JP2009177683A - Photographing device, reproducing device, photographing method, reproducing method and information disclosure program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly grasp information on an exchangeable lens used for each photographed image without causing a trouble at a user side. <P>SOLUTION: An image signal that forms the image of an object captured through the exchangeable lens 100 and an image element 201 with timing in response to the instruction of the user is processed by a signal processing section 202 to be image data for recording. The lens information of the exchangeable lens 100 is read out and obtained by a control section 210 from a lens information memory 101 mounted in a cubicle of the exchangeable lens 100. An image file containing the image data created by the signal processing section 202 and the lens information obtained by the control section 210 is created by a record reproducing section 204, and the image file is recorded in a recording medium 250 by a record reproducing section 204. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device capable of using an interchangeable lens, an imaging method used in the imaging device, a playback device that plays back an image file recorded on a recording medium by the imaging device, and a playback method used in the playback device The present invention relates to an information disclosure program used in a server device when an image file recorded on a recording medium by the imaging device is disclosed to the server device.

  Causes of image quality degradation when an image photographed on a film is printed out include chromatic aberration, distortion, a decrease in peripheral light amount, and out-of-focus due to camera lens performance. Conventionally, various methods have been proposed in order to appropriately correct image quality degradation of a captured image due to these causes at the time of print output.

  For example, Patent Document 1 described later discloses an invention relating to a camera that records information related to image quality degradation used in image processing of a captured image on at least one of a photographic film, a film cartridge, and a recording medium. Here, the related information on the image quality deterioration is image quality deterioration information, image quality deterioration correction information, and photographing information.

  The image quality deterioration information is information such as magnification chromatic aberration information, distortion aberration information, peripheral dimming information, blur information, and wide-angle distortion information, and the image quality deterioration correction information is correction corresponding to each of the above-described image quality deterioration information. Information. The shooting information is focal length, aperture information, lens type information, manufacturer identification information, camera type information, strobe information, and image quality deterioration identification information. Each of the image quality degradation information, the image quality degradation correction information, and the shooting information can be selected and designated from a plurality prepared in advance.

  Then, when printing a photographed image, the photographed image is subjected to correction processing based on the image quality degradation information, the image quality degradation correction information, and the photography information recorded on the photographic film, film cartridge, or recording medium and printed. By outputting, it is possible to obtain a print output of a high-quality captured image from which problems due to lens performance have been eliminated.

  The technique described in Patent Document 1 is particularly effective in the case of a so-called silver salt camera that records a photographed image on a film. In the case of a silver salt camera, the shot image is recorded on film, so when the shot image recorded on this film is digitized and printed out, it is corrected appropriately based on the information recorded on the film. This is because processing can be performed and high-quality captured images can be printed out.

The above-described Patent Document 1 is as follows.
JP 2002-207242 A

  Incidentally, in recent years, digital cameras that record captured images as digital data on a recording medium have been widely used. In the case of a digital camera, as described above, since a captured image is handled as digital data (image data), an appropriate correction process is performed on the image data that forms the captured image according to the shooting conditions at the time of shooting. Thus, image data for forming a high-quality captured image can be recorded on a recording medium. For this reason, as in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, it is no longer important to record image quality degradation information, image quality degradation correction information, shooting information, and the like on a recording medium.

  However, technologies related to digital cameras are advancing day by day, and high-performance interchangeable lenses (lenses that are detachable from the camera body and can be freely exchanged for use, hereinafter interchangeable) Abundantly provided). The captured image is obtained by the synergistic effect of the interchangeable lens and the camera body, and it is important to know what interchangeable lens the captured image was captured with. Have come to have.

  Conventionally, the photographer (user) himself / herself wrote down the name of the interchangeable lens used at the time of photographing on the film case, or from the predetermined information as in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above. There is only a method of recording the selected lens type information on a film, a film cartridge, or a recording medium.

  However, what is important is that the interchangeable lenses used for each captured image can be used at any time without changing the various interchangeable lenses that have become available. It is desirable to be able to identify the lens. Moreover, not only can the interchangeable lens used for each captured image be identified, but it is also possible to easily obtain information that is only disclosed in the interchangeable lens instruction manual, such as the appearance, lens configuration, and characteristics of the interchangeable lens used. It is hoped that.

  In view of the above points, the present invention makes it possible to appropriately grasp information about the interchangeable lens used for each captured image without bothering the user, and the interchangeable mold used for each captured image. The purpose is to make it easy to check information about the lens.

In order to solve the above problem, an imaging apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
An imaging device capable of using an interchangeable lens,
An imaging means for capturing an image of a subject formed on a self-imaging surface through an attached interchangeable lens as an image signal at a timing according to an instruction from a user;
Signal processing means for generating image data for recording from image signals captured through the imaging means;
Obtaining means for obtaining lens information, which is information relating to the interchangeable lens, from a memory mounted on a housing of the interchangeable lens mounted;
Generation means for generating an image file for recording including the image data for recording generated by the signal processing means and the lens information acquired by the acquisition means;
And recording means for recording the recording image file generated by the generating means on a recording medium.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the image signal that forms the image of the subject captured through the imaging unit at the timing according to the user's instruction is processed by the signal processing unit, and is recorded. It is converted into image data. Further, the lens information of the interchangeable lens is read and acquired from the memory mounted on the casing of the interchangeable lens by the acquisition unit. Then, an image file including the image data generated by the signal processing unit and the lens information acquired by the acquisition unit is generated by the generation unit, and this image file is recorded on the recording medium by the recording unit.

  As a result, the lens information about the interchangeable lens used for photographing the subject image is acquired without taking the user's hand at the time of photographing, and an image file having the lens information together with the image data forming the subject image is obtained. It can be formed and recorded. That is, the lens information of the interchangeable lens used for photographing can be grasped for each image data that forms an image of the subject.

An image pickup apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect,
The lens information includes one or more pieces of information including identification information of an interchangeable lens, a brand name, an external view, a lens configuration diagram, a production start time, and a sales start time.

  According to the imaging device of the second aspect of the present invention, the lens information acquired by the acquisition means includes identification information of the interchangeable lens, brand name, external view, lens configuration diagram, production start time, release start time. One or more of these are included. Accordingly, various information included in the lens information can be grasped for each captured image.

An image pickup apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the second aspect,
First receiving means for receiving an image display instruction based on image data of an image file recorded on the recording medium;
An image reading unit that reads image data of the instructed image from the recording medium when the display instruction of the image is received through the first receiving unit;
Image display processing means for displaying an image corresponding to the image data read by the image reading means on a display element;
Second receiving means for receiving an instruction to display lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the image to be displayed on the display element is taken by the display processing means;
Lens information reading means for reading lens information corresponding to the display instruction from an image file of a displayed image when the display instruction for lens information is received through the second receiving means;
Lens information display processing means for displaying the lens information read by the lens information reading means on the display element.

  According to the image pickup apparatus of the third aspect of the invention, when an image display instruction is received through the first receiving unit, the image data of the image instructed to be displayed is read from the recording medium by the image reading unit. Then, an image corresponding to the read image data is displayed on the display element by the image display processing means. Then, when a display instruction for the lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the image displayed on the display element is taken is received through the second reception unit, the lens information reading unit is received according to the display instruction. As a result, the lens information added to the image file of the image data forming the image being displayed is read and displayed on the display element by the lens information display processing means.

  As a result, it is possible to appropriately grasp information related to the interchangeable lens used for each captured image and easily check information related to the interchangeable lens used for each captured image without bothering the user. Be made possible.

An image pickup apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the third aspect,
The interchangeable lens mounted based on the lens information of the memory mounted on the mounted interchangeable lens and the lens information added to the image file of the image data forming the image to be displayed. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the interchangeable lenses used for taking an image to be displayed are the same;
When the discriminating means discriminates that the interchangeable lens mounted and the interchangeable lens used to capture the image to be displayed are the same, do not display part or all of the lens information. And display control means for controlling.

  According to the imaging device of the present invention, the interchangeable lens that is currently mounted and the interchangeable lens that was used when the image being displayed was photographed are the same by the discriminating means. If it is determined, the display control means controls to not display part or all of the lens information.

  As a result, when the interchangeable lens currently mounted and the interchangeable lens used when the image being displayed is photographed are the same, the actual interchangeable lens can be seen. Therefore, for example, when the lens information includes the external view of the interchangeable lens, the external view of the interchangeable lens is not displayed, or the entire lens information is not displayed, so that Only necessary lens information can be displayed.

An imaging device according to a fifth aspect of the invention is the imaging device according to the first aspect,
Instruction input receiving means for receiving an instruction input for uploading the image file recorded on the recording medium to a predetermined server;
Upload means for accessing the predetermined server and transmitting the image file to the server by uploading the image file when the instruction input is accepted through the instruction input accepting means; It is characterized by providing.

  According to the imaging device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, when an instruction input for uploading an image file to a predetermined server is received through the instruction input receiving unit, the upload unit accesses the predetermined server, A process of uploading an image file to this server is performed.

  As a result, the image capturing apparatus uploads an image file including image data of an image captured by itself and the lens information of the interchangeable lens used at that time to the target server, and the image data of the captured image Information relating to the interchangeable lens (lens information) used at the time of photographing the image can be easily disclosed to many people via a predetermined server.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately grasp information relating to the interchangeable lens used for each captured image without bothering the user. In addition, information regarding the interchangeable lens used for each captured image can be easily confirmed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, an embodiment of an imaging apparatus and an imaging method according to the present invention will be described as a first embodiment, and an embodiment of a playback apparatus and a playback method according to the present invention will be described as a second embodiment. Will be explained. In addition, in relation to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an embodiment of an information disclosure program according to the present invention that is executed in a server device to which an image file is uploaded will be described.

