JP2007068045A - Additional information communication system, imaging apparatus, and method of automatically recording object additional information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable additional information associated with objects with a simple configuration to be obtained reliably and approximately simultaneously to imaging the object. <P>SOLUTION: The pieces of the additional information ADD1, ADD2 are transmitted by overlapping the pieces of the additional information ADD1, ADD2 associated with objects 4, 5 using brightness variation of light by means of LED capable of high-speed switching. When imaging the objects 4, 5, the pieces of the additional information ADD1, ADD2 can be received simultaneously to imaging the objects 4, 5 by simultaneously receiving the pieces of the additional information ADD1, ADD2 with a digital camera 2. Therefore, the pieces of the additional information ADD1, ADD2 as well as imaging data VD of the objects can be obtained with an one-time imaging operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an additional information communication system, an imaging apparatus, and a subject additional information automatic recording method, and is suitable for application to, for example, a digital still camera.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a digital still camera, there are various methods of using image data such as images and videos after shooting such as browsing and reproduction of data, printing, and publication on the WEB. However, in the digital still camera, it is necessary for the user to perform an editing operation of the shooting data, for example, adding additional information such as shooting date and time and shooting location to the shooting data as information to be added to the shooting data.

In order to facilitate such editing work, there have been proposed imaging apparatuses such as digital still cameras and camcorders that add and record additional information related to the subject such as date and time at the same time as shooting (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). reference).
JP-A-9-65268 JP 2001-157163 A JP 2001-211364

In addition to the additional information for the imaging data as described above, a method for presenting various information during imaging has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 4).
JP2004-343813

  By the way, in the imaging devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, in order to acquire additional information, a device unrelated to a mobile phone or a GPS system is required, and only time information and position information are acquired as additional information. Therefore, there is a problem that it is not always possible to acquire additional information directly related to the subject.

  In the imaging apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 4, communication is performed between the information server in which the additional information is stored and the imaging apparatus, and detailed information about the subject is displayed in addition to time information and position information when the subject is photographed. However, it is in the actual shooting frame because it is a mechanism that acquires additional information from the information server when it detects that it is within a specific range using radio communication such as radio waves. There is no guarantee that the visual information of the subject and the additional information are directly associated with each other, and there is a problem that the configuration is complicated such that an information server is required for that purpose.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an additional information communication system, an imaging apparatus, and a subject that can acquire additional information associated with the subject with a simple configuration almost simultaneously and reliably at the time of imaging the subject. The additional information automatic recording method is proposed.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the additional information communication system of the present invention, additional information that transmits the additional information by superimposing additional information related to the subject using a change in the luminance of light by a light-emitting element capable of high-speed switching is transmitted. A transmission device and an imaging device that simultaneously receives additional information transmitted from the additional information transmission device when imaging a subject are provided.

  As a result, the additional information transmitted from the additional information transmitting device can be received simultaneously with the imaging of the subject, so that the subject image and the additional information can be acquired by only one imaging operation.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the additional information is transmitted by superimposing the additional information on the subject by using the change in the luminance of the light by the light-emitting element that is provided at or close to the subject and can be switched at high speed. A receiving unit that receives additional information from the additional information transmitting apparatus, an imaging unit that captures an image of the subject, imaging data captured by the imaging unit, and additional information received by the receiving unit are associated with the recording medium. Recording means for recording is provided.

  As a result, it is possible to receive the additional information transmitted from the additional information transmission device provided at a position integral with or close to the subject at the same time as the subject is imaged. The additional information can be recorded in association with each other.

  Furthermore, in the subject additional information automatic recording method of the present invention, the subject to be imaged is imaged, and the change in the luminance of light by a light-emitting element provided at a position integral with or close to the subject and capable of high-speed switching is used. A state in which the imaging reception step for receiving additional information from the additional information transmitting device that transmits the additional information by superimposing the additional information on the subject is associated with the imaging data obtained by imaging the subject and the additional information And a storage step for recording on a recording medium.

