the file name set in this way is given to the image file and stored in the memory card 9.

  As described above, information related to the shooting location is acquired based on the position information read by the IC tag reader 48, and a file name reflecting the shooting location information is set. Therefore, information effective for identifying the image file is given to the file name. It will be possible.

  On the other hand, when the IC tag is not detected by the IC tag reader 48 or when position information such as latitude / longitude information is not stored even if the IC tag is detected, the normal serial number method described in the background art above is used. For example, a file name “*** (serial number) .jpg” is set.

<Operation of Imaging Device 1A>
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the imaging apparatus 1A. This operation is executed by the camera control unit 40A.

  In step ST <b> 1, it is determined whether a shooting instruction has been given by a photographer's operation on the shutter button of the operation unit 49. Specifically, it is determined whether the shutter button is fully pressed (S2 is on). If a shooting instruction has been given, the process proceeds to step ST2, and if a shooting instruction has not been given, step ST1 is repeated.

  In step ST2, the image sensor 11 performs exposure.

  In step ST3, the shutter 45 is closed by the aperture driver 46.

  In step ST4, an image signal is read from the image sensor 11, and a captured image is acquired.

  In step ST5, the signal processing unit 2 and the image processing unit 3 perform image processing on the captured image acquired in step ST4.

  In step ST6, the image data subjected to the image processing in step ST5 is subjected to JPEG compression processing by the image compression unit 35 to generate an image file.

  In step ST <b> 7, it is determined whether an IC tag existing around the imaging apparatus 1 </ b> A is detected by the IC tag reader 48. If an IC tag is detected, the process proceeds to step ST8, and if not detected, the process proceeds to step ST11.

  In step ST8, information stored in the IC tag detected by the IC tag reader 48 is read.

  In step ST9, it is determined whether the storage information of the IC tag read in step ST8 is available. That is, it is determined whether the latitude / longitude information described above can be obtained from the IC tag. If the IC tag information is available, the process proceeds to step ST10. If not, the process proceeds to step ST11.

  In step ST10, the IC tag information is reflected in the file name of the image file generated in step ST6. For example, the file name “(latitude) _ (longitude) _ *** (serial number) .jpg” described above is set.

  In step ST11, the file name of the image file generated in step ST6 is created by the normal serial number method described above.

  In step ST12, the image file with the file name set in step ST10 or step ST11 is stored in the memory card 9.

  By the operation of the imaging apparatus 1A described above, the latitude / longitude information read by the IC tag reader is reflected in the file name, so that information effective for identifying the image file obtained by photographing can be given to the file name.

Second Embodiment
The imaging device 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a configuration similar to that of the imaging device 1A of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the camera control unit is different.

  That is, the camera control unit 40B of the imaging apparatus 1B can set a folder name reflecting the information of the IC tag read by the IC tag reader 48.

  Specifically, when latitude / longitude information is stored in the IC tag, this position information is read by the IC tag reader 48, and for example, a folder named “(latitude) _ (longitude)” is stored in the memory card 9. To generate. Then, an image file obtained by photographing the subject is stored in this folder.

  As described above, information related to the shooting location is acquired based on the position information read by the IC tag reader 48, and the folder name reflecting the shooting location information is set. Therefore, information effective for identifying the image file is assigned to the folder name. It will be possible.

  On the other hand, if the IC tag is not detected by the IC tag reader 48, or if position information such as latitude / longitude information is not stored even if the IC tag is detected, the folder is processed in the normal manner described in the background art above. Name is set.

<Operation of Imaging Device 1B>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the imaging apparatus 1B. This operation is executed by the camera control unit 40B.

  In steps ST21 to ST29, operations similar to those in steps ST1 to ST9 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 are performed.

  In step ST30, a folder reflecting the IC tag information in the folder name is generated in the memory card 9. For example, the folder name having the configuration “(latitude) _ (longitude)” described above is set.

  In step ST31, a folder having the folder name created by the above-described normal method is generated in the memory card 9.

  In step ST32, the image file generated in step ST26 is stored in the folder assigned the folder name set in step ST30 or step ST31.