  In any of the inventions described below, image data that forms an image of a subject obtained by taking an image and lens information about the interchangeable lens used when the image was taken are recorded together in an image file. Alternatively, it has a common technical feature in that an image file in which image data and lens information related to an interchangeable lens are recorded is used.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an imaging apparatus to which an embodiment of an imaging apparatus and an imaging method according to the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment includes an interchangeable lens 100 and a camera body 200.

  The interchangeable lens 100 is provided with various interchangeable lenses according to applications, such as a zoom lens, a single focus lens, and a wide-angle lens, and the user of the camera body 200 can select an appropriate interchangeable lens according to the purpose. Can be selected and attached to the camera body 200 for use. That is, the camera body 200 of this embodiment can be mounted with various interchangeable lenses. In the embodiment described below, the interchangeable lens 100 does not indicate a specific interchangeable lens but is used as a collective term for various interchangeable lenses.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the interchangeable lens 100 includes a lens information memory 101 built in the lens housing. Although details will be described later, the memory 101 stores various information related to the interchangeable lens. Is stored in memory, and is acquired by the camera body 200 so that it can be used when the interchangeable lens 100 is controlled from the camera body 200.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the camera body 200 includes an image sensor unit 201, a signal processing unit 202, a display unit 203, a recording / playback unit 204, a playback processing unit 205, a key operation unit 206, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as a communication I / F). 207) having a configuration of a so-called digital camera including a control unit 210.

  The control unit 210 can control the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera body 200. As shown in FIG. 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is used. 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 214 are connected to each other via a CPU bus 215.

  Here, the CPU 211 reads out and executes a program stored in the ROM 212, which will be described later, forms a control signal to be supplied to each unit, and supplies this to each unit or accepts data supplied from each unit. This is the main body of control of the image pickup apparatus of this embodiment, such as processing this.

  As described above, the ROM 212 stores various programs executed by the CPU 211 and various data necessary for processing in advance. The RAM 213 is mainly used as a work area such as temporarily storing intermediate results in various processes. The EEPROM 214 is a so-called non-volatile memory, and is newly added for information to be retained even when the power of the camera body 200 is turned off, for example, various parameters and functions added by the user. The program etc. provided are stored and held.

  The imaging element unit 201 includes an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and is taken in through the interchangeable lens 100 in accordance with control from the control unit 210, and An image formed on the imaging unit is captured as an electrical signal (image signal) and supplied to the signal processing unit 202.

  The signal processing unit 202 converts the image signal from the image sensor unit 201 into a digital signal under the control of the control unit 210, performs white balance processing, noise reduction processing, and various correction processes, and also performs the image sensor unit 201. In the case of a so-called single-plate image sensor unit consisting of a single image sensor, mosaic processing (synchronization processing) is performed to form three primary color signals (RGB signals), and finally YC conversion ( (Brightness color conversion) is performed to form a YC signal (YC data) composed of a Y signal (brightness signal) and a Cb, Cr signal (color signal). To supply.

  The display unit 203 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an LCD controller, and displays images by supplying YC data from the signal processing unit 202 to the LCD under the control of the control unit 210. An image signal for display for the purpose is formed and supplied to the LCD, whereby the image of the subject captured through the interchangeable lens 100 is displayed on the LCD display screen.

  Accordingly, the user can take a picture while confirming what kind of image is taken into the camera body 200 through the interchangeable lens unit 100 based on the image displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203. I can do it. As described above, the display unit 203 has been described as using an LCD as a display element, but various displays such as an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), and a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube). An element can also be used. In that case, a controller corresponding to the display element to be used is used as the controller of the display element.

  The recording / reproducing unit 204 has a recording medium 250 detachable, and has a function of writing image data to the loaded recording medium 204 and reading image data recorded on the recording medium 250. The recording medium drive is provided. Here, the recording medium 250 is, for example, a so-called card memory using a semiconductor memory, an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a small magneto-optical disc called MD (registered trademark), a detachable recording medium. Various types such as a small hard disk having a possible configuration are conceivable. In this embodiment, the recording medium 250 will be described as a card memo, for example.

  The recording / playback unit 204 is captured through the image sensor unit 201 and the signal processing unit 202 according to the control of the control unit 210 at a timing when a shutter key provided in a key operation unit 206 described later is pressed. Upon receiving the image data (YC data) of the subject, the image data is compressed and converted into image data for recording, and the converted image data is stored in the recording medium 250 that is a card memory mounted on the apparatus. Record. As a result, the user can capture an image of a target subject into the camera body 200 through the interchangeable lens 100 and record it on the recording medium 250 as digital data.

  Further, when receiving a control signal for reproducing the image data recorded on the recording medium 250 through the control unit 210, the recording / reproducing unit 204 reads out the image data of the instructed image and decompresses it. It is processed and restored to image data before data compression, and this is supplied to the reproduction processing unit 205.

  Under the control of the control unit 210, the reproduction processing unit 205 performs processing such as size adjustment on the image data from the recording / reproducing unit 204 to form image data in a format to be supplied to the display unit 203, This is supplied to the display unit 203. As a result, the user can display an image corresponding to the image data recorded on the recording medium 250 on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203 of the camera body 200 for viewing.

  The key operation unit 206 includes the above-described shutter key, various adjustment keys, adjustment dials, various setting keys, and the like. The key operation unit 206 receives an operation input from the user and converts it into an electrical signal. It can be converted and supplied to the control unit 210. Thus, the control unit 210 controls each unit in accordance with an operation input from the user, and can perform processing according to the user's instruction.

  The communication I / F unit 207 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard digital interface unit. Through the communication I / F unit 207, the camera body 200 is connected to a personal computer, and image data recorded on the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / playback unit 204 is transferred to the control unit 210 and the communication I / F unit 207. The data is supplied to the personal computer through the personal computer for backup, or conversely, various data such as image data is received from the personal computer, and this is received through the communication I / F unit 207 and the control unit 210 to be recorded and reproduced. It is also possible to record on a recording medium 250 mounted on the unit 204.

  Then, as described above, the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment captures an image of a subject captured through the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera body 200 through the imaging element unit 201 and the signal processing unit 202 and displays the image. The image is taken while confirming the image on the LCD display screen of the unit 203, and the image data of the image to be taken can be recorded on the recording medium 250 attached to the recording / reproducing unit 204. Also, the image data recorded on the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / reproducing unit 204 is reproduced by the control unit 210, the recording / reproducing unit 204, the reproduction processing unit 205, and the display unit 203 in cooperation. The reproduced image can be displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203.

  Further, in the case of the image pickup apparatus of this embodiment, at the time of recording, an image file is formed by adding lens information read from the lens information memory 101 of the interchangeable lens attached to the camera body 200 to the image data. This can be recorded on the recording medium 250. Further, when reproducing the image data recorded on the recording medium 250, it is also possible to display lens information that is added to the image data in accordance with an instruction from the user. .

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining functions of the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera body 200 captures an image of a subject through the interchangeable lens 100 and reads out and acquires lens information from a lens information memory 101 built in the housing of the interchangeable lens 100.

  Then, the camera body 200 converts the image of the subject captured through the interchangeable lens 100 into the image data PDt, and the lens information (used lens information of the interchangeable lens 100 used at the time of shooting) with respect to the image data PDt. ) An image file PF accompanied by LDt can be formed, and the image file PF can be recorded on the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / reproducing unit 204 of the camera body 200.

  Further, the camera body 200 reads the image data PDt and the lens information LDt of the image file PF recorded on the recording medium 250 attached to the recording / playback unit 204, and displays an image corresponding to the image data PDt on the display unit 203. It can be displayed on the LCD display screen or various information corresponding to the lens information LDt can be displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203.

  In FIG. 2, only one image file PF is shown in the recording medium 250 for the sake of simplicity. However, the recording medium 250 normally has a storage capacity of several hundred megabytes to several gigabytes, and can record a large number of image files.

[Specific examples of lens information]
Next, a specific example of lens information stored and held in the lens information memory 101 provided in the interchangeable lens 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of lens information stored and held in the lens information memory 101. As shown in FIG. 3, the lens information memory 101 includes lens identification information, lens control related information, lens characteristic information (lens detailed information), a lens appearance diagram, a lens configuration diagram, and other information as lens information. Yes.

  The lens identification information is information for identifying the interchangeable lens. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the manufacturing number, the model number, the product name, the manufacturing start date (production start time), and the sales start date (sales start date) Information). In addition, various information for identifying the interchangeable lens, such as a brand name and a manufacturing factory symbol, can be included. The production start date may be expressed as the production start time, as in April 2007 or the first half of 2007. Similarly, the sales start date may be expressed as the sales start time.

  The lens control related information includes, for example, various control related information necessary for adjusting exposure (exposure), adjusting focus (focus), and the like in cooperation with the camera body 200. Is.

  As shown in FIG. 3, lens characteristic information (lens detailed information) includes information indicating the type of lens such as a zoom lens, a single focus lens, or a wide-angle lens, information on how to use the interchangeable lens, It consists of detailed information about the interchangeable lens, such as the precautions. This lens characteristic information is mainly composed of text data.

  The lens external view is a view showing the external appearance of the interchangeable lens. With this lens external view, even if there is no interchangeable lens itself, the external configuration of the interchangeable lens can be displayed on the display element for confirmation. Therefore, this lens external view is more effective information for the user of the image data photographed using the interchangeable lens than the user of the interchangeable lens.

  In the lens configuration diagram, it is possible to visually recognize how many lens groups the interchangeable lens includes and how many lenses are used. As described above, the lens configuration diagram is important information for grasping and understanding the characteristics of the interchangeable lens from the viewpoint of the lens configuration.

  In addition, as other information, for example, various information related to the interchangeable lens, such as precautions for maintenance and substitute part information, can be grasped.

  As described above, various lens information is stored and held in the lens information memory 101 of the interchangeable lens 100, and the control unit 210 of the camera main body 200 stores the lens information memory of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the own lens. 101 is accessed, lens information is acquired, and lens information can be added to image data recorded on the recording medium 250 when an image is captured.