  As a result, it is possible to receive the additional information transmitted from the additional information transmission device provided at a position integral with or close to the subject at the same time as the subject is imaged. The additional information can be recorded in association with each other.

  According to the present invention, since the additional information transmitted from the additional information transmitting device can be received simultaneously with the imaging of the subject, the subject image and the additional information can be acquired by only one imaging operation. In this way, it is possible to realize an additional information communication system that can acquire additional information associated with a subject with a simple configuration at the same time when the subject is imaged.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to receive the additional information transmitted from the additional information transmitting device provided at a position integral with or close to the subject at the same time as imaging the subject. The imaging data of the subject and the additional information can be recorded in a state of being associated with each other. Thus, the additional information associated with the subject can be obtained simultaneously and reliably at the time of imaging of the subject with a simple configuration. An image pickup apparatus capable of recording and a method for automatically recording additional information of a subject can be realized.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Embodiment (1-1) Overall Configuration of Additional Information Communication System in First Embodiment In FIG. 1, 1 indicates an additional information communication system as a whole, and a digital still camera (hereinafter referred to as this). 2 is composed of a subject 4 such as a building and a subject 5 such as a road sign that are to be imaged by the digital camera 2. In this case, the subjects 4 and 5 are present in the background when the person 3 is imaged as the main imaging target, but the subjects 4 and 5 may be the main imaging target.

  The subject 4 is provided with a display unit 4A composed of LED (Light Emitting Diode) illumination for signboard decoration on the billboard part of the building, and for example, by displaying the characters “○ △ Manju” on the display unit 4A. Make a store sign and advertise that the store sells the wharf.

  By the way, the display unit 4A applies high-speed responsiveness when turning on and off the light of the LED (light emitting element) to the optical data communication so that various data can be transmitted from the display unit 4A to the digital camera 2. ing.

  Therefore, in the display unit 4A, it is possible to use, for example, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display or FED (Field Emission Display) that can emit light and emit light at high speed, and functions as a light source for each pixel. At the same time, high-speed optical data communication of several Mbps or more can be realized.

  In the display unit 4A, instead of a normal white backlight, an LCD that employs a backlight system of a triluminous method (trademark of Sony Corporation) in which LEDs of the three primary colors RGB are alternately combined and installed in the back ( It is also possible to use a liquid crystal display) or the like, and various data can be optically transmitted by switching the LED (light emitting element) at high speed. However, other than that, it is also possible to use a so-called field sequential type LCD which controls the brightness by controlling the length of the on-time of the LED.

  Information that the display unit 4A transmits to the digital camera 2 at this time includes building location information, latitude / longitude information, detailed introduction information and URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the store, and image information indicating a product, Additional information (metadata) ADD1 such as voice guidance information, which is constantly transmitted.

  On the other hand, the subject 5 is a display section 5A composed of a plurality of LEDs arranged along the sign pattern of the road sign. For example, the sign section itself indicating parking prohibition is displayed as an image. Yes. As with the subject 4, it is also possible to use an LCD having a backlight in which LEDs (light emitting elements) that can be switched at high speed are arranged in an array.

  Also in this case, the subject 5 applies high-speed responsiveness when turning on / off the LED light to the optical data communication in the same manner as the display unit 4A of the subject 4, and the road sign from the display unit 5A toward the digital camera 2 is applied. Map-related data such as an existing address and latitude / longitude can be transmitted as additional information ADD2. Next, the circuit configuration of such an additional information communication system 1 will be described.

(1-2) Circuit Configuration of Additional Information Communication System As shown in FIG. 2, the subject 4 is configured such that a control unit 11 having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) configuration controls the whole, and an additional information holding unit 12 reads the additional information ADD1 held, and optically transmits the additional information ADD1 by switching the LED (light emitting element) at high speed by the visible light communication unit 13 of the display unit 4A.

