JP2008078836A - Camera, blog search system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera for photographing an image for which search properties at a search site can be improved, and provide a blog search system utilizing the image and a program. <P>SOLUTION: The camera 1 includes: a size decision part 14a for deciding the size of a subject; and a theme determination part 14b for determining the theme of a subject based on data in a database 9a. Determined size information and theme information are attached to a photographed image and recorded. A blog to which the image is attached is transmitted to a contract web site from a PC 25 and appears on a display. In a web server 52, an image matched to search conditions is searched utilizing the size information and attached information attached to an image when blog search is requested from the other user and a blog of the image is displayed. Further, from the web server 52, the latest data in the database 9a for the determination of a theme are transmitted to the camera 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera, a blog search system, and a program that provide images that can be searched quickly on the web.

  In recent years, with the advancement of IT technology, it has become possible to easily handle not only characters such as essays but also relatively fine images as important expression means in technologies based on the Internet such as HP (homepage) and blogs. Has been recognized by the market. And in these places, there are an increasing number of enthusiasts exhibiting their proud photographic works.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram conceptually showing the relationship of individuals that can be connected on the Internet 330. A user terminal 300 and a search site 310 are connected to the Internet 330. The search site 310 has a function of searching for some data including an image from another terminal connected to the Internet 330 in accordance with an instruction from each user.

  Each ellipse inside the search internet 330 represents a person called a blog (abbreviation of Web log (web log), referring to a diary page updated daily), a homepage, or a blogger. The horizontal axis of the graph shows the type and range of themes being handled, and I am interested in various things. Some of them spread in this direction, and others concentrate on a specific theme and have no spread.

  The vertical axis indicates how much information and content the content of the theme has, and there are people who have very deep knowledge of a given thing. These people can connect with services based on the Internet, but until now, people who want to send information and people who want to receive information can connect in an appropriate relationship with such a system. It was difficult. For example, even if the search site 310 is instructed to search for the image 320 from the user terminal 300, the search site 310 rarely always searches for and displays an image that is suitable for it.

  FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between such information transmission and reception. In FIG. 20A, there is a user A who has a lot of knowledge about a certain theme and wants to send it to everyone. There are many images of the same theme on his blog and website. On the other hand, user B and user C are interested but have little knowledge, so they want to see the images on this blog and HP. However, the correct theme cannot be determined by a general image search for an image in which an appropriate keyword is not described in the image or an image obtained by enlarging a predetermined portion by special shooting.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20 (B), if this relationship is successfully connected, this time, the knowledge is absorbed and the user C wants to increase the knowledge and the amount of information, and then tries to send information. . At this time, user A becomes interested in the information receiving side, and user B who has only seen information on user A so far wants to see it. This kind of knowledge and interest transmission and cutting will improve the quality of images and create a new photographic culture. This is because if you look at a blog that contains similar images at the same time, you want to see a better quality.

  Therefore, it is important to know who has the information you want to know the most, but there is no one who has opened a blog with a bar graph as shown in Figs. The skill to guess the depth of the person's knowledge from the information is necessary.

In such a case, the image posted on the homepage or blog is a very large information source. That is, it can be understood that the amount of information of a person who publishes a lot of images of a predetermined theme is large, and the more the image is purposely posted, the stronger the commitment is. In other words, it can be replaced with objective numerical values such as the amount of images, but if the keywords attached to the images are incorrect, the amount of keywords is small, or the images are not easy to understand, the correct access and evaluation of the blog Will not be able to.
In other words, an easy-to-understand image is important, but if it is only an easy-to-understand image, the expression is monotonous, while a special image is valuable but difficult to search for images.

  There are search sites for searching a large amount of data on the network, and many search sites and websites have devised how to easily reach such information accessible via the Internet. Yes. In image retrieval, a technique for retrieving an image by determining the characteristics of the image itself has been studied and put into practical use. In other words, how to connect a user who wants to see an image and a user who wants to see an image is being studied by the industry.

  The basics of image search are to search for dates, keywords, etc. of photos, but this alone has limitations, so various search methods have been proposed. Here are some of the proposed image search functions. For example, an information service system has been proposed in which an electronic watermark is attached to an image itself and retrieval is performed using the digital watermark (Patent Document 1).

  Also, an image processing apparatus that extracts image features according to shooting conditions has been proposed (Patent Document 2).

  An image search apparatus that searches for an image via a sample image has also been proposed (Patent Document 3). In this image search apparatus, sample image information is attached to an image photographed by selecting a sample image, and image search is performed based on the attached sample image information at the time of image search.

Furthermore, proposals related to image search in blogs have also been made. An index is created by associating a word in a sentence with a date of the diary in a file in which a diary-like sentence and an image such as the blog are mixed. When searching, a word is input, a date corresponding to the word is searched from the index, and an image of that date is displayed (Patent Document 4).
JP 2002-73618 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-23656 JP 2006-146730 A JP 2006-235910 A

  Since the contents of the image are not only very diverse and easy to understand, it is not easy to accurately search for a desired image in a short time only by image classification using conventional image search software prepared at a search site. As long as you rely only on image analysis of search sites, it is difficult to greatly improve your search capabilities.

  Therefore, it is necessary to improve the search capability by using a search system in which the camera side that provides the image and the search site side collaborate, instead of letting the image search unilaterally analyze the search site.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a camera that captures an image that improves searchability at a search site, and a blog search system and program that use the image.

