JP2008262487A - Imaging unit, and method for generating and recording synchronization file - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging unit capable of reducing processing time required for displaying an image and a map by obtaining map data through a communication function based on position information obtained via a position information acquisition function and by associating image data with map data for storage. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging unit, capable of obtaining the map data from a map data provision server, includes an imaging device (optical system 9) for imaging an object image and for outputting an image signal, an image signal processing section 8 for processing the above image signal, so as to generate and output the image data, a position information acquisition section 2 for obtaining the position information at the time of imaging, an external network communication section 3 for transmitting the above position information to the map data provision server 101 via an external network 102, and a recording and playback section 6 for associating at least an image file storing the above image data with a map image file storing the map data and recording both files in a recording medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus having a position information acquisition function and a communication function, for example, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus capable of recording at least image data and map data in association with each other and a synchronization file creation / recording method used therefor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera or a digital video camera can present various information to a user in addition to a captured image. In addition, map data is provided by a service provider or the like via the Internet, and various proposals have been made for an imaging device that displays a map based on the map data.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus that displays a map and displays any data associated with position information on the map for effective use even if map data is not held therein. ing. That is, in this technology, image data, its position information, and additional information having link information to the map are stored in a memory stick in association with each other, and map information is acquired based on the link information when displayed. , LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

JP 2002-196667 A

  However, in the information processing apparatus according to the above-described prior art, although it is not necessary to always store and hold a large amount of map data inside, it is possible to obtain a service provider or the like via the Internet or the like based on link information when displaying an image. Since it is necessary to access the server and acquire the map data, a processing time required to acquire the map data is required, and as a result, the display of the image and the map may be delayed.

  The present invention has a position information acquisition function and a communication function, acquires map data by a communication function based on the position information obtained by the position information acquisition function, and stores image data and map data in association with each other. It is an object of the present invention to shorten the processing time required for displaying images and maps.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus capable of acquiring map data from the map data providing server, the imaging means images a subject image and outputs an image signal, and the image signal processing means outputs the image signal. To generate and output image data, the position information acquisition means acquires position information at the time of photographing by the image pickup means, and the map data acquisition means sends the position information to the map data providing server via an external network. The map data corresponding to the position information is acquired, and the recording / reproducing means records at least the image file storing the image data and the map image file storing the map data in a recording medium.

  Therefore, the image file and the map image file are associated with each other and recorded on a recording medium having a higher transfer rate than that via the external network.

  In the method for creating and recording a synchronization file according to the second aspect of the present invention, image data obtained by shooting is stored in an image file, map data corresponding to position information is stored in a map image file, Data relating to the correspondence with the map image file is generated and stored in the synchronization file, and the image file, the map image file, and the synchronization file are recorded on the recording medium.

  Therefore, the synchronization file for synchronizing the image file and the map image file is recorded on a recording medium having a higher transfer rate than that via the external network.

  According to the present invention, it has a position information acquisition function and a communication function, acquires map data by a communication function based on the position information obtained by the function, and stores image data and map data in association with each other, It is possible to provide an imaging apparatus that shortens the processing time required to display an image and a map, and a synchronization file creation / recording method used therefor.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as an embodiment) will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The embodiment of the present invention relates to an imaging device having, for example, a location information acquisition function and a communication function with an external network, and based on the location information of the imaging device at the time of shooting acquired by the location information acquisition function, For example, a service provider server or the like is accessed via an external network by a communication function, map data corresponding to position information is acquired from the server or the like, and image data obtained by photographing is associated with acquired map data. It is recorded on a recording medium or the like. In the following, description will be made on the assumption that the imaging apparatus is applied to a digital camera or a digital video camera having a position information acquisition function and a communication function, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited thereto.

  First, FIG. 1 shows and describes the configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, a position information acquisition unit 2, an external network communication unit 3, a display control unit 4, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 5, a recording / playback unit 6, a recording medium 7, and image signal processing. A unit 8, an optical system 9, an operation processing unit 10, an operation unit 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13.