  By the way, the additional information ADD1 is optically transmitted as packet data in a format in which actual data follows the first start bit and an end bit indicating an end-off file is added to the end of the actual data. ADD1 is always output from the visible light communication unit 13.

  Further, the subject 5 is configured such that a control unit 16 having a CPU configuration performs overall control. The additional information ADD2 held by the additional information holding unit 17 is read, and the visible light communication unit 18 of the display unit 5A performs LED ( The additional information ADD2 is optically transmitted by switching the light emitting element) at high speed. Also in this case, the additional information ADD2 is always output from the visible light communication unit 18 as packet data.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 2 is configured such that a control unit 21 having a CPU configuration performs overall control, and in the still image mode, an image input unit 24 such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like is used for a person 3 or a subject. 4 and the subject 5 are imaged, and image data VD1 obtained as a result is displayed on a display unit 23 formed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the image data VD1 is recorded on a recording medium such as a flash memory by the recording unit 22. Has been made.

  In the moving image mode, the digital camera 2 captures the moving image data VD2 via the image input unit 24, and simultaneously captures the audio data SD1 via the audio input unit 26, and records the moving image data VD2 and the audio data ADD1. Recording is performed on the recording medium by the unit 22.

  By the way, the digital camera 2 is provided with a visible light communication unit 25 including a light emitting element such as an LED and a light receiving element such as a photodiode, for example, separately or integrally with the image input unit 24. 13 and the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 transmitted from the visible light communication unit 18 of the subject 5 are received by the visible light communication unit 25 and transmitted to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 records the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 on the recording medium by the recording unit 22.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the digital camera 2 captures an image of the person 3, the subject 4, and the subject 5 within the imaging frame 28, the control unit 21 captures the person 3, the subject 4, and the subject 5. The target imaging data VD1 is acquired and recorded on the recording medium by the recording unit 22, and at the same time, additional information ADD1 and ADD2 optically transmitted from the visible light communication unit 13 of the subject 4 and the visible light communication unit 18 of the subject 5 are transmitted. The image data VD1 and the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 are acquired by the visible light communication unit 25 and recorded on the recording medium by the recording unit 22 in a state of being associated with each other.

  Therefore, when reading the imaging data VD1 from the recording medium in accordance with an instruction from the user, the control unit 21 of the digital camera 2 can read the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 together with the imaging data VD1 and display it on the display unit 23. ing. In the digital camera 2, an image based on the imaging data VD1 and the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 can be switched and displayed according to a user instruction.

(1-3) Additional Information Acquisition Processing Procedure The processing procedure until the digital camera 2 acquires the image data VD1 and the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 in association with each other is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. From the start step of the routine RT1 to the next step SP1, and based on whether or not the visible light communicator 25 has received the start bit constituting the packet data of the additional information, the digital camera 2, the subject 4 and the subject 5 is determined whether or not optical data communication is being performed, and if a positive result is obtained, the process proceeds to the next step SP2.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP1, this means that optical data communication is not performed between the digital camera 2 and the subject 4 or the subject 5, that is, the subject 4 or the subject 5 is in the imaging frame 28. In this case, the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 are not optically transmitted even if they exist, and the control unit 21 of the digital camera 2 proceeds to the next step SP4.

  In step SP2, the control unit 21 of the digital camera 2 starts to receive the packet data of the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 transmitted from the subject 4 and the subject 5 by the visible light communication unit 25, and proceeds to the next step SP3.

  In step SP3, the control unit 21 of the digital camera 2 displays the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 received by the visible light communication unit 25 on the display unit 23, thereby receiving and acquiring the additional information ADD1 and ADD2. While allowing the user to visually check, the data is temporarily stored in a temporary storage memory (not shown) such as a RAM, and the process proceeds to the next step SP4.

  In step SP4, the control unit 21 of the digital camera 2 determines whether or not a shutter button (not shown) has been pressed by the user. If a negative result is obtained, the process returns to step SP1 to repeat the above-described processing. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained, the process proceeds to the next step SP5.