[Specific examples of image files]
Next, a specific example of an image file recorded on the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / reproducing unit 204 of the camera body 200 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of an image file recorded on the recording medium 250. The camera body 200 of this embodiment includes a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode, and can capture either a still image or a moving image.

  When a still image shooting mode is used to shoot an image of a subject, as shown by the still image file SP1 in FIG. 4, the file name, header information, used lens information, and still image data are included. An image file is formed and recorded on the recording medium 250. Here, the file name is automatically given under the control of the control unit 210 in order to identify the still image file SP1. Although not shown, the header information is information such as shooting date and time acquired from a clock circuit built in the camera body 200, and shooting conditions such as focus and focal length managed by the control unit 210. It consists of information about.

  The used lens information is the lens information read by the control unit 210 from the lens information memory 101 of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera body 200 as described above, and this is the recording / playback unit at the time of shooting. 204 and added to the still image file SP1 as shown in FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the use lens information includes lens identification information, lens characteristic information, a lens external view, a lens configuration diagram, and other information.

  The still image data obtained by shooting is stored in the still image file SP1 as main information. When the still image shooting mode is used, a still image file having the configuration shown in the still image file SP1 in FIG. 4 is formed and sequentially recorded on the recording medium 250.

  In addition, when a moving image shooting mode is used to shoot a subject image, basically, a moving image file having the same configuration as the still image file SP1 shown in FIG. 4 is formed and recorded. The That is, when an image of a subject is shot using the moving image shooting mode, for example, as shown in a moving image file MP1 in FIG. 4, an image composed of a file name, header information, used lens information, and moving image data. A file is formed and recorded on the recording medium 250.

  The file name is automatically given under the control of the control unit 210 in order to identify the moving image file MP1. As described above, the header information includes information such as the shooting date and time acquired from the clock circuit built in the camera body 200, and the focus and focal length that the control unit 210 manages. It consists of information on shooting conditions.

  The used lens information is the lens information read by the control unit 210 from the lens information memory 101 of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera body 200 as described above, and this is the recording / playback unit at the time of shooting. 204 and added to the moving image file MP1 as shown in FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the use lens information includes lens identification information, lens characteristic information, a lens external view, a lens configuration diagram, and other information.

  The moving image data obtained by shooting is stored in the moving image file MP1 as main information. When the moving image shooting mode is used, the moving image file having the configuration shown in the moving image file MP1 in FIG. 4 is sequentially recorded on the recording medium 250.

[Image file playback mode]
Next, as described above, the reproduction mode of the image file to which the lens information of the interchangeable lens 100 used for photographing is added will be described with a specific example. In the following, a case where an image file of a still image is reproduced will be described as an example. 5 to 11 are diagrams for explaining specific examples of the reproduction mode of the information of the image file.

  When shooting is completed and image data of an image file recorded on the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / playback unit 204 is to be played back, the key operation unit 206 is operated to set the playback mode. When the playback mode is set, the control unit 210 controls the recording / playback unit 204 and the playback processing unit 205 to form thumbnail images based on the image data of the image files recorded on the recording medium 250, and to display a list of the thumbnail images. To accept the desired selection input.

  If a plurality of image files are recorded on the recording medium 250 and thumbnail images corresponding to the image data of all the image files cannot be displayed on one screen, the thumbnail images are displayed over a plurality of screens. You can also do that. That is, the thumbnail image can be scrolled.

  The user uses the left arrow key, right arrow key, up arrow key, down arrow key, etc. provided on the key operation unit 206 of the camera body to position the cursor on the thumbnail of the target image, and When the user presses the button, the control unit 210 controls the recording / reproducing unit 204 to read out image data from the image file of the selected image, compress and decompress the image data, and then supply the image data to the reproduction processing unit 205.

  The reproduction processing unit 205 forms image data to be supplied to the display unit 203 from the image data supplied thereto, and supplies this to the display unit 203. The display unit 203 forms a display image signal to be supplied to its own LCD from the image data from the reproduction processing unit 205, and supplies this to the LCD. As a result, a captured image instructed by the user is displayed on the LCD display screen 203G of the display unit 203 as shown in FIG. The displayed captured image in the example shown in FIG. 5 is a mountain image.

  Then, when the target image is displayed on the LCD display screen 203G of the display unit 203 as shown in FIG. 5, when the menu key provided in the key operation unit 206 is pressed, the control unit 210 is operated. As shown in FIG. 6, a normal menu MN having selectable items that can be executed at the present time is formed and supplied to the display unit 203 through the reproduction processing unit 205.

  Thereby, on the LCD display screen 203G of the display unit 203, as shown in FIG. 6, the menu MN is displayed over the captured image instructed by the user, and the menu MN item can be selected. To be done. In FIG. 6, by selecting the “return” icon BK displayed in the upper right corner of the display screen 203G, the menu MN is deleted, and the display returns to the state of only the captured image display shown in FIG. Will be able to.

  In the state shown in FIG. 6, when the down arrow key provided in the key operation unit 206 is operated, the cursor is positioned at the item “lens information” and the determination key is pressed, the control unit 210 As shown in FIG. 7, a lens information menu LMN having selectable items of “lens information” is formed and supplied to the display unit 203 through the reproduction processing unit 205.

  As a result, on the LCD display screen 203G of the display unit 203, as shown in FIG. 7, the lens information menu LMN is displayed over the captured image instructed by the user instead of the menu MN. The item of the lens information menu LMN can be selected. In FIG. 6, the menu MN is displayed instead of the lens information menu LMN by selecting the “return” icon BK displayed in the upper right corner of the display screen 203G, as shown in FIG. The menu MN can be returned to the displayed state.

  When the down arrow key provided on the key operation unit 206 is operated in the state of FIG. 7 and the cursor is positioned on the item “appearance view” and the determination key is pressed, the control unit 210 records. The playback unit 204 is controlled to read out the data for displaying the external view of the lens information added to the image file storing the image data of the currently displayed image, and reproduce it. The data is supplied to the display unit 203 through the processing unit 205.

  Thereby, on the LCD display screen 203G of the display unit 203, as shown in FIG. 8, an external view of the interchangeable lens 100 used when the captured image is captured is displayed instead of displaying the captured image. Is done. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, not only the external view but also the names of the respective parts of the interchangeable lens 100 are displayed. In the case of the appearance display shown in FIG. 8, the lens information menu LMN is displayed on the photographed image by selecting the “return” icon BK displayed on the upper right end of the display screen 203G. Thus, it is possible to return to the state shown in FIG.

  In the state of FIG. 7, when the down arrow key provided in the key operation unit 206 is operated and the cursor is positioned at the item “lens configuration” and the determination key is pressed, the control unit 210 records. The playback unit 204 is controlled to read out data for displaying a lens configuration diagram from among lens information added to the image file in which image data of the currently displayed image is stored. The data is supplied to the display unit 203 through the reproduction processing unit 205.

  Accordingly, the display screen 203G of the LCD of the display unit 203 has a lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens 100 used when the captured image is captured instead of displaying the captured image, as shown in FIG. To be displayed. In the case of the lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens shown in FIG. 9, it is composed of 19 lenses, 4 of which are ED (special low dispersion) glass lenses. In the case of the lens configuration diagram shown in FIG. 9, the lens information menu LMN is displayed on the photographed image by selecting the “return” icon BK displayed at the upper right corner of the display screen 203G. Thus, the state shown in FIG. 7 can be returned.

  In the state of FIG. 7, when the down arrow key provided in the key operation unit 206 is operated and the cursor is positioned at the item “lens details” and the determination key is pressed, the control unit 210 records. The playback unit 204 is controlled to read out data for displaying detailed lens information from the lens information added to the image file in which the image data of the currently displayed image is stored. Is supplied to the display unit 203 through the reproduction processing unit 205.

  As a result, the LCD display screen 203G of the display unit 203 includes the detailed lens information of the interchangeable lens 100 used when the captured image is captured, instead of displaying the captured image, as shown in FIG. To be displayed. In the case of the detailed lens information shown in FIG. 10, the name, brand name, production start date, sales start date, feature information, etc. of the interchangeable lens are displayed. On the detailed lens information display screen shown in FIG. 10, an “up scroll” icon UP is displayed at the upper right end, and a “down scroll” icon DW is displayed at the lower right end.

  In this case, when the operation key of the key operation unit 206 is operated so as to select the “up scroll” icon UP, the screen is scrolled downward (the upper display information is moved downward on the screen). When the operation key of the key operation unit 206 is operated so as to select the “down scroll” icon DW, the screen is scrolled upward (the lower display information is moved upward on the screen). .) Thus, even when the detailed lens information cannot be displayed on one screen, the entire screen can be displayed by scrolling the screen display.

  When the operation key of the key operation unit 206 is operated so as to select the “down scroll” icon DW in the state of FIG. 10, for example, as shown in FIG. A list of main specifications can be displayed as part of the detailed information. In the case of the example in FIG. 11, the name of the interchangeable lens, the corresponding imaging screen size, the focal length image in terms of 35 mm (millimeter) size, the lens configuration outline, the angle of view in terms of APS-C, and the angle of view in terms of 35 mm. Various other information is displayed.

  Also in the display example of the detailed lens information shown in FIG. 11, an “up scroll” icon UP is displayed at the upper right end, and a “down scroll” icon DW is displayed at the lower right end. When the operation key of the key operation unit 206 is operated so as to select the “up scroll” icon UP, the screen is scrolled downward (the display information on the upper side is moved downward on the screen). When the operation key of the key operation unit 206 is operated so as to select the “down scroll” icon DW, the screen is scrolled upward (the lower display information is moved upward on the screen). ).