  That is, the CPU 1 that controls each unit of the imaging apparatus 100 is connected to the position information acquisition unit 2, the external network communication unit 3, the RAM 12, and the ROM 13 via the local bus 14 so as to be communicable. Further, the CPU 1 processes the image signal obtained via the display control unit 4 for driving and controlling the LCD 5, the recording / reproducing unit 6 for recording / reproducing data on the recording medium 7, and the optical system 9 via the local bus 14. The image processing unit 8 and the operation processing unit 10 that generates a control signal based on the operation of the operation unit 11 are communicably connected. The LCD 5 functions as display means, for example.

  The ROM 13 stores a processing program for the CPU 1 to execute various processes, parameters referred to by each component at that time, and the like. The RAM 12 stores data generated by the CPU 1 and each unit when processing is performed, data being processed, and the like.

  In such a configuration, the optical system 9 has at least an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and the subject image incident through the optical lens or the like is on the surface of the image sensor. The image is formed, and the image sensor outputs an image signal related to the formed subject image. This imaging element functions as an imaging means, for example. The image signal processing unit 8 performs predetermined signal processing on the image signal, converts the image signal into image data of a predetermined method, and outputs the image data to the CPU 1. More specifically, the image signal processing unit 8 performs various processes such as analog / digital conversion, white balance, and gamma correction on the input image signal, and outputs image data encoded in a predetermined method. To do. This image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 12. The CPU 1 reads the image data in the RAM 12, drives and controls the recording / reproducing unit 6, and records it on the recording medium 7 as an image file. The image signal processing unit 8 functions as, for example, an image signal processing unit.

  Further, for example, at the time of shooting, the CPU 1 controls the position information acquisition unit 2 and acquires the position information of the imaging device 100 at the time of shooting by, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) function. More specifically, the position (latitude / longitude) of the imaging device 100 on the earth is detected based on the distance obtained using the time until the radio wave arrives from the artificial satellite 103. As a result, information such as latitude and longitude is acquired as position information. Of course, in addition to the latitude and longitude information, direction information may be acquired. The position information acquisition unit 2 functions as, for example, position information acquisition means.

  The CPU 1 transmits the position information to the map data providing server 101 via the external network communication unit 3 and the external network 102 such as the Internet, and acquires map data reference destination information corresponding to the position information. This map data reference destination information is described by URL (uniform resource locator) etc., for example. The external network communication unit 3 and the CPU 1 function as map data acquisition means, for example.

  When the map data reference destination information can be acquired, the CPU 1 accesses the reference destination and acquires map data. The CPU 1 controls the recording / reproducing unit 6 to record the map data on the recording medium 7 as a map image file. In addition, although the details will be described later, the CPU 1 generates a content management file indicating the correspondence between the image file and the map image file described above, and drives and controls the recording / reproducing unit 6 to record it on the recording medium 7. .

  The content management file functions as, for example, a synchronization file, and the recording / reproducing unit 6 functions as, for example, recording / reproducing means.

  On the other hand, during playback, the CPU 1 controls the drive of the recording / playback unit 6 to read the image file and map image file recorded on the recording medium 7 and display them on the LCD 5 via the display control unit 4. To do. When the operation processing unit 10 detects that the operation unit 11 including various operation buttons is operated, the operation processing unit 10 transmits a predetermined state signal to the CPU 1. The CPU 1 drives and controls each component based on this state signal.

  Here, FIG. 2 conceptually shows and describes the file structure on the recording medium 7 after photographing and recording. As shown in FIG. 2, a folder (DIR001) is generated during recording, and the content management file, image file (GAZO001.JPG, GAZO002.JPG ...), and map image file (TIZU001.JPG, ...) are created in the folder. Is stored.

  The internal structure of this content management file is as shown in FIG. The content management file consists of a header part and a body part. The body part stores image file management information [i] (i = 1, 2, 3...) Corresponding to each image file. Each image file management information [i] includes at least the file name of the image file, image file position information (position information presence flag, latitude and longitude), map data reference destination information, and the file name of the map image file. When the position information acquisition unit 2 can acquire the position information, the position information presence flag is “true”, and when the position information acquisition unit 2 cannot acquire the position information, the position information presence flag is “false”. The map data reference destination information is indicated by a URL such as “http: //www.tizu/tizu001/”.