  In step SP5, the control unit 21 of the digital camera 2 images the imaging target (that is, the person 3, the subject 4, and the subject 5) displayed in the imaging frame 28 at that moment in response to the pressing operation of the shutter button, and obtains the result. The captured image data VD1 is recorded on the recording medium by the recording unit 22, and the process proceeds to the next step SP6.

  In step SP6, the control unit 21 of the digital camera 2 stores the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 temporarily stored in the temporary storage memory on the recording medium in a state in which the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 is associated with the imaging data VD1 recorded in step SP5. Record, and move to the next step SP7 to finish the process.

  In this way, the control unit 21 of the digital camera 2 can acquire the imaging data VD1 and simultaneously record the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 related to the subject 4 and the subject 5 in the imaging data VD1 in association with each other. After imaging, the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 related to the subject 4 and the subject 5 can be read from the recording medium and displayed.

(1-4) Operation and Effect In the above configuration, in the additional information communication system 1, the user presses the shutter button while the person 3, the subject 4, and the subject 5 are placed in the imaging frame 28 by the digital camera 2. With this simple operation, the imaging data VD1 corresponding to the imaging frame 28 is acquired, and at the same time, the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 optically transmitted from the display unit 4A of the subject 4 and the display unit 5A of the subject 5 are acquired, and imaging is performed. Data VD1 and additional information ADD1, ADD2 can be recorded on a recording medium in a state of being associated with each other.

  Thus, in the additional information communication system 1, the search and management of the imaging data VD1 can be performed using the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 associated with the imaging data VD1 on a one-to-one basis. The convenience for management can be greatly improved.

  In the additional information communication system 1, the image data VD1 and the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 recorded in the digital camera 2 are transferred to a personal computer (not shown), and a still image corresponding to the image data VD1 is displayed on the personal computer. When the user browses, the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 can also be browsed.

  As a result, the user can visually confirm the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 related to the subject 4 and the subject 5 displayed in the still image corresponding to the imaging data VD1, recognize the whereabouts of the place, ) Details and product sales URL information.

  Therefore, the personal computer can automatically jump to the home page and display it when the user clicks the URL for the home page of the product sale, and as a result, the user is provided with the opportunity to sell the product. .

  As a result, as the additional information communication system 1, the digital camera 2 and the store of the subject 4 providing the additional information ADD1 are organically linked, and the store of the subject 4 and the user can communicate with each other through the additional information ADD1. A new service form can be provided.

  According to the above configuration, in the additional information communication system 1, the image data VD1 and the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 related to the image data VD1 are associated with each other by the digital camera 2 only by pressing the shutter button once. Therefore, the image data VD1 can be easily retrieved and managed by the additional information ADD1 and ADD2, and an effective affiliate can be realized through the additional information ADD1 and ADD2.

(2) Second Embodiment (2-1) Overall Configuration of Additional Information Communication System in Second Embodiment In FIG. 5, 101 indicates the additional information communication system in the second embodiment as a whole, The digital camera 102 includes a subject 103 such as a vase to be imaged by the digital camera 102 and a photographing permission authentication device 104 placed in the vicinity of the subject 103.

  For example, if the subject 103 is a valuable piece of art, it is often displayed in a museum for the general public, but not everyone can shoot freely. Therefore, only a specific user is permitted to shoot through the shooting permission authentication device 104.

  For this reason, the photographing permission authentication device 104 is provided with a visible light communication unit 104A composed of LED (Light Emitting Diode) illumination or an LED decoration light source, and the LED (light emitting element) of the visible light communication unit 104A is turned on and off at high speed. High-speed response is applied to optical data communication so that optical data communication can be performed between the photographing permission authentication device 104 and the digital camera 102.

  Therefore, in the visible light communication unit 104A, it is also possible to use, for example, an organic EL display or an FED that emits light (LED) itself and can be switched at high speed. High-speed optical data communication can be realized.