  10 and 11 also, the lens information menu LMN is displayed on the photographed image by selecting the “return” icon BK displayed at the upper right corner of the display screen 203G. Thus, the state shown in FIG. 7 can be returned.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, when an image of a subject is captured, the image data that forms the image of the subject obtained by capturing is attached to the camera body at the time of capturing the image. The lens information of the interchangeable lens used in this manner is stored in the same image file and recorded on the recording medium.

  And about the image file recorded on the recording medium, not only can the image by the image data stored in the image file be reproduced, but also various information according to the lens information stored in the image file. Can also be read and played back.

[Operation of imaging device]
Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[Lens information acquisition processing]
First, in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, a process when acquiring lens information from the lens information memory 101 built in the interchangeable lens 100 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining lens information acquisition processing executed in the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is executed by the controller 210 of the camera body 200 when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200.

  When the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 detects that the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to its own device, the control unit 210 executes the processing shown in FIG. 12 and from the lens information memory 101 of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the own device. Lens information is read (step S101). Then, the lens information read out in step S101 is stored in the EEPROM 214 of the control unit 210 (step S102), and the processing shown in FIG.

  As a result, the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 acquires lens information of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to its own device, and stores it in the EEPROM 214 while the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to its own device. To be able to hold.

[Erase lens information]
Next, in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, processing when the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 erases lens information of the interchangeable lens that is stored in the EEPROM 214 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the lens information erasing process executed in the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is executed by the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 when the interchangeable lens 101 attached to the camera body 200 is removed.

  When the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 detects that the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the own device has been removed, the control unit 210 executes the process shown in FIG. 13 and performs the processing of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the own device. The lens information read from the lens information memory 101 and stored in the EEPROM 214 is deleted (step S201), and the processing shown in FIG.

  As a result, the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 acquires the lens information acquired from the lens information memory 101 of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera body and stored in the EEPROM 214 when the interchangeable lens 100 is removed. Can be erased from.

  The configuration in which the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 detects that the interchangeable lens 100 is attached or removed is, for example, turned on when attached, and turned off when removed. It is possible to use various switches such as a switch having a mechanical configuration, a switch having a similar electrical configuration, and a switch having a similar magnetic configuration.

[Shooting process]
Next, a photographing process performed in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a photographing process executed in the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 according to the first embodiment. This process is executed by the control unit 210 when the camera body 200 according to this embodiment is turned on and is ready for photographing.

  When shooting is possible, the control unit 210 waits for the user to press the shutter key (step S301). When the control unit 210 detects that the shutter key has been pressed, the control unit 210 controls each part and replaces it. Image data for recording is formed by the function of the signal processing unit 202 from the image signal of the subject image captured through the mold lens 100 and the image sensor unit 201 (step S302).

  Then, the control unit 210 controls the recording / playback unit 204, and is attached to the recording device from the signal processing unit 202 in addition to the file name and header information and stored in the EEPROM 214. The lens information (used lens information) of the interchangeable lens 100 is read out, an image file to which the lens information is also added is generated, and this image file is recorded on the recording medium 250 attached to the recording / reproducing unit 204 ( Step S303) and the process from step S301 are repeated.

  As a result, an image file in which the lens information of the interchangeable lens 100 used at the time of shooting is added to the image data of the image of the subject obtained by shooting can be recorded on the recording medium 250. Be made possible.

[Image file playback processing]
Next, the reproduction process of the image file recorded on the recording medium 250 attached to the recording / reproducing unit 204 performed in the imaging apparatus of the first embodiment will be described. 15 to 17 illustrate image file reproduction processing (reproduction processing of a captured image or the like) that is performed by the control unit 210 of the camera main body 200 configuring the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart of.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, when the execution mode of the imaging apparatus is set to the playback mode by operating an operation key provided on the key operation unit 206 of the camera body 200, the control unit 210 The reproduction process shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 is executed.

  First, the control unit 210 controls the recording / reproducing unit 204 to form data for displaying a thumbnail image from the image data of each image file recorded on the attached recording medium 250, and reproduces the data. By supplying to the display unit 203 through the unit 205, a list of thumbnail images of the captured images is displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203 (step S401).

  Here, the description has been given on the assumption that the thumbnail image of the photographed image is formed by the function of the recording / playback unit 204. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the thumbnail image of the photographed image is displayed in advance at a predetermined timing such as when photographing. By creating data for recording and recording it in an image file, it is possible to display thumbnail images more quickly as needed without forming data for displaying thumbnail images one by one. It is also possible. It is also possible to provide a portion other than the recording / playback unit 204 such as the playback processing unit 205 to have a thumbnail image forming function.

  Then, the control unit 210 receives a selection input of a thumbnail image from the user through the key operation unit 206 (step S402). Then, the control unit 210 determines whether an instruction to end the reproduction process performed through a predetermined operation key of the key operation unit 206 has been received (step S403).

  When it is determined in step S403 that the end instruction has been received, the control unit 210 performs predetermined end processing such as erasing the display of the thumbnail image (step S404), as shown in FIGS. The playback process ends. If it is determined in the determination processing in step S403 that an end instruction has not been received, the control unit 210 determines whether a thumbnail image selection input performed through a predetermined operation key such as an arrow key of the key operation unit 206 has been received. Judgment is made (step S405).

  When it is determined in step S405 that the selection input of the thumbnail image has been received, the control unit 210 controls the display unit 203 to move and select the display position of the cursor according to the received selection input. The cursor is positioned on the thumbnail file image instructed to do so (step S406), and then the processing from step S402 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S405 that the selection input of the thumbnail image has not been received, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the confirmation input of the selected thumbnail image has been received (step S407). If it is determined in step S407 that the confirmation input is not accepted, the processing from step S402 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S407 that the confirmation input of the selected thumbnail image has been accepted, the control unit 210 controls the recording / playback unit 204 to obtain image data corresponding to the thumbnail image where the cursor is positioned. The image data before compression is restored by reading the image data from the stored image file and performing compression / decompression processing (step S408).

  The control unit 210 controls the recording / playback unit 204, the playback processing unit 205, and the display processing unit 203, and supplies the image data restored by the recording / playback unit 204 to the display unit 203 through the playback processing unit 205. The selected photographed image is displayed on the LCD display screen 203G of the display unit 203 (step S409). As a result, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the target captured image among the captured images recorded on the recording medium 250 is displayed on the LCD display screen 203 </ b> G of the display unit 203.

  And the control part 210 receives the instruction | indication input from a user through the key operation part 206 (step S410). Then, the control unit 210 determines whether or not an instruction to end the reproduction process performed through a predetermined operation key of the key operation unit 206 has been received (step S411).

  If it is determined in step S410 that an end instruction has been received, the control unit 210 performs predetermined end processing such as erasing the display of the captured image displayed in step S409 (step S412). The reproduction process shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 ends. If it is determined in the determination process of step S410 that an end instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S413 in FIG.

  The control unit 210 determines whether or not the instruction input received in step S410 is a “forward” or “reverse” instruction input for changing the captured image to be displayed (step S413). If it is determined in step S413 that the input of “forward” or “reverse” is received, the instructed image is selected (step S414), and the processing from step S408 shown in FIG. 15 is performed. Thus, a new captured image is displayed.

  That is, in step S410 shown in FIG. 15, when an instruction input of “forward” for changing the captured image to be displayed to the next captured image is accepted, in step S414, the currently displayed captured image is displayed. The reading position is positioned in the image file including the image data that forms the captured image positioned immediately after (just after), and the processing from step S408 in FIG. 15 is performed.

  Further, in step S410 shown in FIG. 15, when a “reverse” instruction input for changing the captured image to be displayed to the next captured image is accepted, in step S414, the currently displayed captured image is displayed. The reading position is positioned on the image file including the image data forming the captured image located immediately before (just before), and the processing from step S408 in FIG. 15 is performed.

  If it is determined in step S413 that the “forward” or “reverse” instruction input is not received, it is determined whether the instruction input received in step S410 is an instruction input for instructing menu display (step S410). S415). If it is determined in step S415 that the received instruction input is not a menu display instruction input, a process corresponding to the received instruction input is performed (step S416). Thereafter, the process from step S410 in FIG. 15 is performed. To repeat. Note that the process according to the user's instruction input performed in step S416 includes various adjustment processes such as a display image brightness adjustment process and a current time adjustment process.

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S415 that the received instruction input is a menu display instruction input, the control unit 210 forms a menu MN having an executable function as a selection item, and reproduces the menu MN. By supplying to the display unit 203 through the unit 205, the menu MN is displayed on the display screen 203 of the LCD of the display unit 203, as described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S417).

  Then, the control unit 210 receives a selection input such as a menu item from the user through the key operation unit 206 (step S418), and determines whether a selection input or the like has been received (step S419). If it is determined in step S419 that selection input or the like has not been accepted, the processing from step S418 is repeated.

  If it is determined in the determination process of step S419 that a selection input or the like has been received, it is determined whether or not the input from the received user is a selection input of a “return” icon BK (step S420). In the determination process of step S420, when it is determined that the input from the accepted user is a selection input of the “return” icon BK, the displayed menu MN is deleted (step S421), and the process from step S410 of FIG. Repeat the process.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S420 that the input from the received user is not a selection input of the “return” icon BK, the control unit 210 receives the input from the user as “lens information” in the menu MN. It is determined whether or not a selection input is made (step S422).

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S422 that the received input from the user is not a selection input of “lens information” in the menu MN, a process corresponding to the instruction input from the user is executed (step S423). The processing from step S417 in step 16 is repeated. Here, the process performed in step S423 is a process instructed by the user, for example, a process corresponding to an item other than “lens information” in the menu MN such as “image quality adjustment” and “deletion” of an image. Etc. will be performed.

  If it is determined in step S422 that the received input from the user is a selection input of “lens information” in the menu MN, the control unit 210 proceeds to the process in FIG. 17 and forms the lens information menu LMN. Then, by supplying this to the display unit 203 through the reproduction processing unit 205, the lens information menu LMN is displayed on the LCD display screen 203 of the display unit 203 so as to overlap the display of the photographed image as described with reference to FIG. (Step S424).