  In this way, in a content management file, by providing information such as the file name of an image file and the file name of a map image file in a certain image file management information, the correspondence between the image file and the map image file can be established. Since it can be made clear, a map image file corresponding to a certain image file can be easily specified.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 8, the shooting and recording process by the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

  Part or all of these processes correspond to a synchronization file creation / recording method.

  When the shooting and recording process is started, the CPU 1 records image data (step S1).

  In the processing relating to the recording of the image data, the CPU 1 reads and executes the subroutine “recording of image data” shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 1 records the image data generated by the image signal processing unit 8 as an image file on the recording medium 7 (step S11), sets the image file as a content management file (step S12), and returns.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the CPU 1 subsequently acquires position information (step S <b> 2).

  In the process related to the acquisition of the position information, the CPU 1 reads and executes the subroutine “acquisition of position information” shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 1 controls the position information acquisition unit 2 to acquire position information (step S21). Then, it is determined whether or not the position information has been properly acquired (step S22). If the CPU 1 determines that the position information has been acquired (step S22 branches to Yes), the CPU 1 sets the position information in the content management file (step S23). More specifically, the CPU 1 sets the position information presence flag to “true” (step S23a), sets latitude / longitude values (step S23b), and returns. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the position information cannot be acquired (step S22 branches to No), the position information is set in the content management file (step S24). More specifically, the CPU 1 sets the position information presence flag to “false” (step S24a), initializes the latitude / longitude values (step S24b), and returns.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4 again, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the position information has been acquired (step S3). This determination is made based on the position information presence flag included in the image file management information of the content management file. Here, when the position information presence flag is “false”, it is determined that the position information could not be acquired, and the CPU 1 ends the shooting and recording process. On the other hand, when the position information presence flag is “true”, the CPU 1 performs map data reference destination information acquisition processing assuming that the position information has been acquired (step S4).

  In this position data reference destination information acquisition process, the CPU 1 reads and executes the subroutine “Map data reference destination information acquisition” shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 1 transmits position information from the external network communication unit 2 to the map data providing server 101, and acquires map data reference destination information of map data corresponding to the position information (step S41). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the map data reference destination information has been properly acquired (step S42). If the map data reference destination information has been acquired, the map data reference destination information is set in the image file management information of the content management file (step S43). If the data cannot be obtained, the map data reference destination information is set to NULL (empty character string: a character string having no value) (step S4), and the process returns.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4 again, the CPU 1 determines whether or not map data reference destination information has been acquired (step S5). Here, the CPU 1 makes a determination based on the map data reference destination information of the image file management information of the content management file. Here, when the map data reference destination information is NULL, it is determined that the map data reference destination information has not been acquired (step S5 is branched to No), and the photographing recording process is ended. On the other hand, when there is a value in the map data reference destination information, it is determined that the map data reference destination information has been acquired (step S5 branches to Yes), and the CPU 1 performs a map data acquisition process (step S5). S6).

  In this map data acquisition process, the CPU 1 reads and executes the subroutine “Map data acquisition” shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 1 sends map data reference destination information from the external network communication unit 3 to the map data providing server 101, and acquires map data (step S61). Subsequently, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the map data has been properly acquired (step S62). If the map data has been acquired (step S62 branches to Yes), the map data is stored in the recording medium 7 as a map image file. Record (step S63), set a map image file (step S64), and return. That is, the file name of the corresponding map image file is set in the map image file_file name of the corresponding image file management information of the content management file. On the other hand, if acquisition is not possible (step S62 branches to No), NULL is set in the map image file (step S65), and the process returns. That is, when communication with an external network is impossible and map data cannot be acquired, NULL representing information indicating that acquisition was not possible is set in the map image file_file name of the corresponding image file management information of the content management file. .

  In this way, the process returns to the process of FIG.