  Also in this case, in the visible light communication unit 104A, a triluminous type (trademark of Sony Corporation) backlight system in which LEDs of three primary colors RGB are alternately combined in place of a normal white backlight. It is also possible to use an LCD adopting the above, and various data can be optically transmitted by switching the LED (light emitting element) at high speed. However, other than that, it is also possible to use a so-called field sequential type LCD which controls the brightness by controlling the length of the on-time of the LED.

  At this time, as additional information ADD3 related to the subject 103 that the visible light communication unit 104A of the photographing permission authentication device 104 transmits to the digital camera 102, a password request signal for permitting photographing, a photographing from the digital camera 102, or the like. This is a photographing permission signal to be given to the digital camera 102 when a permission password is received.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 102 is provided with a visible light communication unit (described later) that receives additional information ADD3 optically transmitted from the visible light communication unit 104A of the photographing permission authentication device 104. Optical data communication is performed between the visible light communication unit 104A and the visible light communication unit of the digital camera 102. Next, the circuit configuration of the additional information communication system 100 in the second embodiment will be described.

(2-2) Circuit Configuration of Additional Information Communication System As shown in FIG. 6 in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals, the photographing permission authentication apparatus 104 is controlled by a control unit 111 having a CPU configuration. The additional information ADD3 such as a password request signal and a photographing permission signal held by the additional information holding unit 112 is read, and the LED (light emitting element) of the visible light communication unit 104A is switched at high speed to control the addition. The information ADD3 is optically transmitted to the digital camera 102.

  By the way, also in the additional information ADD3, as in the additional information ADD1 and ADD2 in the first embodiment, the actual data follows the first start bit, and an end bit indicating an end-off file is present at the end of the actual data. Optical transmission is performed as packet data in an added format.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 102 is configured such that a control unit 121 having a CPU configuration performs overall control, and in the still image mode, the subject 103 is imaged by an image input unit 124 such as a CCD, and the result is obtained. The captured image data VD1 is displayed on a display unit 123 formed of an LCD, and the captured image data VD1 is recorded on a recording medium such as a flash memory by the recording unit 122.

  In the moving image mode, the digital camera 102 captures the moving image data VD2 via the image input unit 124 and simultaneously captures the audio data SD1 via the audio input unit 126, and records the moving image data VD2 and the audio data SD1. The data is recorded on the recording medium by the unit 122.

  By the way, the digital camera 102 is provided with a visible light communication unit 125 including a light emitting element such as an LED and a light receiving element such as a photodiode, in addition to the image input unit 124, and from the visible light communication unit 104 A of the photographing permission authentication device 104. The transmitted additional information ADD 3 is received by the visible light communication unit 125 and sent to the control unit 121. The control unit 121 records the additional information ADD3 on the recording medium by the recording unit 122.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the digital camera 102 captures an image of the subject 103 within the imaging frame 128, the control unit 121 acquires the imaging data VD <b> 1 for the subject 103 as an imaging target and acquires the recording unit. The additional information ADD3 (in this case, the photographing permission password and the authentication number) optically transmitted from the visible light communication unit 104A of the photographing permission authentication device 104 located in the vicinity of the subject 103 is simultaneously recorded in the recording medium by 122. Acquired by the communication unit 125, the imaging data VD1 and the additional information ADD3 are recorded on the recording medium by the recording unit 122 in a state of being associated with each other.

  Therefore, when reading the imaging data VD1 from the recording medium in accordance with an instruction from the user, the control unit 121 of the digital camera 102 can read the additional information ADD3 together with the imaging data VD1 and display it on the display unit 123. . In the digital camera 102, an image based on the imaging data VD1 and the additional information ADD3 can be switched and displayed according to a user instruction.

  Note that the authentication number included in the additional information ADD3 in this case is only transmitted after the password is once authenticated by the digital camera 102 with the photographing permission authenticating device 104, regardless of the password authentication. This is so that a photographing permission signal can be given.