  Then, the control unit 210 accepts a selection input or the like from the user through the key operation unit 206 (step S425), and confirms whether or not a selection input from the user is accepted (step S426). If it is determined in step S426 that the selection input from the user is not received, the control unit 210 repeats the process from step S425.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S426 that a selection input from the user has been received, the control unit 210 determines whether the received input from the user is a selection input for the “return” icon BK (step S427). ). If it is determined in the determination process in step S427 that the selection input of the “return” icon BK has been received, the control unit 210 controls the display unit 203 to display as described with reference to FIG. The lens information menu LMN is erased (step S428), and the processing from step S417 shown in FIG. 16 is repeated to return to the state where the normal menu MN is displayed as shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S427 that the selection input of the “return” icon BK is not accepted, the control unit 210 determines whether “appearance view” that is an item of the lens information menu LMN is selected. (Step S429). When it is determined in the determination process in step S429 that the “appearance view” that is the item of the lens information menu LMN is selected, the control unit 210 selects the currently displayed captured image as described with reference to FIG. A process of displaying an external view of the interchangeable lens used when the image was taken is executed (step S430), and thereafter, the process from step S424 is repeated. Details of the external view display process executed in step S430 will be described later.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S429 that the “appearance view” item of the lens information menu LMN is not selected, the control unit 210 selects the “lens configuration diagram” item of the lens information menu LMN. It is determined whether or not (step S431). When it is determined in the determination process in step S431 that the “lens configuration diagram”, which is an item of the lens information menu LMN, is selected, the control unit 210, as described with reference to FIG. A process for displaying the lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens used when the image is taken is executed (step S432), and thereafter, the process from step S424 is repeated. Details of the lens configuration diagram display processing executed in step S432 will be described later.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S431 that the “lens configuration diagram” that is the item of the lens information menu LMN is not selected, the control unit 210 selects “lens details” that is the item of the lens information menu LMN. It is determined whether or not (step S433). When it is determined in the determination process in step S433 that “lens details”, which is an item in the lens information menu LMN, is selected, the control unit 210 is currently displaying as described with reference to FIGS. A process of displaying detailed information of the interchangeable lens used when the captured image was captured is executed (step S434), and thereafter, the process from step S424 is repeated. Details of the lens detail display process executed in step S434 will be described later.

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S433 that “lens details”, which is an item in the lens information menu LMN, is not selected, the control unit 210 determines that a valid input operation has not been performed, and step S425. The process from is repeated, and the process from the reception of the selection input or the like is performed.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, when a captured image is reproduced, not only the captured image can be reproduced but also displayed (reproduced). Various information about the interchangeable lens 100 used when the photographed image was photographed can also be displayed as necessary.

[External view of interchangeable lens display process]
Next, the display process of the external view of the interchangeable lens executed in step S430 in FIG. 17 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the display process of the external view of the interchangeable lens executed in step S430 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the process of displaying the external view of the interchangeable lens, the control unit 210 first controls the recording / reproducing unit 204 to store image data that forms the currently displayed captured image. The data for displaying the external view of the lens information to be added to the image data is read from the existing image file (step S501), and supplied to the display unit 203 through the reproduction processing unit 205. Thus, an external view of the interchangeable lens is displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203 (step S502).

  Then, the control unit 210 receives an instruction input from the user through the key operation unit 206 (step S503), and determines whether or not the “return” icon BK is selected (step S504). If it is determined in step S504 that the “return” icon BK has not been selected, the processing from step S503 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S504 that the “return” icon BK has been selected, the control unit 210 controls the reproduction processing unit 205 and the display unit 203 to erase the external view of the interchangeable lens displayed in step S502. Then, the captured image that has been displayed is displayed until the external view is displayed (step S505), the external view display process shown in FIG. 18 is terminated, and the process returns to the captured image reproduction routine of FIG. .

  In step S505, the process of displaying the original captured image temporarily stores, for example, image data that forms the captured image that has been displayed until immediately before in the memory included in the control unit 210, the display unit 203, and the like. Use this. Of course, it can be read again from the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / reproducing unit 204 and used.

[Display processing of lens configuration diagram of interchangeable lens]
Next, the display process of the lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens executed in step S432 in FIG. 17 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the display process of the lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens executed in step S432 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19, in the display processing of the lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens, the control unit 210 first controls the recording / playback unit 204 to store image data that forms the currently displayed captured image. The data for displaying the lens configuration diagram of the lens information to be added to the image data is read out from the image file (step S601), and supplied to the display unit 203 through the reproduction processing unit 205. As a result, a lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens is displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203 (step S602).

  Then, the control unit 210 receives an instruction input from the user through the key operation unit 206 (step S603), and determines whether or not the “return” icon BK is selected (step S604). If it is determined in step S604 that the “return” icon BK is not selected, the processing from step S603 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S604 that the “return” icon BK has been selected, the control unit 210 controls the reproduction processing unit 205 and the display unit 203 to display the lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens displayed in step S502. The captured image displayed until the lens configuration diagram is displayed is deleted (step S605), the lens configuration diagram display process shown in FIG. 19 is terminated, and the captured image reproduction of FIG. 17 is performed. Return to the routine.

  In step S605, the process of displaying the original photographed image is displayed until just before, for example, in the memory provided in the control unit 210, the display unit 203, or the like, as in the case of the display process of the external view of the interchangeable lens described above. The image data for forming the photographed image that is to be stored is temporarily stored and used. Of course, it can be read again from the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / reproducing unit 204 and used.

[Display processing of detailed lens information for interchangeable lenses]
Next, the detailed lens information display process for the interchangeable lens executed in step S434 in FIG. 17 will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the lens detail information display processing of the interchangeable lens executed in step S434 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in the process of displaying the detailed lens information of the interchangeable lens, the control unit 210 first controls the recording / reproducing unit 204 to store image data that forms the currently displayed captured image. The data for displaying the detailed lens information of the lens information to be added to the image data is read from the stored image file (step S701) and supplied to the display unit 203 through the reproduction processing unit 205. As a result, the detailed lens information of the interchangeable lens is displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203 (step S702).

  Then, the control unit 210 receives an instruction input from the user through the key operation unit 206 (step S703), and instructs to scroll the display screen for selecting the “up scroll” icon UP or the “down scroll” icon DW. It is determined whether or not an operation has been performed (step S704).

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S704 that an operation for instructing scrolling has been performed, the control unit 210 controls the reproduction processing unit 205 and the display unit 203, and based on the lens detailed information read in step S701, the lens. A scroll process for scrolling the display of the detailed information is executed (step S705), and then the process from step S703 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S704 that the operation for instructing scrolling has not been performed, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the “return” icon BK has been selected (step S706). If it is determined in step S706 that the “return” icon BK has not been selected, the processing from step S703 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S706 that the “return” icon BK has been selected, the control unit 210 controls the reproduction processing unit 205 and the display unit 203 to display the detailed lens information of the interchangeable lens displayed in step S702. The captured image displayed until the lens detailed information is displayed is displayed (step S707), the lens detailed information display processing shown in FIG. 20 is terminated, and the captured image reproduction shown in FIG. Return to the routine.

  In step S707, the process of displaying the original photographed image is displayed until just before, for example, in the memory included in the control unit 210, the display unit 203, or the like, as in the case of the above-described external lens display process. The image data for forming the photographed image that is to be stored is temporarily stored and used. Of course, it can be read again from the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / reproducing unit 204 and used.

  As described above, the display is performed by the external view display processing in step S430, the lens configuration diagram display processing in step S432, and the lens detailed information display processing in step S434 in the captured image reproduction processing routine shown in FIG. An external view, a lens configuration diagram, and detailed lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the captured image was captured can be displayed and confirmed as necessary.

[Other examples of shot image playback processing]
Next, another example of the captured image reproduction process will be described. In the case of the process of reproducing the captured image described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17, an external view, a lens configuration diagram, and detailed lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is captured. Can be displayed as needed.

  However, when the interchangeable lens that is the same as the interchangeable lens used when the photographed image to be displayed is photographed is attached to the camera body 200, the actual object can be directly seen. It is considered that the importance of displaying the external view of the interchangeable lens is reduced.

  When the same interchangeable lens as the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is captured is mounted on the camera body 200, the user is familiar with the interchangeable lens. In many cases, it may not be necessary to display lens information regarding the interchangeable lens.

  Therefore, in the following, two other examples of the captured image reproduction process will be described. In the first example, when an interchangeable lens that is the same as the interchangeable lens used when the photographed image to be displayed is photographed is attached to the camera body 200, an external view of the interchangeable lens is displayed. This is a photographed image reproduction process (when the display of the external view of the interchangeable lens is restricted) so as not to be performed.

  In the second example, when the same interchangeable lens as the interchangeable lens used when the photographed image to be displayed is captured is attached to the camera body 200, lens information regarding the interchangeable lens is obtained. This is a captured image reproduction process in which nothing is displayed (when display of all lens information of the interchangeable lens is limited).

[First Other Example of Captured Image Reproduction Processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction process of a captured image or the like (first other example of the captured image reproduction process) when the display of the external view of the interchangeable lens is limited. In the case of the first other example of the captured image reproduction process described here, the processes shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 are performed in the same manner and stored in the recording medium 250 loaded in the recording / reproducing unit 204. It is possible to select and display a desired captured image from among the captured images, display a normal menu MN, and perform image quality adjustment processing, captured image deletion processing, and lens information display processing. To be.

  When the selection input received in step S417 of the process shown in FIG. 16 determines that “lens information” that is an item of the menu MN is determined in the determination process of step S422, the control unit 210 First, the process shown in FIG. 21 is executed instead of the process shown in FIG.