In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a size determination unit that determines the size of a subject and determines size information of the subject, and determines the subject of the subject and determines the subject of the subject. A theme determination unit that determines information, and a recording control unit that records at least one of the size information and the theme information as search information together with a captured image.

The blog search system according to the second invention is a blog composed of a camera that captures an image for posting on a blog and a web server that manages posting of the blog and searches for a specific blog under specified conditions from the blog. In the search system,
The camera includes a theme determination unit that determines a theme of a subject and determines theme information of the subject;
A recording control unit that records the theme information together with the photographed image, and the web server includes a blog management unit that posts a blog to which the photographed image with the theme information is attached;
When the specified condition is related to the subject of the subject, a blog search that selects a blog having an image of the subject theme that matches the specified condition based on the theme information and searches for a specific blog from the posted blog It has a part.

A program according to the third invention is stored in a camera computer.
Determining the size of the subject and determining size information about the size;
Storing an externally supplied theme judgment database;
Using this theme determination database, determining a subject's theme and determining the subject's theme information;
At least one of the size information and the theme information is used as search information, and a step of recording the image along with the captured image is executed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera that captures an image that improves searchability at a search site, and a blog search system and program that use the image.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually comparing image determination methods performed at a search site. FIG. 1A is a concept of a conventional image determination method. In the conventional image determination method, shape determination and color determination are performed by contour detection from an input image, and keywords matching the result are searched from a database. However, this has the problem of searching for similar shapes and colors that are drawn in the picture and similar objects that are drawn in the poster behind the subject instead of the main subject. .

  Therefore, in the present invention described below, a system as shown in FIG. 1B is newly adopted. Additional information for assisting search is added to the image attached to the HP or blog. The additional information is added by the user at the time of shooting. The additional information includes, for example, theme information and main subject size information, and the theme information includes typical images and keywords. On the image determination side, determination is performed by taking into account not only the shape and color so far but also typical images and size information. Since there is no particular difference between the blog and the HP in the handling of the attached image on the search site, hereinafter, “blog” includes HP.

  FIG. 2 is an overall block diagram of the blog search system centered on the camera 1 to which the present invention is applied. The camera 1 includes a photographing lens unit 2, an AF control unit 2a, a diaphragm unit 3, a diaphragm control unit 3a, an imaging element 4, and an analog front end (hereinafter abbreviated as AFE) unit 5 as imaging units.

  The taking lens unit 2 forms an image of the incident subject 20 on the image sensor 4. The taking lens unit 2 has a focus lens inside. The AF (autofocus) control unit 2a detects the focus position, drives the focus lens, and moves the focus lens to the focus position. The AF control unit 2a detects a focus position (focus position) from a contrast signal peak of a captured image, which is called so-called hill-climbing detection.

  In or near the photographic lens unit 2, a diaphragm unit 3 that provides a shutter or diaphragm effect is provided. The diaphragm unit 3 opens to a predetermined aperture at the time of photographing, and closes to end the exposure when the exposure ends. The aperture control unit 3a drives the aperture unit 3 to set the aperture diameter. By changing the aperture, the depth of field of the lens changes, so you can adjust the blurring of the background, etc. to switch the expression, such as floating the subject or drawing the background firmly Can do.

  The image pickup device 4 is a CCD, a CMOS sensor, or the like including a large number of light receiving surfaces (pixels). The image sensor 4 receives an image from the subject 20 via the photographing lens unit 2 and converts it into an image signal.

  The analog front end (AFE) unit 5 includes AD (analog / digital conversion) means, and converts a signal from the image sensor 4 into a digital signal. The AFE unit 5 performs various processes on the image signal output from the image sensor 4. The AFE unit 5 is also provided with a function of reading several pixels of the image sensor 4 in a lump. For example, when the signal level of each pixel is small, such as 4 pixels (2 × 2) and 9 pixels (3 × 3), several pixel signals can be added to improve the S / N. Sensitivity can be increased by such an operation. In this way, S / N can be improved by adding and using several pixel signals of the same color of the image sensor.

Such an operation can increase sensitivity. As described above, when the sensitivity is increased, it is possible to devise photography such as increasing the shutter speed. When the shutter speed is high, it is possible to shoot as if the moving subject is stopped. For cameras that allow the user to switch the shutter speed and control the exposure appropriately by controlling the aperture and sensitivity, if the shutter speed is generally slowed down, for example, when shooting a river flow, the flow of water looks like a thread This makes it possible to depict images that have been extended. If you increase the shutter speed, you can capture the same river flow, capture the moment, and make it possible to reproduce the moment when the splashes rise and the state of ripples. Even in sports photos, if the shutter speed is increased, the movement of the subject can be stopped, and the facial expression can be clearly captured.
How to set the shutter speed in this way is also valuable know-how at the time of shooting, and is a topic that is desired to be shared with friends through the Internet as the present invention aims.

  The AFE unit 5 also has a function of selecting image signals output from the image sensor 4 and can extract a limited range of image data from all light receiving surfaces. If an image of only a predetermined area is recorded by this control, an effect similar to so-called trimming can be obtained.