  With the above processing, the map image file can be recorded on the recording medium 7 having a higher transfer rate than that via the external network.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, the map data reproduction process of the designated image by the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  As shown in the display example of FIG. 10, when the LCD 5 has a touch panel function, when a designated image is displayed in the image display area 200 a of the screen 200 of the LCD 5, an “MAP” icon 200 b is displayed at the lower right corner. Is displayed. When the cursor 200c is moved and the “Map” icon 200b is pressed, the map data reproduction process for the designated image is started.

  When this process is started, the CPU 1 first checks the status of the location information presence flag of the image file management information of the content management file (step S71). If the location information presence flag is “false” (step S71). Is branched to No), and a message to the effect that no map image exists is displayed on the LCD 5 (step S72), thus ending this process.

  On the other hand, if the position information presence flag is “true”, the CPU 1 checks whether map data reference destination information is set (step S73). Here, when the map data reference destination information is not set, the CPU 1 executes a process of acquiring map data reference destination information (see FIG. 7 described above) (step S74). Subsequently, the CPU 1 determines whether or not map data reference destination information has been acquired (step S75). Here, when the information cannot be acquired (step S75 is branched to No), a message indicating that no map image exists is displayed on the LCD 5 (step S72), and this process is terminated. When the map data reference destination information can be acquired (step S75 is branched to Yes), the process proceeds to step S77.

  If the map data reference destination information is set in step S73 (step S73 is branched to Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the map image file_file name is set (step S76). If the map image file name_file name is not set (NULL) (step S76 is branched to No), the process proceeds to step S77.

  In step S77, a map data acquisition process (see FIG. 8 described above) is executed.

  Subsequently, the CPU 1 confirms whether or not map data has been acquired (step S78). Here, if the map data cannot be acquired, a message indicating that no map image exists is displayed on the LCD 5 (step S72), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, when map data can be acquired (step S78 is branched to Yes), it transfers to step S79.

  When the map image file_file name is set in step S76 (step S76 is branched to No), the CPU 1 reads the map image file from the recording medium 7 (step S79), and based on this map image file. The map image is reproduced on the LCD 5 (step S80), and thus the reproduction of the map data of the designated image is finished.

  In this way, the location information existence flag, map data reference destination information, and map image file_file name corresponding to the image file are referred to, and when it can be determined that the map data exists, the map image file_file name is indicated. The map image file to be read is read from the recording medium 7 and the map image file is reproduced on the LCD 5.

  The state of the displayed map screen is as shown in FIG.

  In addition to the map image, an icon 201b indicating the location of the imaging device at the time of shooting is also displayed in the image display area 201a of the map screen 201. When the cursor 201d is moved and the icon 201c at the upper right corner of the map screen 201 is pressed, the screen transitions to the designated image display screen shown in FIG.

  With the above processing, the map image file recorded on the recording medium 7 having a higher transfer rate than that via the external network can be reproduced.

  Next, map data reacquisition processing by the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 13.

  This map data reacquisition process is executed when the user instructs the map data reacquisition process by operating the operation unit 11. Alternatively, when the image pickup apparatus has a recording mode / reproduction mode, it may be automatically executed at the time of shifting to the reproduction mode.

  When the map data re-acquisition process is started, first, a variable i relating to the number of image files is initialized (i = 1) (step S100), and the map of the image file management information [i] until this variable i exceeds the number of image files. Data reacquisition processing is executed (steps S101 to S103). That is, referring to the image file management information registered in the content management file, the map data re-acquisition processing is executed for the number of registrations from the top.

  In this map data reacquisition process, the subroutine “image data management information [i] map data reacquisition” shown in FIG. 13 is read and executed.