(2-3) Additional Information Acquisition Processing Procedure A photographing permission communication processing procedure from when the digital camera 102 receives photographing permission from the photographing permission device 104 to photograph the subject 104 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the control unit 121 of the digital camera 102 sets the photographing frame 128 for photographing the subject 103 in step SP11, the process proceeds to the next step SP12. At this time, in step SP21, the control unit 111 of the photographing permission authentication apparatus 104 transmits a password request signal for giving photographing permission to the subject 103 of the digital camera 102 from the visible light communication unit 104A, and proceeds to the next step SP22.

  In step SP <b> 12, the control unit 121 of the digital camera 102 determines whether the visible light communication unit 125 has received the password request signal transmitted from the imaging permission authentication device 104.

  If a negative result is obtained here, it means that the password request signal is not transmitted from the photographing permission authenticating device 104, that is, it is permitted to photograph the subject 103 freely. At this time, the digital camera 102 Since the controller 111 does not need to receive the photographing permission of the subject 103 from the photographing permission authenticating device 104, the control unit 111 proceeds to step SP17 and releases the locked state when the shutter button is in the locked state.

  On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP12, this indicates that a password request signal has been received from the photographing permission authenticating device 104, and at this time, the control unit 121 of the digital camera 102 proceeds to the next step SP13. Move.

  In step SP13, the control unit 121 of the digital camera 102 has not yet been permitted to shoot by the photographic permission authentication device 104 at this time point. Therefore, the unpermitted shooting is performed by setting the shutter button to the locked state and prohibiting the shutter operation. Before proceeding to the next step SP14.

  In step SP14, the control unit 121 of the digital camera 102 responds to the password request signal from the imaging permission authentication device 104 and uses the visible light communication unit 125 for acquiring the imaging permission password acquired from a predetermined server in advance when the imaging permission right is purchased. To the visible light communication unit 104A of the imaging permission authentication device 104, and the process proceeds to the next step SP15.

  At this time, in step SP22, the control unit 111 of the imaging permission authentication device 104 determines whether or not the imaging permission password transmitted from the digital camera 102 has been received by the visible light communication unit 104A. If a negative result is obtained, step SP21 is obtained. The process waits until the photographing permission password is received, but if a positive result is obtained, the process proceeds to the next step SP24.

  In step SP24, the control unit 111 of the photographing permission authentication apparatus 104 inquires whether the password requested to the digital camera 102 matches the photographing permission password received from the digital camera 102, and the next step SP25. Move on.

  In step SP25, if the passwords match, the control unit 111 authenticates that the digital camera 102 is a subject of photographing permission, obtains a positive result, and proceeds to the next step SP26. If not, authentication cannot be performed, a negative result is obtained, and the process proceeds to the next step SP23.

  In step SP23, the control unit 111 of the photographing permission authentication device 104 reads the photographing non-permission signal from the additional information holding unit 112 and transmits it to the digital camera 102 from the visible light communication unit 104A because the password authentication does not match. Return to step SP21 again.

  In step SP26, the control unit 111 of the photographing permission authenticating apparatus 104 reads the photographing permission signal from the additional information holding unit 112 and transmits it to the digital camera 102 from the visible light communication unit 104A because the password authentication matches, and the next step The process proceeds to SP27 and the process is terminated.

  At this time, in step SP15, the control unit 121 of the digital camera 102 determines whether or not the imaging permission signal transmitted from the visible light communication unit 104A of the imaging permission authentication device 104 has been received by the visible light communication unit 125, and a negative result. Is obtained, the process proceeds to the next step SP16, and if a positive result is obtained, the process proceeds to the next step SP17.

  In step SP16, the control unit 121 of the digital camera 102 is not permitted to shoot such as displaying a comment “cannot shoot” on the display unit 123 because the shoot permission for the subject 103 has not been obtained from the shoot permission authentication device 104. The process is executed, and the process returns to step SP11 again.