  The camera 1 includes an image processing unit 6, a color determination unit 6b, a contrast determination unit 6c, and a face detection unit 6d. The image processing unit 6 corrects the color, gradation, and sharpness of the input signal. In the image processing unit 6, a combining unit 6a is provided. The synthesizing unit 6a synthesizes monitor images and captured images with each other or typical images described later.

  The color determination unit 6b determines the color component included in the image information. The contrast determination unit 6c determines the contrast of the image signal. The contrast is also used for autofocus control of the AF control unit 2a. The distance of the subject, the distance of the background, and the like can also be determined based on the information on the lens position at the time of focusing. The face detection unit 6d examines the characteristics of the image and detects whether or not a face exists on the screen.

  In addition, the image processing unit 6 includes resizing means for processing the signal from the imaging element 4 into a size that can be displayed on the display unit so that a live image can be displayed on the display unit in real time. By this function, an image incident on the image sensor can be confirmed prior to shooting, and the timing and photo opportunity at the time of shooting can be determined while viewing this.

  Further, the camera 1 is provided with a compression / expansion unit 7, a recording / reproducing unit 8, a recording medium 9, an input / output unit 10, a display control unit 11, and a display unit 12. The compression / decompression unit 7 compresses the signal output from the image processing unit 6 during shooting. The compression / decompression unit 7 includes MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 4 and H.264. A still image compression unit S 7b such as a moving image compression unit M 7a including a compression core unit such as H.264 and a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) core unit is provided. The recording / reproducing unit 8 records the image signal compressed here on the recording medium 9. The recording medium 9 is a storage recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the camera.

  The recording medium 9 also stores a shooting theme search database 9a. The database 9a stores typical images, theme names, and keyword names used for theme determination. A specific example is shown. When the theme is a pet, a typical image is a front enlarged image of “dog or cat”, a theme name is “pet”, and a keyword name is “pet, dog, cat, bird. Details of these will be described later. The data in the database 9a may be transmitted from the website via the network and rewritable in accordance with the update of the website search engine. However, the data in the database 9a may naturally be recorded when the camera is manufactured. The database 9a may be stored in the ROM 14 described later.

  The display unit 12 includes, for example, a liquid crystal or an organic EL, and displays a monitor image at the time of shooting, and displays a recorded image that has been subjected to expansion processing at the time of reproduction. The display control unit 11 controls the display unit 12. The display control unit 11 has a multi-control unit 11a. The multi control unit 11a causes the display unit 12 to display a plurality of images simultaneously. This controls, for example, control for comparing and displaying a photographed image or monitor image and a typical image stored in the database 9a. With this multi-screen display function, it is also possible to compare and view captured images.

  At the time of reproduction, the compression / decompression unit 7 decompresses the compressed data recorded on the recording medium 9, and the image processing unit 6 further performs conversion processing into an image suitable for display. This reproduced image is viewed on the display unit 12 via the display control unit 11. The input / output unit 10 relays the exchange of image data and other data with the outside.

  The camera 1 is provided with an auxiliary light emitting unit 13, an MPU 14, a ROM 16, a release switch 15a, a theme setting switch 15b, and another switch 15c. The auxiliary light emitting unit 13 includes a white LED and a Xe discharge arc tube, and the amount of light can be controlled by the amount of current flowing. Depending on the situation, the subject 20 is irradiated with light to prevent lack of brightness and uneven brightness.

  The MPU 14 is a control unit that controls the entire camera. A release switch 15a, a theme setting switch 15b, another switch 15c, and a ROM 16 are connected to the MPU 14. Each switch 15a-15c detects a user's operation, and notifies the result to MPU14 which is a calculation control means which consists of a microcontroller. The MPU 14 switches the operation according to the operation of these switches. The MPU 14 functions as a shooting control unit that controls the AF control unit 2a, the aperture control unit 3a, and the like during shooting. The MPU 14 has a built-in clock unit 14c.

  The ROM 16 is a non-volatile and recordable memory, and is composed of, for example, a flash ROM, and stores a control program for performing control processing of the camera 1. The MPU 14 reads a program from the ROM 16 and executes it. The MPU 14 includes a size determination unit 14a and a theme determination unit 14b as control processing functions. These functions are for determining what kind of photograph the photographer is going to take when taking a picture.

  The size determination unit 14a determines the size information by determining the size of the main subject from the results of the color determination unit 6b, the contrast determination unit 6c, the face detection unit 6d, and the like. The size here means the actual size of the subject. Similarly, the theme determination unit 14b determines the theme name of the photographed image (subject) from the results of the color determination unit 6b, the contrast determination unit 6c, the face detection unit 6d, the clock unit 14c, etc. The theme name and specific keywords are extracted from the database 9a. The theme determination unit 14b determines theme information from the extracted typical image, theme name, and keyword. The theme determination unit 14b may extract some candidates for the photographer to select.

  The photographing time measured by the clock unit 14c is very important, and the photographing time and photographing frequency are important factors for determining the theme of the photographing (for example, a night view for night scenery). The theme determination unit 14b also uses a subject distance, a background distance, and the like for the determination. It is also used for determining where there is a high contrast object. Further, when the lens is a zoom lens, the distance is calculated in consideration of the zoom position and the like, and these shooting conditions are also effectively used at the time of theme determination.

  From the above, the theme of the photograph (subject) is determined, and even if the theme is the same, the difference in background color is also determined. When the theme is determined, a typical image extracted from the database 9a is combined with the photographed image by the combining unit 6a according to the instruction (for example, FIG. 13).