  That is, the CPU 1 checks the status of the location information presence flag of the image file management information of the content management file (step S110). If the location information presence flag is “false” (branch step S110 to No). To return. On the other hand, if the position information presence flag is “true”, the CPU 1 checks whether map data reference destination information is set (step S111). Here, when the map data reference destination information is not set, the CPU 1 executes a process of acquiring map data reference destination information (see FIG. 7 described above) (step S113). Subsequently, the CPU 1 determines whether or not map data reference destination information has been acquired (step S114). If it is determined that the information could not be acquired (step S114 branches to No), the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the map data reference destination information has been acquired (step S114 is branched to Yes), the process proceeds to step S115. If the map data reference destination information is set in step S111 (step S111 branches to Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the map image file_file name is set (step S112). If the map image file name_file name is not set (NULL) (step S112 is branched to No), the process proceeds to step S115. In step S115, a map data acquisition process (see FIG. 8 described above) is executed, and the process returns to the main routine.

  When the map data re-acquisition is completed for all image files in this way (step S101 is branched to No), this process is terminated.

  Through the above processing, map data and map data reference destination information that could not be acquired at the time of shooting can be acquired again.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, map data is acquired from map data reference destination information related to desired image data, and is stored in the recording medium 7 in advance. Therefore, it is only necessary to read from a recording medium with a high transfer rate when displaying a map image, so that the display process can be performed at high speed.

  In addition, even when map data cannot be acquired due to an insufficient communication or transfer rate to the recording medium 7 at the time of image capture, the acquisition of map data is skipped and control is performed so as to acquire map data later. It is also possible to improve the acquisition quality of map data.

  Furthermore, since the map data at the time of image shooting can be recorded on the recording medium 7, the user can check the map of the shooting location at the time of shooting even after the lapse of time.

  Further, even when communication with the external network 102 is impossible after image shooting, the map data can be displayed and browsed. Furthermore, since the map image data to be stored is not subjected to processing for reducing resolution or thinning out pixels, it is possible to browse with high-quality map images.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment described above, an example in which one map image file is associated with one image file has been described. However, in the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment, one image file is associated with one image file. A plurality of map image files are recorded in association with each other. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the effect related to the diversification of the map image display is further increased.

  Since the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), the same components will be described below using the same reference numerals.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment, one image file (in this example, DIR001) is generated in the recording medium 7 as shown in FIG. A plurality of map image files (in this example, TIZU001.JPG, TIZU002.JPG, TIZU003.JPG ...) are stored in association with the image file management information of the content management file.

  That is, in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment described above, one piece of map data reference destination information and map image file_file name information are held in the image file management information [i]. In the imaging device according to the second embodiment, for a map image file of a three-dimensional display image (3D) and a map image file of a plurality of scales, map data reference destination information is acquired and the map data reference destination information is converted into an image file. The map information file is acquired and the map image file_file name information is stored in the image file management information.

  At the time of reproduction, the CPU 1 reads the image file and the map image file recorded on the recording medium 7, drives the display control unit 4, and displays an image on the LCD 5.

  Here, an image example in which a map image is reproduced and displayed on the LCD 5 based on the map image file corresponding to the photographed image file is as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, “3D”, “enlarged”, and “reduced” icons 202b, 202c, and 202d are displayed on the right side of the image display area 202a of the screen 202. If the cursor 202e is moved and a desired icon is appropriately pressed, the scale of the map image can be changed and the display can be changed to 3D image display at high speed.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, a plurality of map data having different scales and viewpoints can be stored. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately perform map enlargement / reduction and 3D display.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment captures a moving image such as a digital video camera, generates thumbnail images based on the moving image data, and displays the thumbnail images on one screen. It is characterized by that.

  Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), the same configuration will be described below using the same reference numerals. However, the image signal processing unit 8 includes a moving image compression encoding unit, a thumbnail, and the like. It will have a generator. That is, it corresponds to moving image signal processing.

  In such a configuration, moving image data relating to a moving image captured through the optical system 8 is converted into a moving image compression / encoding unit included in the image signal processing unit 8 by, for example, the MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) 2 method. After being compressed and encoded, it is recorded on the recording medium 7 via the recording / reproducing unit 6. At this time, the thumbnail generation unit extracts a predetermined frame from the moving image data, converts the number of pixels, encodes the image using, for example, a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method, etc., and records and reproduces the image data relating to the thumbnail image 6 on the recording medium 7. In the above-described frame extraction, for example, when 30 frames of moving images per second are compressed and encoded in units of 15 frames of GOP (Group Of Pictures), one frame is extracted from 15 frames. However, it is not limited to this.