  In step SP17, the control unit 121 of the digital camera 102 is allowed to execute the shutter operation by releasing the lock state of the shutter button performed in step SP13 because the photographing permission authentication device 104 has obtained the photographing permission for the subject 103. As a result, the camera is set in a photographing enabled state, and the process proceeds to the next step SP18.

  In step SP18, the control unit 121 of the digital camera 102 determines whether or not the shutter button has been pressed by the user's operation. If a negative result is obtained, the process returns to step SP11 to repeat the above-described processing, and a positive result. Is obtained, the process proceeds to the next step SP19.

  In step SP <b> 19, the control unit 121 of the digital camera 102 images the subject 103 stored in the imaging frame 128 at that time in response to the pressing operation of the shutter button, and the imaging data VD <b> 1 obtained as a result is recorded by the recording unit 122. The information is recorded on the recording medium, and the additional information ADD3 received from the imaging permission authentication device 104 is recorded in association with the imaging data VD1, and then the process proceeds to the next step SP20 to end the process.

(2-4) Operation and Effect In the above configuration, when the digital camera 102 of the additional information communication system 101 captures the subject 103, the visible light communication unit 104A of the photographing permission authentication device 104 located in the vicinity of the subject 103 Optical data communication is performed with the visible light communication unit 125 of the digital camera 102, and the digital camera 102 is allowed to shoot only when password authentication is performed by the shooting permission authentication device 104, and password authentication is not performed. Shooting is not permitted when

  Accordingly, the additional information communication system 101 can indirectly control the photographing authority of the digital camera 102 with respect to the subject 103 via the photographing permission authentication device 104. Therefore, a malicious user who does not have the photographing authority for the owner of the subject 103. This avoids the unexpected disadvantage of unauthorized shooting.

  Further, the additional information communication system 101 installs a photographing permission authentication device 104 in the vicinity of the subject 103 and automatically permits photographing by optical data communication when photographing the subject 103 between the photographing permission authentication device 104 and the digital camera 102. Therefore, as long as the user who operates the digital camera 102 obtains a photographing permission password in advance, it is possible to automatically shoot only by placing the subject 103 and the photographing permission authenticating device 104 in the photographing frame 128. The permission is given, and the subject 103 can be photographed and the additional information ADD3 can be acquired by only pressing the shutter button once.

  That is, the user only needs to press the shutter button, and does not need a special operation for obtaining the photographing permission. The photographing permission can be automatically obtained only with the simple operation as before, and the subject 103 can be obtained. Can be taken.

  According to the above configuration, the additional information communication system 101 can perform password authentication by optical data communication between the digital camera 102 and the photographing permission authenticating device 104 installed in the vicinity of the subject 103. It is possible to control in a non-contact manner so that only the digital camera 102 to which the photographing permission is given is given the photographing authority and the other digital cameras to which the photographing permission is not given are not given the photographing authority.

(3) Other Embodiments In the first embodiment described above, additional information ADD1 indicates building location information, latitude / longitude information, detailed introduction information and URL information of a store, and a product. Although the case where image information and voice guidance information are used has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and moving image data and detailed and accurate time information may be used as the additional information ADD1.

  For example, when detailed and accurate time information is used as the additional information ADD1, the digital camera 2 can display the subject 4 without setting the local time even when shooting in an area where there is a time difference from Japan, which is an overseas travel destination. It is possible to receive accurate time information from 4A by optical communication and record the imaged data VD1 and time information in a linked state.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the additional information ADD1 is received and temporarily stored before the shutter operation, and the imaging data VD1 and the additional information ADD1 are simultaneously stored in response to the user pressing the shutter button. Although the case where recording is performed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the additional information ADD1 is not received and temporarily stored before the shutter operation, but the imaging data VD1 and the additional information are not stored during the shutter operation. You may make it acquire and record ADD1.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the digital camera 102 receives the password request signal, the photographing permission signal and the authentication number transmitted from the photographing permission authentication device 104 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the camera assist information may be realized for the digital camera 102 by receiving device setting information such as camera angle information, sensitivity, and shutter speed that is optimal for the subject 103.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the digital camera 102 receives the password request signal, the photographing permission signal and the authentication number transmitted from the photographing permission authentication device 104 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the photographing permission authenticating device 104 may be provided with a thermometer, and the temperature information detected by the thermometer may be optically transmitted from the visible light communication unit 104A to the monitoring camera. In this case, a fire prevention system can also be constructed by the photographing permission authentication device 104 and the monitoring camera.