  The camera 1 as described above is connected to the PC 25 via the input / output unit 10. The PC 25 is connected to a network 51 and can access a contracted website through the network 51. The website web server 52 controls website control over the network. The web server 52 includes, for example, a communication function, a blog management unit 52a that manages the posting and updating of blogs, and a blog search unit 52b that searches for a desired blog in accordance with an instruction from a user. A large number of terminals 54 of other users 53 are connected to the network 51.

  In the PC 25, an image taken by the camera 1 is taken from the camera 1 and a blog is created. It is assumed that the blog creation software is obtained in advance from the website. This image is accompanied by search information such as the theme information and size information described above. The created blog data is transmitted from the PC 25 to the web server 52 together with the image data. The transmitted theme data and size information are also attached to the transmitted image data.

  As a result, a new blog to which an image with search information is attached is uploaded by the blog management unit 52a of the web server 52. An environment in which other users 53 can freely browse other people's blogs on their PCs 54 is realized. When another user requests a blog search based on the theme of the image, the blog search unit 52b searches for a specific blog from a large amount of blog data. At that time, the theme information attached to the image And use size information.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the photographing control process of the camera 1. This processing is mainly performed by the color determination unit 6b, the contrast determination unit 6c, the face detection unit 6d, and the MPU 14 (including the theme determination unit 14b and the size determination unit 14c) that comprehensively controls them.

  First, it is assumed that the camera 1 is set to the shooting mode. Then, it waits for an operation of the release switch 15a which is a photographing start operation of the photographer in the photographing mode (step S11). At this point, images to be taken (monitor images) are continuously displayed on the display unit 12. The user checks the subject to be photographed and the situation while viewing the monitor image. When the release switch 15a is not operated (NO in step S11), if necessary, the focus position of the photographing lens is moved to determine a change in contrast of the image, and an autofocus operation is appropriately executed (step S21). At this time, the distance of the subject is obtained from the lens extension position that is in focus.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a theme setting instruction has been given by operating the theme setting switch 15b (step S22). When a theme setting instruction is given (YES in step S22), theme determination or the like is performed. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the camera 1 showing how the theme setting switch 15b provided on the rear face of the camera 1 is operated.

  From the image obtained in this state, the size determination unit 14a detects the contour of the main subject (step S23). FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of contour detection. In the contour detection, it is determined whether or not the change points of the image raised by the contour enhancement technique of the obtained image are continuous, or the auxiliary light emitting unit 13 emits auxiliary light, and the distribution of the reflected light is determined. It is determined by detecting. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, if the subject is irradiated with auxiliary light prior to photographing, the relationship between the angle of view and the subject can be determined from the reflected light distribution (FIG. 5B). . The boundary between the place where the reflected light returns and the place where the reflected light does not come can be determined as the contour portion.

  The size determination unit 14a determines the size of the subject based on the ratio of the subject that can be understood from the contour portion (subject width in the figure) in the screen, the angle of view of the photographing lens, and the distance information previously described (step S24). If the distance L of the subject and the angle of view θ are known, the photographing range when photographing the subject can be known, and the size of the subject can be known by the ratio of the subject occupying there. The size determination unit 14a creates size information of the subject from the determined value (step S25).

6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining another method of determining the size of the subject. FIG. 6A shows a state in which the camera 20 is held with respect to the subject 20 and the focusing portion of the taking lens 2 is moved to monitor the output change of the image sensor. FIG. 5B schematically shows some of the pixels of the photographed image, pixels with high contrast are indicated by black marks, and pixels with low contrast are indicated by white marks. FIG. 6C is a contrast curve, in which C-1 adjusts the focus position of the photographic lens unit 2 to a long distance, and C-2 adjusts the focus position of the photographic lens unit 2 to a short distance. .
Here, assuming that the subject 20 is at a short distance, the subject image has a high contrast overall while the background portion has a low contrast when the focus is at a short distance. The subject width can be determined from the length of the region ((B) in the figure).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the principle of determining the size of the main subject by triangulation. The camera 1 is provided with a distance measuring lens 30 and a distance measuring sensor 31 in addition to the main photographing lens 2 and the image sensor 3. In such a camera, the distribution of the image obtained by the observation system with parallax is analyzed, the subject distance is known by the principle of triangulation, and the size of the subject 20 is determined from the range of the same distance. I can do it.

  Next, the image theme is determined (step S26). The theme determination will be described in the subroutine of FIG. First, the face detection unit 6d determines whether there is a face in the image (step S31).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the principle of face detection by the face detection unit 6d. FIG. 9A shows a template corresponding to the shadow of a human face. Three examples with different sizes are shown as templates (a-1, a-2, a-3). FIG. 9B shows a screen of the display unit 12. On this screen, it is moved within the screen while changing the size of the template, and it is determined whether there is a portion that matches the contrast of the template. If there is a place where the degree of matching with the template is high, it is determined that there is a face there. Then, the detected part is specified as a face area f in the screen (FIG. 9C).