  In this case, the control unit 210 controls the recording / reproducing unit 204 so that the lens identification information of the interchangeable lens among the lens information of the interchangeable lens from the image file of the image data forming the currently displayed captured image. Is read (step S801). Then, the control unit 210 is currently attached to the camera body 200 stored in the EEPROM 214 and the lens identification information of the interchangeable lens used when the displayed captured image read out is read in step S801. The lens identification information of the interchangeable lenses being compared is compared to determine whether or not they are the same interchangeable lens (step S802).

  If it is determined in step S802 that the interchangeable lens used when the displayed captured image is captured is not the same as the interchangeable lens currently mounted on the camera body 20, control is performed. The unit 210 performs a process of displaying the lens information menu LMN that enables the external view of the interchangeable lens shown in FIG. 17 to be displayed and making it selectable (step S803). That is, the process in step S803 is performed in the same way as the captured image reproduction process described above.

  In the determination processing in step S802, when it is determined that the interchangeable lens used when the displayed captured image is captured and the interchangeable lens currently mounted on the camera body 200 are the same. The control unit 210 forms a lens information menu LMN that does not include an item for displaying an external view of the interchangeable lens, and supplies the lens information menu LMN to the display unit 203 via the reproduction processing unit 205, thereby replacing the interchangeable lens. The lens information menu LMN not including an item for displaying the external view is displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203 (step S804).

  Then, the control unit 210 receives a selection input from the user through the key operation unit 206 (step S805), and confirms whether a selection input from the user has been received (step S806). If it is determined in step S806 that the selection input from the user has not been received, the control unit 210 repeats the processing from step S805 to receive the selection input from the user.

  If it is determined in step S806 that the selection input from the user has been received, the control unit 210 determines whether the received input from the user is a selection input for the “return” icon BK (step S807). ). If it is determined in the determination process in step S807 that the selection input of the “return” icon BK has been received, the control unit 210 controls the display unit 203 so that there is no item for displaying the “appearance view”. The lens information menu LMN is deleted (step S808), and the processing from step S417 shown in FIG. 16 is repeated to return to the state where the normal menu MN is displayed as shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S807 that the selection input of the “return” icon BK is not accepted, the control unit 210 determines whether “lens configuration diagram”, which is an item of the lens information menu LMN, is selected. (Step S809). When it is determined in the determination process in step S809 that the “lens configuration diagram”, which is an item of the lens information menu LMN, is selected, the control unit 210 has been described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. A process of displaying the lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens used when the image was taken is executed (step S810), and thereafter, the process from step S804 of FIG. 21 is repeated.

  When it is determined in the determination processing in step S809 that the “lens configuration diagram” that is the item of the lens information menu LMN is not selected, the control unit 210 selects “lens details” that is the item of the lens information menu LMN. It is determined whether or not (step S811). When it is determined in the determination processing in step S811 that “lens details”, which is an item of the lens information menu LMN, is selected, the control unit 210 is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. A process for displaying the detailed information of the interchangeable lens used when the image is taken is executed (step S812), and thereafter, the process from step S804 in FIG. 21 is repeated.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S811 that “lens details”, which is an item in the lens information menu LMN, is not selected, the control unit 210 determines that a valid input operation has not been performed, and FIG. The processing from step S805 is repeated, and processing from acceptance of selection input or the like is performed.

  As described above, in the case of the first modified example of the captured image reproduction process, the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is captured, and the camera body 200 when the captured image is displayed. When the interchangeable lens attached to the camera is the same, the actual interchangeable lens used during shooting can be confirmed. There is no such thing.

  Here, the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is captured and the interchangeable lens attached to the camera body 200 when the captured image is displayed are the same. In addition, the external view of the interchangeable lens is not displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is possible not to display both the external view and the lens configuration diagram, or it is possible to display only a part of the detailed lens information, for example, the specification table of the interchangeable lens shown in FIG. That is, it is possible to limit the display of the lens information so that only a part of the various lens information is displayed.

[Second Other Example of Captured Image Reproduction Processing]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining reproduction processing of a captured image or the like (second other example of captured image reproduction processing) in the case where display of all lens information of the interchangeable lens is restricted. In the case of the second other example of the captured image reproduction process described here, the process shown in FIG. 15 is performed in the same manner, and is stored and held in the recording medium 250 loaded in the recording / reproducing unit 204. A target photographed image can be selected and displayed from among the photographed images.

  Then, in the determination process of step S411 shown in FIG. 15, if it is determined that the instruction input received in step S410 is not an end instruction, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. 22, and initially using FIG. Similarly to the case described above, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the instruction input received in step S410 is a “forward” or “reverse” instruction input for changing the captured image to be displayed (step S410). S413). If it is determined in step S413 that the input of “forward” or “reverse” is received, the instructed image is selected (step S414), and the processing from step S408 shown in FIG. 15 is performed. Thus, a new captured image is displayed.

  If it is determined in step S413 that the “forward” or “reverse” instruction input is not received, it is determined whether the instruction input received in step S410 is an instruction input for instructing menu display (step S410). S415). If it is determined in step S415 that the received instruction input is not a menu display instruction input, a process corresponding to the received instruction input is performed (step S416). Thereafter, the process from step S410 in FIG. 15 is performed. To repeat.

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S415 that the received instruction input is a menu display instruction input, the control unit 210 controls the recording / playback unit 204 to form an image that is currently displayed. Among the lens information of the interchangeable lens, the lens identification information of the interchangeable lens is read from the data image file (step S901).

  Then, the control unit 210 is currently attached to the camera main body 20 stored in the EEPROM 214 and the lens identification information of the interchangeable lens used when the displayed captured image was captured, which was read out in step S901. The lens identification information of the interchangeable lenses being compared is compared to determine whether they are the same interchangeable lens (step S902).

  If it is determined in step S902 that the interchangeable lens used when the displayed captured image is captured and the interchangeable lens currently mounted on the camera body 20 are not the same, control is performed. The unit 210 continues the processing from step S417 shown in FIG. 16 (step S903).

  That is, in the determination process in step S902, when it is determined that the interchangeable lens used when the displayed captured image is captured and the interchangeable lens currently mounted on the camera body 20 are not the same. The processing similar to the captured image reproduction processing shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 is performed only by increasing the processing in steps S901 and S902.

  In the determination processing in step S902, when it is determined that the interchangeable lens used when the displayed captured image is captured and the interchangeable lens currently mounted on the camera body 200 are the same. The control unit 210 forms a menu MN without a selection item “lens information” for displaying lens information, and supplies the menu MN to the display unit 203 via the reproduction processing unit 205, thereby The MN is displayed on the LCD screen of the display unit 203 (step S904).

  Then, the control unit 210 accepts a selection input from the user through the key operation unit 206 (step S905), and determines whether or not an input from the user is accepted (step S906). If it is determined in step S906 that the input from the user is not received, the process from step S905 is repeated to receive a selection input from the user.

  If it is determined in step S906 that the selection input from the user has been accepted, it is determined whether or not the “return” icon BK has been selected (step S907). If it is determined in step S907 that the “return” icon BK has been selected, the menu MN is deleted (step S908), and the processing from step S410 in FIG. 15 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S907 that the “return” icon BK has not been selected, processing corresponding to the instruction input received in step S905 is executed (step S909), and thereafter, from step S904. Repeat the process. That is, when the interchangeable lens used when the displayed captured image is photographed is the same as the interchangeable lens currently attached to the camera body 200, the lens information is not displayed. ing. Thereby, the lens information can be displayed only when necessary.

  As described above, in the case of the second modified example of the captured image reproduction processing, the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is captured, and the camera body 200 when the captured image is displayed. When the interchangeable lens attached to the camera is the same, the actual interchangeable lens used at the time of shooting can be confirmed, so the entire lens information of the interchangeable lens is not displayed, and a wasteful display is performed. I'm trying not to get it.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is captured, and attached to the camera body 200 when the captured image is displayed. A first lens information display mode for displaying all of the lens information, even if the interchangeable lens being used is the same, and the interchangeable type used when shooting a captured image to be displayed Second lens information display mode for preventing a part of lens information from being displayed when the lens and the interchangeable lens attached to the camera body 200 at the time of displaying the captured image are the same. And the interchangeable lens used when the photographed image to be displayed is photographed is the same as the interchangeable lens attached to the camera body 200 when the photographed image is displayed. If it is, and a third lens information display mode to not see all of the lens information provided, it is also possible to these users to selected and used.

[When using URL (Uniform Resource Locators) as lens information]
An imaging apparatus that uses a URL as lens information described below is configured in the same manner as the imaging apparatus of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. In the case of this example, specific data regarding the interchangeable lens such as lens characteristic information (lens detailed information), lens external view, lens configuration diagram, and the like is not used as the lens information. A URL (lens information URL), which is information for specifying the storage location of the server device storing the information, is used.

  FIG. 23 is a block diagram for explaining functions of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment when the lens information URL is used. As shown in FIG. 23, the camera body 200 captures an image of a subject through the interchangeable lens 100, and reads and acquires the lens information URL from the lens information memory 101 built in the housing of the interchangeable lens 100.

  Then, the camera body 200 converts the image of the subject captured through the interchangeable lens 100 into the image data PDt, and the lens information (including the URL) of the interchangeable lens 100 used at the time of photographing with respect to the image data PDt. 1) An image file PF with LDt attached thereto is formed, and the image file PF can be recorded on the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / reproducing unit 204 of the camera body 200.

  In addition, the camera body 200 reads the image data PDt of the image file PF and the lens information LDt which is the lens information URL recorded on the recording medium 250 attached to the recording / playback unit 204, and an image corresponding to the image data PDt. Is displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203, or a predetermined server device is accessed using the lens information URL which is the lens information LDt, and the lens external view, lens configuration diagram, and lens characteristics of the target interchangeable lens Information (lens detailed information) and the like can be acquired and displayed.

  In FIG. 23, only one image file PF is shown in the recording medium 250 to simplify the description. However, the recording medium 250 normally has a storage capacity of several hundred megabytes to several gigabytes, and can record a large number of image files.