  By the operation of the imaging apparatus 1B described above, the latitude / longitude information read by the IC tag reader is reflected in the folder name, so that information effective for identifying the image file obtained by photographing can be given to the folder name.

  In the imaging apparatuses 1A and 1B, it is not essential to acquire information on the shooting location using an IC tag, and a position detector that detects the position of the imaging apparatus using a GPS (global positioning system). May be provided in the imaging apparatus, and information on the shooting location may be acquired based on the position information detected by the position detector. Reflecting the shooting location information obtained by such a method in the file name or folder name is also effective for identifying the image file.

<Modification>
The information of the IC tag in each of the above embodiments is not necessarily reflected only in the file name and only in the folder name, and may be reflected in the file name and folder name. Specific examples 1 to 3 will be described below.

(1) Specific example 1
Information on the elephant is read by an IC tag reader 48 from an IC tag installed at an appropriate place in the zoo's elephant enclosure, and a folder named “ZOU” is created in the memory card 9. Then, an image file named “ZOU _ *** (serial number) .jpg” is stored in the “ZOU” folder.

  If the information “** zoo” in the IC tag can also be acquired via the IC tag reader 48, a folder “** DOUBUTSUEN” can be created above the “ZOU” folder.

(2) Specific example 2
When the manufacturer tag or product name information is stored in the IC tag attached to the product, it is read by the IC tag reader 48 and reflected in the file name or folder name.

  For example, it goes to a bag store, receives information KABANYA from the location information, and first creates a folder named “KABANYA” in the memory card 9.

  Then, the manufacturer name and product name information is read by the IC tag reader 48 in front of the target bag, and an image file named “(maker name) _ (product name) _ *** (serial number) .jpg” is read. , And saved in the “KABANYA” folder.

  Note that a folder having a name reflecting the information of the manufacturer name read by the IC tag reader 48 may be created.

(3) Specific example 3
The information of the person name is read by the IC tag reader 48 from the IC tag possessed by the celebrity and reflected in the file name or folder name.

  For example, when watching a baseball game and shooting in front of a star player, information on the name of the person is read from an IC tag built in the hat worn by the star player, and a folder with the name reflecting this information is stored in the memory card 9. create. Then, an image file named “(person name) _ *** (serial number) .jpg” is stored in this folder.

  As described above, when the person name information in the IC tag is used, a plurality of person name information may be read from a plurality of IC tags in a crowded place or the like. In such a case, it is preferable to display a list of all the read person name information on the LCD monitor 43 or the like after shooting so that the photographer can select.

It is a figure which shows the functional block of 1 A of imaging devices which concern on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation | movement of 1 A of imaging devices. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation | movement of the imaging device 1B which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1A, 1B Imaging device 2 Signal processing unit 3 Image processing unit 9 Memory card 11 Imaging sensor 40A, 40B Camera control unit 43 LCD monitor 44 Electronic viewfinder 45 Shutter 48 IC tag reader 49 Operation unit

Claims (5)

An imaging device that shoots a subject and generates an image file,
(a) reading means for reading information stored in an information transmission device capable of wireless information transmission;
(b) based on the information read by the reading means, a setting means for setting a file name to be given to the image file and / or a folder name for storing the image file;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging device according to claim 1,
The information transmitting device is configured as an IC tag,
The reading means includes
(a-1) an IC tag reader capable of reading information stored in the IC tag around the IC tag;
An imaging device comprising: An imaging device that shoots a subject and generates an image file,
(a) information acquisition means for acquiring information about the shooting location;
(b) setting means for setting a file name to be given to the image file and / or a folder name for storing the image file based on the information acquired by the information acquisition means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging device according to claim 3.
The information acquisition means includes
(a-1) an IC tag reader capable of wirelessly reading position information stored in the IC tag around the IC tag;
(a-2) means for acquiring information on the shooting location based on the position information read by the IC tag reader;
Have
The imaging device, wherein the IC tags are arranged at a predetermined interval. In the imaging device according to claim 3 or 4,
The information acquisition means includes
(a-3) position detecting means for detecting the position of the imaging device using GPS;
(a-4) means for obtaining information on the shooting location based on the position information detected by the position detection means;
An imaging device comprising:

Images