  When a face is included (step S31 YES), the size of the face on the screen is determined (step S32). If the face is large (YES in step S32), the theme is determined to be a portrait (step S34). If the face is small (step S32 NO), the theme is determined to be a snap (step S33). In a scene that does not include a face (NO in step S31), when the subject distance is a long distance (YES in step S35), the theme is determined to be a landscape image from the distance based on the focus result (AF) (step S41). . If the subject distance is close (YES in step S36), it is determined that the image is a flower image (step S38) or an accessory image (step S39) by color (step S37). Otherwise, it is determined as a pet image (step S40).

  Of course, the color of a landscape or the like may also be determined. For example, the sky or the sea may be determined depending on where there is a blue object.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. When a plurality of theme candidates are determined, the theme candidates are displayed on the display unit 12 (step S27). FIG. 10A shows a screen when a theme candidate is selected, on which a typical image Q of a theme listed as a candidate is displayed. Here, the typical image is a typical image representing the scene or theme, and is an image that can be easily and reliably determined by the blog search unit 52b (search engine). For example, in the case of a mammal pet such as a dog or a cat, it is a clear image that is simple and easy to search, such as a quadruped or an ear on the head. A plurality of typical images Q of candidate themes are displayed on the display unit 12 along with the monitor image P having a large screen.

  Further, when selecting a theme, in addition to displaying a typical image for selection, a theme name or a keyword for developing a theme more specifically may be selected. FIG. 10B shows a screen on which a theme name list or a theme keyword list is displayed. Specific examples of the theme name are “snap”, “portrait”, “pet” and the like as described above. As specific examples of keywords, “snap” includes “children”, “female”, “room”, and the like. “Pet” includes “dog” and “cat”. FIG. 10B is an example in which the monitor image P is displayed on the left side of the screen and the list list T is displayed on the right side of the screen. Further, FIG. 4C is an example in which two list lists T, a theme name list and a keyword list, are displayed. As the list sending and operation means, a jog dial or a cross key is assumed.

When a theme or keyword is selected on such a screen (YES in step S28), the selected theme or keyword is determined (step S29). Even if the theme is not selected or the theme cannot be determined (NO in step S28), the size information determined in step S25 is stored.
The circuit continues until the release switch 15a is operated. Further, the theme determination in step 26 may be omitted, and the theme may be determined directly from the list as shown in FIGS.

  When the release switch 15a is operated (step S11), exposure and re-AF control are performed (step S12). In addition, the shooting time is stored (step S13). The exposed and photographed image is stored (step S14). Then, it is determined whether the theme information in step S29 described above has been determined (step S15). This is because a theme selection instruction has not been given, and the theme may not be determined properly depending on the subject.

  If the theme information has been determined (YES in step S15), the theme information is added to or associated with the photographed image and recorded on the recording medium 9 (step S16). On the other hand, if the theme information has not been determined (if it has not been determined) (step S15), size information and other (photographing conditions such as distance) are added to or associated with the captured image as recording information, and the recording medium 9 (step S17). In step 16, size information may also be recorded in association or association. Here, for example, the incidental means that the information is recorded in the header or footer of the image file, and the relation means that the information is linked to the image file as information of a file different from the image file.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the control process in the reproduction mode. Assume that the camera 1 is set to the playback mode. The image selected by the user is reproduced and displayed (step S51). This is a process of reproducing and displaying the image selected by the user from the photographing result on the display unit 12. Further, it is determined whether a power-off instruction has been issued (step S52). When the power-off instruction is given (YES in step S52), an end process is executed. Further, it is determined whether or not a transmission instruction to the PC 25 has been made (step S53). If there is no transmission instruction, the process returns to step S51 to cycle through image reproduction.

  When the transmission menu is selected (YES in step S53), transmission processing is executed. Assume that an image for transmission is selected. The image selected for transmission is displayed on the display unit 12 (step S54). It is determined whether theme information exists in the image selected for transmission (step S55). Even when the theme information does not exist (step S55 NO), the operator can input the theme information on this occasion. It is determined whether theme information has been input by the operator (step S56).

  FIG. 12 shows an example of an operation for inputting theme information to an image. Here, it is assumed that the display unit 12 includes a touch panel. A plurality of photographed images R are displayed as thumbnail images on the left side of the screen, and a plurality of typical images Q serving as theme candidates are displayed in a vertical arrangement on the right side of the screen. An image pressed with an operator's finger is selected from the displayed captured images (FIG. 12A). The image selected according to the movement of the operator's finger is also moved and displayed, and a typical image (here, B) in which the captured images are superimposed in the typical image Q is determined as the theme of the captured image. (FIG. 12B). In such a system, since the relationship between the displayed image and the theme can be easily and intuitively recognized, anyone can operate it.

  When the theme information is input (YES in step S56), the input theme information is determined as the theme information of the image (step S57). When the theme information is not input (step S56 NO), the process proceeds to step S58.

  A transmission instruction is awaited (step S58). Until there is a transmission instruction, a cycle with step 54 is performed. If a transmission instruction is given (YES in step S58), it is determined whether theme information exists in the transmission target image (step S59). If the transmission image is an image with theme information (YES in step S59), the theme information is attached (step S60) and transmitted to the PC 25 (step S62). Here, an image in which the typical image Q is combined with a part of the captured image R may be transmitted as the image to be transmitted (FIG. 13). Note that if the image is resized or cropped, the size of the subject cannot be inferred at the time of retrieval. If size information is obtained at the time of shooting or at a timing preceding it, the information may be recorded. preferable.