  When various lens information is acquired from a predetermined server device using the lens information URL, for example, it cooperates with a mobile phone terminal connected through the communication I / F 207 or a personal computer having a communication function. Thus, the target lens information can be downloaded by accessing a predetermined server device.

[Specific examples of lens information]
Next, a specific example of the lens information stored and held in the lens information memory 101 provided in the interchangeable lens 100 when a URL is used as the lens information will be described. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of lens information stored and held in the lens information memory 101. As shown in FIG. 24, the lens information memory 101 includes lens identification information, lens control related information, and lens information URL as lens information.

  The lens identification information is information for identifying the interchangeable lens as in the case described above with reference to FIG. 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the manufacturing number, model number, product name, manufacturing start date are also shown. It consists of information such as the sales start date. In addition, various information for identifying the interchangeable lens, such as a brand name and a manufacturing factory symbol, can be included.

  The lens control related information includes, for example, various control related information necessary for adjusting exposure (exposure), adjusting focus (focus), and the like in cooperation with the camera body 200. Is.

  As described above, the lens information URL is information for specifying a data storage location of a predetermined server device that stores and holds various lens information. By using the URL, a predetermined server device is accessed to obtain (download) and display the lens external view, lens configuration diagram, lens characteristic information (lens detailed information), etc. of the target interchangeable lens. Etc. so that it can be used.

  The lens information memory 101 of the interchangeable lens 100 stores and holds various lens information as described with reference to FIG. 24, and the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 can replace the interchangeable lens mounted on its own device. The lens information is acquired by accessing the lens information memory 101 of 100, and the lens information LDt can be added to the image data PDt recorded on the recording medium 250 at the time of photographing an image.

[Specific examples of image files]
Next, a specific example of an image file recorded on the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / reproducing unit 204 of the camera body 200 of this example will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of an image file recorded on the recording medium 250. The camera body 200 of this embodiment includes a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode, and can capture both still images and moving images.

  When a still image shooting mode is used to shoot an image of a subject, as shown by a still image file SP1 in FIG. 25, the file name, header information, lens information URL, and still image data are included. An image file is formed and recorded on the recording medium 250.

  Here, the file name is automatically given under the control of the control unit 210 in order to identify the still image file SP1. The header information includes information such as shooting date and time acquired from a clock circuit (not shown) built in the camera body 200, information related to shooting conditions such as focus and focal length managed by the control unit 210, and the like. It is.

  Then, as described above, the lens information URL is read by the control unit 210 from the lens information memory 101 of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera body 200, and this is recorded and reproduced at the time of shooting. And is added to the still image file SP1 as shown in FIG.

  The still image data obtained by shooting is recorded and held in the still image file SP1 as main information. When the still image shooting mode is used, each time shooting is performed, a still image file having the configuration shown in the still image file SP1 in FIG. 25 is formed and sequentially recorded on the recording medium 250.

  In addition, when a moving image shooting mode is used to shoot an image of a subject, basically, a moving image file having the same configuration as the still image file SP1 shown in FIG. 25 is formed and recorded. The That is, when an image of a subject is shot using the moving image shooting mode, an image file composed of a file name, header information, lens information URL, and moving image data, as shown by a moving image file MP1 in FIG. This is formed and recorded on the recording medium 250.

  The file name is automatically given under the control of the control unit 210 in order to identify the moving image file MP1. As described above, the header information includes information such as the shooting date and time acquired from the clock circuit built in the camera body 200, and information regarding shooting conditions such as focus and focal length managed by the control unit 210. Etc.

  Then, as described above, the lens information URL is read by the control unit 210 from the lens information memory 101 of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera body 200, and this is recorded and reproduced at the time of shooting. Is added to the moving image file MP1 as shown in FIG.

  The moving image data obtained by shooting is recorded and held in the moving image file MP1 as main information. When the moving image shooting mode is used, the moving image file having the configuration shown in the moving image file MP1 in FIG. 25 is sequentially recorded on the recording medium 250.

[Lens Information Acquisition and Display Processing Using URL]
In the case of the imaging apparatus of this example, as described with reference to FIG. 25, the lens information URL acquired from the lens information memory of the interchangeable lens used for shooting is added to the image file. Therefore, lens information is obtained from a predetermined server device using this URL, and this can be used.

  In this case, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment cooperates with a communication device such as a mobile phone terminal to access a predetermined server device so that necessary information can be downloaded and used. . FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining a case where the imaging apparatus of this embodiment acquires and uses lens information from a predetermined server device in cooperation with a mobile phone terminal.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the imaging apparatus of this embodiment includes an interchangeable lens 100 and a camera body 200. The camera body 200 is connected to a mobile phone terminal 300 through a communication I / F 207 of the camera body 200. Is connected. When the camera body 200 receives an instruction input for performing a reproduction process of a captured image from the user through the key operation unit 206, the camera body 200 selects a target captured image from the captured images stored in the recording / reproduction unit 204. Is displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203.

  When receiving an instruction input for displaying lens information, the control unit 210 cooperates with the mobile phone terminal 300 connected through the communication I / F 207 of the own device, and includes the mobile phone including the base station 401. A predetermined network (such as the Internet) 400 is connected via a telephone communication network.

  Then, the lens information URL that is currently added to the image file of the captured image that is to be displayed is read from the image file, and the target server device 402 on the network 400 is accessed using this lens information URL. The lens information is acquired from the data storage location specified by the lens information URL. As described above, the lens information includes lens identification information, lens characteristic information (lens detailed information), a lens external view, a lens configuration diagram, and other information.

  The lens information acquired from the server device 402 via the mobile phone terminal 300 is taken into the camera body 200 through the communication I / F 207 of the camera body, and is recorded in, for example, the EEPROM 214 of the control unit 210, and is used for FIG. As described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, lens information corresponding to an instruction from the user can be displayed.

  Although the lens information acquired (downloaded) from the server device has been described as being stored in the EEPROM 214 of the control unit 210 here, the present invention is not limited to this. The information can be temporarily stored in the RAM 213 of the control unit 210, or can be recorded in association with, for example, an image file in a predetermined recording area of the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / playback unit 204 through the control unit 210. In this way, it can be used repeatedly without downloading from the server device.

  Next, an image file reproduction process performed in the imaging apparatus of this example will be described. Also in the imaging apparatus of this example, the image file reproduction process is basically performed in the same manner as the image file reproduction process described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17, but with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. In the case of the imaging apparatus of this example, the reproduction process described displays the lens information added to the image file, but in the case of the imaging apparatus of this example, various lens information is obtained from a predetermined server apparatus accessed using the lens information URL. Is different in that it is downloaded and displayed.

  That is, also in the imaging apparatus of this example, when the reproduction mode for reproducing the image file is set, the processing shown in FIG. 15 is executed, and after the target photographed image is selected and displayed, FIG. The processing shown in FIG. 16 is executed to display the normal menu MN described with reference to FIG.

  When “lens information”, which is a selection item, is selected from the displayed normal menu MN, the processing shown in FIG. 27 is executed. FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining a process executed when “lens information”, which is a selection item, is selected from the normal menu MN, and is basically the same as the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. The processing is performed, but the lens information acquisition processing executed in step S1001 is different from the processing in the flowchart shown in FIG. For this reason, in the flowchart of FIG. 27, steps that perform the same processing as the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  If “lens information” is selected from the normal menu MN in step S418 shown in FIG. 16, the determination process in steps S420 and S422 is skipped, and the process shown in FIG. A lens information acquisition process using the information URL is executed (step S1001).

  Thereafter, as described with reference to FIG. 17, the process from step S424 is performed to display the lens information menu LMN, and the exchange used when the captured image to be displayed downloaded from the server device is captured. An external view of the mold lens, a lens configuration diagram, and detailed lens information can be displayed.

  In step S430, step S432, and step S434 shown in FIG. 17, necessary lens information is read from the image file recorded on the recording medium 250 of the recording / reproducing unit 204 and used. On the other hand, in steps S430, S432, and S434 shown in FIG. 27, necessary lens information is downloaded from a predetermined server device and stored in a predetermined memory or the like of the camera body 200, as will be described later. So use this.

  As described above, even when only the lens information URL is added to the image file of the recording medium loaded in the recording / reproducing unit 204, the predetermined server device is accessed based on the lens information URL. It is made possible to acquire and use the lens information.

[About lens information acquisition processing]
Next, the lens information acquisition process executed in step S1001 shown in FIG. 27 will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining lens information acquisition processing executed in the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 constituting the imaging apparatus of this example. As shown in FIG. 28, in the lens information acquisition process, the control unit 210 first controls the recording / playback unit 204 to read the image data from the image file that forms the captured image that is currently displayed. The lens information URL added to is read out (step S1101).

  Next, the control unit 210 sends the read lens information URL and command information for accessing a predetermined server device using the URL to the mobile phone terminal 300 connected to its own communication I / F 207. To the target server device in cooperation with the mobile phone terminal 300 (step S1102).

  Then, the control unit 210 requests the provision of lens information from a predetermined server device via the mobile phone terminal 300 connected through the communication I / F 207, and downloads the lens information from the server device (step). S1103). As described above, the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 downloads the target lens information from the predetermined server device via the mobile phone terminal 300, and records it in a predetermined memory such as the EEPROM 214 (step S1104). ), The lens information acquisition process is terminated using the URL shown in FIG.

  Thereby, the camera body 200 can use the lens information URL by acquiring the lens information of the target interchangeable lens from a predetermined server device and displaying it.

  As described above, even when the lens information URL is used, the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is photographed and the interchangeable lens currently mounted on the camera body 200. If they are the same, part of the lens information may not be displayed, or all of the lens information may not be displayed.