  Here, FIG. 16 shows a display example of thumbnail images.

  As shown in FIG. 16, a “Map” icon 203c is displayed at the lower right of each thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail display area 203a of the screen 203. By operating the operation unit, the cursor 203c is moved. When the “Map” button 203c of the desired thumbnail image is pressed, the map image shown in FIG. 17 is displayed.

  If a plurality of map image files are held for one image file as in the second embodiment described above, the map image is displayed as shown in FIG. It is also possible to display “3D”, “enlarged”, and “reduced” icons 202b to 202d on the right side of the screen, and to switch to 3D display, enlarged display, and reduced display as appropriate.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments described above, the map image is displayed from the display mode of the thumbnail image of the moving image. It is possible to quickly shift to the display with a simple operation. Therefore, the convenience for the user is further enhanced.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the present invention can be applied to a mobile phone having a GPS function.

The block diagram of the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which showed notionally the file structure on the recording medium after imaging | photography and recording. The figure which shows the internal structure of a content management file. 6 is a flowchart for explaining shooting recording processing by the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a subroutine “image data recording” executed in step S1 of FIG. 4. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine “position information acquisition” process executed in step S2 of FIG. 4; 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a subroutine “get map data reference destination information” executed in step S4 of FIG. 4. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine “map data acquisition” process executed in step S6 of FIG. 4. 6 is a flowchart for explaining map data reproduction processing of a designated image by the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an image captured by the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the example of a display of the map image by the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the map data reacquisition process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a map data re-acquisition process of a subroutine “image file management information [i] executed in step S102 of FIG. 12; The conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the file managed by the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of a display of the map image by the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of a display of the moving image thumbnail by the imaging device which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of a display of the map image by the imaging device which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... CPU, 2 ... Position information acquisition part, 3 ... External network communication part, 4 ... Display control part, 5 ... LCD, 6 ... Recording / reproducing part, 7 ... Recording medium, 8 ... Image signal processing part, 9 ... Optical system DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Operation processing part, 11 ... Operation part, 12 ... RAM, 13 ... ROM, 100 ... Imaging device, 101 ... Map data provision server, 102 ... External network, 103 ... Artificial satellite

Claims (6)

In an imaging device capable of acquiring map data from a map data providing server,
Imaging means for capturing a subject image and outputting an image signal;
Image signal processing means for processing the image signal to generate and output image data;
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information at the time of shooting by the imaging means;
Map data acquisition means for transmitting the position information to the map data providing server via an external network and acquiring map data corresponding to the position information;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a recording / reproducing unit that records at least a correspondence between an image file storing the image data and a map image file storing the map data on a recording medium. It further comprises display means for reading the image file and map image file recorded on the recording medium and displaying an image related to one image data stored in the image file,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an icon for instructing display of map data corresponding to the image data is displayed together with the image at the time of display by the display means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the map data recorded on the recording medium by the recording / reproducing unit is map data managed by the map data providing server. When the map data acquisition means cannot acquire the map data corresponding to the position information at the time of shooting, at least when the display by the display means is started, the map data acquisition means The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image data is transmitted again to the map data providing server via an external network, and map data corresponding to the position information is acquired. When the image file and the map image file are stored on the recording medium by the recording / reproducing means, a synchronization file holding data related to the correspondence between the image file and the map image file is also stored. The imaging device according to claim 1. A method of recording each of image data obtained by photographing and map data obtained from a map data providing server on a recording medium in a predetermined file format,
Store the image data obtained by shooting in an image file,
Map data corresponding to the above location information is stored in a map image file,
A synchronization file characterized by generating data related to the correspondence between the image file and the map image file, storing the data in a synchronization file, and recording the image file, the map image file, and the synchronization file on the recording medium. Creation / recording method.

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