  On the other hand, if the transmission image has no theme information (step S59 NO), the related information is added (step S61) and transmitted (step S62).

  Then, the image transmitted from the camera 1 to the PC 25 is temporarily stored in the memory of the PC 25. Then, the user pastes this image on the blog, creates a sentence together with the image, completes the blog, and sends the completed blog to the contracted website. At this time, the theme information and related information are also attached to the image and transmitted to the website. Note that the associated information is information related to a shooting theme determined from size information, shooting time, exposure control parameters, distance information, color information, face detection, and the like, as described above.

  As described above, one feature of the camera of the present invention is that theme information is attached to an image to be captured and transmitted in the form of a keyword or a typical image. By providing an image to which information for search has been added in advance from the camera, it is considered that the search can be facilitated as a whole search system. In other words, according to the present invention, a typical image close to the content is added to an individual photographed image to provide auxiliary information for image search in the web system.

  Of course, the present invention is not limited to image search on the Internet, and images recorded on a huge capacity HDD in a PC, images recorded on a flash memory or the like whose capacity has been increasing in recent years are also applied to the present invention. Needless to say, the search will be easier. As described above, this embodiment can provide a camera having a high affinity with a blog or HP.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a mode in which the transmitted blog with images is used on the site will be described. Since the system of the camera 1 and the website 52 is the same as that in FIG. 2 described in the first embodiment, the description is omitted. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the entire search system as a modification of FIG. FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating a state where the transmitted blog with images is searched and used by a third party through a search site. An image taken by the user with the camera 1 is attached to the image with theme information (and / or related information), and further attached to the blog (or HP) data and transmitted to a predetermined website via the network 51. . The transmitted data is stored in the memory of the web server 52 of the website connected to the network 51.

  Then, the blog attached to the image data with theme information transmitted from the camera is posted by the blog management unit 52a of the web server 52. On the other hand, another user searches for a desired blog on a search site by the blog search unit 52b of the web server. The search site searches for an image based on the theme information and displays a blog corresponding to the image.

  FIG. 14B shows a system for transmitting the search database 33 to the user (photographer) from the website 52 or from the search-dedicated site.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of three processes in the website. It is mainly executed by the web server 52. The following processing will be described with an example of a blog, but the same applies to HP. First, FIG. 15A is a flowchart of processing until a blog is posted. When a transmission image from the user is received, it is first determined whether theme information is attached to the image (step S101). If a theme image is attached (YES in step S102), a typical image of the theme is synthesized with the image itself (for example, FIG. 13), or a display indicating the fact (theme name, keyword name) ) Or add theme information and keyword signals to the blog information (step S103). However, if the image has already been synthesized, the synthesis process is not naturally performed. Then, a blog with the image is posted (step S104). In addition, when the attached information includes only the related information without the theme information, the related information is added to the blog information. This is because related information is also helpful for searching.

  FIG. 15B is a flowchart for explaining processing in which another user searches for a specific blog from a theme. It is mainly executed by the blog search unit 52b of the web server 52. This is a case where a net user searches a desired blog by inputting a theme name and a keyword on a screen of a search site. From the registered and stored blogs, a blog having theme information including the input theme or keyword (for example, pet, dog, tortoise) as words is searched. Then, it is determined whether there is a blog corresponding to the input theme or the like (step S111).

  If there is a blog corresponding to the input theme name (step S111 YES), the searched blog data is searched (step S112), and the searched blog data is transmitted to the user's PC. (Step S114).

  On the other hand, if the corresponding blog cannot be searched from the input theme name (NO in step S111), the search is performed from the image itself. That is, an image included in the blog and a typical image combined with the image are analyzed to search for a blog including an image corresponding to the input theme (step S113). Note that if this attached composite image is too large, it will interfere with the actual image, so care must be taken when compositing with the camera. Furthermore, if the size of the actual image is small, it will be inaccurate if the size is calculated from the angle of view and distance, so for images with this attached composite image, the focal length information, angle of view information, and distance information are invalidated. Is preferred.

  Then, the retrieved blog data is transmitted to the user (step S114). At this time, if subject size data or the like is attached to the blog image, a similar theme that can be assumed may be searched from the information.

  As described above, the image taken with the camera 1 has attached data, which becomes the optimum keyword and additional information. Therefore, when a person who wants to look for it searches on the net, the blog posted image is surely displayed. You can definitely see it on the image search site.

  FIG. 15C is a flowchart of processing for transmitting the search database 33 from the website to the user (photographer). This flowchart is mainly executed by the web server 52. This is a process of transmitting representative theme information handled by the website as a search database 33 to the camera 1 in response to a user request. This search database is information that is the basis of the database 9a described in the first embodiment. If the photographer uses the search database 33, the camera 1 can display typical images, a list of one theme names, and a keyword list on the camera 1 as shown in FIGS. 10 (A), (B), and (C). it can.

  When the user wants to input this search database to the camera 1, he or she sets the fact (desired theme or data type) on the PC 25 and requests it from the website. The web server 52 determines whether the request from the user is a list list (step S121). If the request is a list list request (step S121 YES), the web server 52 uses the list list corresponding to the search database as the camera 1 of the user. Or it transmits to PC25 (step S124).