  Furthermore, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the photographing permission authentication device 104 is installed in the vicinity of the subject 103 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the photographing permission authentication is integrated with the subject 103. The device 104 may be attached.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the additional information communication system 1 using the subjects 4 and 5 as the additional information transmitting device, the photographing permission authenticating device 104, and the digital cameras 2 and 102 as the imaging devices. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the additional information communication system may be configured using the additional information transmitting apparatus and the imaging apparatus having other various configurations. good.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the digital camera 2 serving as an imaging device includes the receiving unit and the visible light communication units 25 and 125, the image input unit 124 serving as the imaging unit, and the recording unit 122 serving as the recording unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging apparatus may be configured by receiving means, imaging means, and recording means having various other configurations.

  The additional information communication system, imaging device, and subject additional information automatic recording method of the present invention are applied to various other electronic devices having imaging means such as a camcorder, a camera-equipped mobile phone, and a surveillance camera in addition to a digital camera. Can do.

It is a rough-line perspective view which shows the whole structure of the additional information communication system in 1st Embodiment. It is a basic block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the additional information communication system in 1st Embodiment. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of recording of additional information. It is a flowchart which shows the additional information acquisition process procedure at the time of still image photography. It is a rough-line perspective view which shows the whole structure of the additional information communication system in 2nd Embodiment. It is a basic block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the additional information communication system in 2nd Embodiment. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of exchange of imaging permission. It is a sequence chart which shows the imaging | photography permission communication processing procedure by password authentication.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101 ... Additional information communication system, 2,102 ... Digital camera, 3 ... Person, 4, 5, 103 ... Subject, 11, 16, 21, 111, 121 ... Control part, 12, 17, 112 …… Additional information holding unit, 13, 18, 25, 104A …… Visible light communication unit, 22, 122 …… Recording unit, 23,123 …… Display unit, 24,124 …… Image input unit, 26, 126 ...... Voice input part.

Claims (7)

An additional information transmitting device that transmits the additional information by superimposing the additional information related to the subject by using the luminance change of light by the light-emitting element capable of high-speed switching;
An additional information communication system comprising: an imaging device that simultaneously receives the additional information transmitted from the additional information transmission device when imaging the subject. The additional information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the additional information transmitting device is provided at a position integral with or close to the subject. The additional information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the additional information transmission device uses visible light or infrared light as the light. The additional information communication according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device records imaging data obtained by imaging the subject and the received additional information on a recording medium in association with each other. system. The additional information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the additional information is text information about the subject, position information of the subject, peripheral information of the subject, or authentication information of the subject. The additional information is transmitted from the additional information transmitting device that transmits the additional information by superimposing the additional information on the subject by using a change in the luminance of light by a light-emitting element that is provided at or close to the subject and that can be switched at high speed. Receiving means for receiving
Imaging means for imaging the subject;
An imaging apparatus comprising: recording means for recording on a recording medium in a state in which imaging data imaged by the imaging means and the additional information received by the receiving means are associated with each other. The additional information is captured by imaging the subject to be imaged and superimposing the additional information of the subject on the basis of a change in the luminance of light by a light-emitting element provided at a position that is integral with or close to the subject and capable of high-speed switching. An imaging reception step of receiving the additional information from the additional information transmitting device to transmit;
A method for automatically recording additional information of a subject, comprising: a storage step of recording on a recording medium in a state in which imaging data obtained by imaging the subject and the additional information are associated with each other.

Images