  If it is not a request for a list, it is determined whether a typical image is requested (step S122). If the request is for a typical image (YES in step S122), the corresponding typical image is transmitted to the user as a search database (S123). Of course, it is possible to respond to requests for both a list and a typical image. Also, a user who is pursuing only a specific theme may request typical image data corresponding to the theme. In this case, this fact may be set while viewing this search site on the PC 25.

  In this way, if the camera 1 obtains a search database from a search site for performing an image search as needed, it is possible to synthesize a design or the like designed for the latest typical image. In addition, the know-how of image determination is changing every day, and not all image search sites provide such information in real time, so there are currently 41 search screens on another website. Based on a plurality of images that are searched and displayed, the features are extracted, and the design image obtained by simplifying the typical image information obtained in this way is attached to the image taken by the camera 1 or synthesized and displayed. You may be able to do it.

  If an image attached with a design pattern, which is a good pattern of the search unit (search engine), is attached, the hit rate at the time of search is also increased. Images captured by a camera that can synthesize typical images according to the theme can be easily classified by the input theme even if conventional search software is used.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of search database transmission in a site that places emphasis on blog posting. In such a site, the search database 33 is transmitted using another search dedicated site having a high search capability. First, it is determined whether the request from the user is a blog posting request (step S131). If it is a blog posting request (YES in step S131), it is determined whether theme information is attached to the image attached to the blog (step S132). When theme information is attached (YES in step S133), a typical image included in the theme information is synthesized with the image itself (for example, FIG. 13), or a display indicating the fact (theme name, The keyword name) is overlaid, or the theme information or keyword signal is added to the image information (step S134). Then, a blog with the image is posted (step S135).

  If the user's request is not blog posting (NO in step S131), it is determined whether the request is for a search database (step S141). This is the same request as in FIG. In the case of a search database request (YES in step S141), first, a search service dedicated site is selected from a number of dedicated sites (step S142). Then, the theme name of the database is selected by user input. Then, the features (shape, color, etc.) of the subject image corresponding to the selected theme name are classified and extracted from the images posted on the selected site (S144). Further, an image satisfying the extracted features is created (step S145). Then, the theme name is associated with the created image (step S146), and the information is transmitted to the camera 1 or the PC 25 of the user who requested it (S147). This information can be used as a typical image for retrieval.

(Third embodiment)
In the following description, the system introduced as the system described in the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a camera system including the camera 1, the PC 25, and the web server 52. The camera 1 is connected to the PC 25 with a cable 10a. This PC 25 is further connected to the network 51. The network 51 is connected to a web server 52 of a site contracted with the user.

  As described above, the user displays a list T on the photographed image R with the camera 1 for the image to be posted on the blog, and designates a theme name or a keyword name during or after photographing. Alternatively, a typical image corresponding to the theme name may be designated. Information such as the set theme name is recorded on the recording medium 9 as theme information incidental to or associated with the image data. The user creates his or her blog with the image attached on the PC 25. The user transmits the created blog data to the web server 52. The attached image may be an image in which a typical image is combined with a captured image (for example, FIG. 13).

  The web server 52 updates and publishes the user's blog based on the transmitted blog data. The blog image is an image in which theme information is synthesized or an image with theme information attached thereto. So, when searching for a blog that other users want to see, if the theme name (for example, flower, cat) is entered, the blog of the image with theme information attached will be searched accurately. It becomes like this.

  On the other hand, a list T of contents handled in the blog managed by the web server 52 and a search database 33 including typical images thereof are transmitted from the web server 52 and recorded as the database 9 a on the recording medium 9 of the camera 1. Is done. Since the user can obtain the latest search information, the user can attach appropriate theme information (typical image).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the web server 52 in this system. It is determined whether a connection request is received from the PC 25 (S151). Then, it is determined whether the request is a blog data upload request (step S152). If it is a blog upload request (step S152 YES), it is determined whether the theme information is attached to the image in the blog data (step S153). If the theme information is an attached image, the theme information is also attached to the image on the blog data (step S155). Then, the blog with the theme information attached image is created and published (S156). If the theme information is not attached to the image (step S152 NO), a blog with the image attached is posted (S156).

  On the other hand, if it is not a blog data upload request (NO in step S152), it is determined whether it is a search database transmission request (step S157). If it is a database transmission request (YES in step S157), for example, theme list information and typical image data are transmitted as the database 33 for search (steps S158 and S160). If it is not a database transmission request (step S157 NO), other processing is executed (step S159).

  In this system, simply connecting an image displayed on the display unit 12 of the camera to a network connection means such as a PC with a connector, a blog can be posted with an image with excellent searchability, and conversely, The camera can easily acquire image data and theme list information.

(Other examples)
Part or all of the processing of the MPU 14 described in the above embodiments may be configured by hardware. Conversely, hardware such as the color determination unit 6b and the face detection unit 6d may be configured by software. The specific configuration is a design matter.

  Each control process by the MPU 14 is realized by a software program stored in the ROM 16 being supplied to the MPU 14 and operating according to the supplied program. Therefore, the software program itself realizes the functions of the MPU 14, and the program itself constitutes the present invention. The control process by the web server 52 is the same.

  A recording medium for storing the program also constitutes the present invention. As a recording medium, besides a flash memory, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, a magnetic recording medium such as an MD, a tape medium, a semiconductor memory such as an IC card, or the like can be used. Moreover, although each embodiment demonstrated the example which applied this invention to the digital camera, you may apply not only to this but the camera part of a mobile telephone, for example.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

The figure which shows notionally an example of the image determination method performed in a search site in 1st Embodiment. 1 is an overall block diagram of a system centered on a camera 1 to which the present invention is applied in a first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of control processing for reference photographing in the first embodiment. The camera 1 rear view which shows a mode that the theme setting switch 15b is operated in 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of an outline detection in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another method for determining the size of a subject in the first embodiment. The figure explaining the principle which determines the magnitude | size of the main subject by triangulation in 1st Embodiment. The subroutine explaining the procedure of theme determination in 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the principle of the face detection by the face detection part 6d in 1st Embodiment. The screen at the time of theme candidate selection in 1st Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of control processing in a reproduction mode in the first embodiment. The example of input operation of theme information to an image in a 1st embodiment. 4 is an example of a captured image obtained by combining typical images in the first embodiment. The figure explaining the whole search system in 2nd Embodiment. In 2nd Embodiment, each flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of three processes in a website. The flowchart of database transmission for search in the site which attached importance to blog posting in 2nd Embodiment. The figure showing the camera system comprised from the camera 1, PC25, and the web server 52 in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart explaining the process sequence of the web server in this system in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows notionally the relationship of the individual who can connect on the internet 330 in background art. The figure which shows notionally the relationship between information transmission and reception in background art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera, 2 ... Shooting lens part, 2a ... AF control part, 3 ... Diaphragm part, 3a ... Diaphragm control part,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 ... Imaging device, 5 ... AFE part, 6 ... Image processing part, 6a ... Composition part, 6b ... Color discrimination | determination part, 6c ... Contrast determination part, 6d ... Face detection part, 7 ... Compression / decompression part, 7a ... Compression part M , 7b ... compression section S,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Recording / reproducing part, 9 ... Recording medium, 9a ... Database, 10 ... Input / output part, 11 ... Display control part, 11a ... Multi-control part, 12 ... Display part 14 ... MPU, 14a ... Size determination part, 14b ... Theme determination unit, 14c ... clock 15a ... release switch, 15b ... theme setting switch, 15c ... other switches, 16 ... ROM,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Subject, 25 ... PC, 30 ... Distance measuring lens, 31 ... Distance measuring sensor, 33 ... Search database 51 ... Network, 52 ... Web server, 53 ... User,
52a ... Blog management part, 52b ... Blog search part,
300 ... User terminal, 310 ... Search site, 320 ... Search image, 330 ... Network P ... Monitor image, Q ... Typical image, R ... Photographed image, T ... List list

Claims (13)

A size determination unit that determines the size of the subject and determines size information of the subject;
A theme determination unit that determines a subject's theme and determines the subject's theme information;
A camera comprising: a recording control unit that records at least one of the size information and the theme information as search information together with a photographed image. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the theme determination unit determines a shooting theme using a theme determination database supplied from the outside and stored in the camera. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit records a theme name or a keyword name included in the theme determination database as the theme information. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit records only size information when the subject of the subject is not determined by the size determination unit. The theme determination unit determines the theme of the subject from shooting conditions,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit records the search information attached to a photographed image at the time of photographing. The theme determination database includes typical image data representing the contents of each theme.
The theme determination unit determines an image corresponding to the theme determined in the typical image as one of the theme information,
The camera according to claim 2, wherein the recording control unit records a typical image of the determined theme as theme information together with a captured image as theme information. A synthesis unit for synthesizing the typical image with the photographed image;
The theme determination database includes typical image data representing the contents of each theme.
The theme determination unit determines an image for the theme determined in the typical image as one of the theme information,
The synthesizing unit synthesizes the determined typical image with a captured image,
The camera according to claim 2, wherein the recording control unit records an image obtained by combining typical images. A display control unit that displays a list of data names or keywords included in the theme determination database is provided.
The camera according to claim 3, wherein the theme determination unit determines that a theme selected from a list included in a displayed theme determination database is the theme of the subject. The photographed image is exclusively a photographed image for posting on a blog or a homepage, and the theme determination database is supplied to a camera from a website on which the photographed image is posted as a blog or a homepage attached image. Item 3. The camera according to item 2. In a blog search system consisting of a camera that shoots images for blog posting and a web server that publishes and manages blogs and searches for specific blogs under specified conditions,
The camera includes a theme determination unit that determines a theme of a subject and determines theme information of the subject;
A recording control unit that records the theme information together with the captured image;
The web server includes a blog management unit for posting a blog to which a photographed image with theme information is attached,
When the specified condition is related to the subject of the subject, a blog search that selects a blog having an image of the subject theme that matches the specified condition based on the theme information and searches for a specific blog from the posted blog The blog search system characterized by having a section. The recording control unit records a typical image and a theme name attached to the photographed image as the theme information,
The blog search system according to claim 10, wherein the blog search unit searches for a specific blog from the attached typical image or theme name. The blog search system according to claim 10, wherein the web server transmits a theme determination database for determining a theme of a subject to the camera. On the camera computer,
Determining the size of the subject and determining size information about the size;
Storing an externally supplied theme judgment database;
Using this theme determination database, determining a subject's theme and determining the subject's theme information;
A program for executing a step of recording at least one of the size information and the theme information as search information attached to a photographed image.

Images