  The determination whether or not the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is photographed and the interchangeable lens currently mounted on the camera body 200 is the same as the lens information URL. In the same manner as when various lens information is stored in the image file as it is, lens identification information is added in addition to the lens information URL, and the lens information identification information added to the image file is attached. This can be done by comparing the lens information identification information read from the lens information memory 101 of the interchangeable lens 100 that is being used.

  Also, the lens identification information of the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is captured is acquired by downloading from a predetermined server device accessed using the lens information URL, and this downloaded lens identification is obtained. This can also be performed by comparing the information with the lens identification information read from the lens information memory 101 of the mounted interchangeable lens 100. In this case, the downloaded lens identification information may also be stored in the same memory as the lens identification information read from the lens information memory 101 of the mounted interchangeable lens 100. It will be managed separately.

  When the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is photographed and the interchangeable lens currently mounted on the camera body 200 are the same, the external view of the lens information When not displaying, the process shown in FIG. 21 may be executed after the process of step S1001 shown in FIG.

  Further, when the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is photographed is the same as the interchangeable lens currently mounted on the camera body 200, the entire lens information is not displayed. 22, the process shown in FIG. 22 is executed, and in step S903, the process after step S417 in FIG. 16 is performed, and the process subsequent to the process in FIG. The processing shown in Fig. 27 may be performed.

  If the lens identification information is added to the image file in step S901 shown in FIG. 22, the lens identification information is used. If not, the lens identification URL is used to identify the lens in step S901. Whether the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is photographed and the interchangeable lens currently mounted on the camera body 200 are the same, so that lens information including information is acquired. It may be determined whether or not.

  As described above, even when the lens information URL is used, the interchangeable lens used when the captured image to be displayed is photographed and the interchangeable lens currently attached to the camera body 200 are the same. In such a case, it is possible to limit the display of part or all of the lens information.

[Uploading image files]
As described with reference to FIG. 26, the imaging apparatus of this embodiment can access the server apparatus 402 on the network 400 by cooperating with a communication device such as a mobile phone terminal. Therefore, it is possible not only to download information from the server device, but also to access the target server device to upload the image file and widely open it to the public.

  Since the connection mode to the server device is as described with reference to FIG. 26, here, the imaging device of this embodiment uploads an image file in cooperation with the mobile phone terminal connected to the own device. Processing to be performed will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining an image file upload process that is executed mainly by the control unit 210 of the camera body constituting the imaging apparatus.

  When an instruction input for displaying the basic menu is received by an operation input from the user through the key operation unit 206, the control unit 210 forms a basic menu, which is displayed through the reproduction processing unit 205 and displayed on the display unit 203. The basic menu is displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 203, and selection input of selection items constituting the basic menu is accepted.

  Then, when an item “image file upload” is selected from the selection items of the basic menu, the control unit 210 executes the image file upload process shown in FIG. 29.

  First, the control unit 210 displays a list of thumbnail images of captured images recorded on the recording medium 250 attached to the recording / playback unit 204, for example, as in the captured image playback process, A selection input of a captured image to be uploaded is received (step S1201). In step S1201, only one target captured image can be selected, a plurality of captured images can be selected, and all captured images recorded on the recording medium 250 can be selected collectively. To be able to select.

  Then, the control unit 210 cooperates with the mobile phone terminal connected to the communication I / F 207 of the own device, for example, using the URL of the server device of the upload destination set in advance in the EEPROM 214 of the own device. In operation S1202, the server device for uploading the image file is accessed.

  Then, the control unit 210 controls the recording / reproducing unit 204 to read from the recording medium 250 attached to the recording / reproducing unit 204, an image file having image data that forms the captured image selected in step S1201. This is transmitted to the server apparatus accessed in step S1202 (step S1203), and the process shown in FIG. 29 is terminated.

  As a result, the image pickup apparatus according to this embodiment has an image file composed of a file name, header information, lens information to be used, and image data as shown in FIG. 4, and a file name and header as shown in FIG. An image file composed of information, lens information URL, and image data is uploaded to a target server device, and can be made public.

[Processing at upload destination server]
Then, the server device that has received the provision of the image file expands the image file into a form that can be accessed by various communication devices and publishes it. FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining image file expansion processing executed in the server device to which the image file has been uploaded.

  When the server device that accepts the upload of the image file accepts access from the transmission source of the image file, the server device executes the processing shown in FIG. Then, the server device sequentially receives the transmitted image files and temporarily stores them in a predetermined recording medium (step S1301).

  Next, the image file recorded on the recording medium in step S1301 is separated into image data and accompanying data such as header information and lens information used (step S1302), and the image data and accompanying data separated in step S1302 are separated. For example, using HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), MHEG (Multimedia and Hypermedia Experts Group) description languages, and other various description languages, image data and accompanying data can be displayed in various browsers. It is expanded so that it can be browsed through, and this is stored in the browsing data storage area (step S1303), and can be browsed by the general public.

  When the lens information URL is included in the temporarily stored image file, a step is performed so that various lens information can be acquired by accessing a predetermined server device designated by the lens information URL. In the processing of S1303, a link can be established so that the lens information storage location indicated by the lens information URL can be quickly connected. Therefore, by simply clicking the displayed lens information URL, the user can automatically access the server device in which the lens information is stored, obtain the desired lens information, and browse it. Is done.

  By forming a program for executing the processing shown in FIG. 30 and making it executable in the server device to which the image file is uploaded, not only the image data forming the captured image but also the captured image is captured. Various information related to the interchangeable lens that was sometimes used can be easily disclosed. That is, the program for executing the processing shown in FIG. 30 is an embodiment of the information disclosure program according to the present invention.

  In addition, although demonstrated here as what can be browsed by the general public, it is not restricted to this. For example, a password is issued in advance to a user who can access the server device, and image data and accompanying data are provided only to the other party who has sent and sent the correct password. The image data and accompanying data may not be provided first. That is, it is possible to perform an authentication process for determining whether or not the image data or the accompanying data is provided on the server device side.

  Moreover, the imaging method used in the imaging apparatus of this 1st Embodiment is implement | achieved as a method corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIGS. 14-22 so that the above-mentioned description may show.

  In the first embodiment, as is apparent from the above description, the imaging unit is realized by the imaging element unit 201, the signal processing unit is realized by the signal processing unit 202, and the acquisition unit is Realized by the control unit 210, the generation unit is realized by the cooperation of the recording / reproducing unit 204 and the control unit 210, and the recording unit is realized by the recording / reproducing unit 204.

  Further, the first receiving means, the second receiving means, and the instruction input receiving means are realized by the key operation unit 206, and the image reading means and the lens information reading means are realized by the recording / reproducing unit 204 and the control unit 210. The image display processing unit and the lens information display processing unit are realized by the control unit 210 and the reproduction processing unit 205.

  Further, both the determination unit and the display control unit are realized as functions of the control unit 210. The upload unit and the communication processing unit are realized by the control unit 210 and the communication I / F 207. In the above-described first embodiment, the upload unit and the communication processing unit are described as using the function of the mobile phone terminal connected to the communication I / F 207. However, the communication I / F 207 itself is connected to the communication I / F 207. By having the function, it is not necessary to intervene existing communication equipment such as a mobile phone terminal.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 31 is a block diagram for explaining a recording / reproducing apparatus 500 to which an embodiment of a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing method according to the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 31, the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of this embodiment includes a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as communication I / F) 501, a hard disk drive (hereinafter abbreviated as HDD) 502, and a display information generation unit 503. , A key operation unit 506, a memory interface (hereinafter referred to as a memory I / F) 507, and an external interface (hereinafter referred to as an external I / F) 508.

  The control unit 510 controls each unit of the playback apparatus 500 according to this embodiment, and is a microcomputer configured by connecting a CPU 511, a ROM 512, a RAM 513, and an EEPROM 514 through a CPU bus 515. Here, the CPU 511 reads out and executes a program stored in the ROM 512, which will be described later, and forms a control signal to be supplied to each part, and supplies this to each part or accepts data supplied from each part. It is the main body of control of the playback apparatus of this embodiment, such as processing this.

  As described above, the ROM 512 stores in advance various programs executed by the CPU 511 and various data necessary for processing. The RAM 513 is mainly used as a work area such as temporarily storing intermediate results in various processes. The EEPROM 514 is a so-called non-volatile memory, and is newly added for information to be retained even when the playback apparatus 500 is turned off, for example, various parameters and functions added by the user. The program etc. provided are stored and held.

  The communication I / F 501 accesses a target server device or the like through a wide area network such as the Internet under the control of the control unit 510, and forms data for transmission from the data to be transmitted supplied from the control unit 510. The data is transmitted to the control unit 510 by receiving the data transmitted to the own device, converting the data into a format that can be processed by the own device, and supplying the converted data to the control unit 510.

  The HDD 502 incorporates a large-capacity hard disk of several hundred megabytes to several gigabytes, and records data from the control unit 510 on the hard disk and reads data recorded on the hard disk in accordance with the control of the control unit 510 Or supplied to the control unit 510.

  The display information generation unit 503 generates display data from various data supplied thereto under the control of the control unit 510 and supplies the display data to the display processing unit 504 through the control unit 510. The display processing unit 504 forms an image signal (video signal) to be supplied to the display unit 505 from the display data supplied thereto, and supplies this to the display unit 505.

  The display unit 505 includes, for example, an LCD and an LCD controller. The display unit 505 receives an image signal from the display processing unit 504 and displays an image corresponding to the image signal on the LCD display screen. The display unit 505 has been described as including an LCD and an LCD controller. However, the display unit 505 is not limited to this, and includes various display elements such as an organic EL display, a PDP, and a CRT, and a corresponding controller. It is also possible to configure.

  Further, the display unit 505 may be configured as a monitor receiver that is separate from the playback apparatus 500. In other words, it is possible to provide an image signal output terminal for outputting an image signal from the display processing unit 504 and connect it to a monitor receiver for use.

  The key operation unit 506 includes numeric keys, alphabet keys, up arrow keys, down arrow keys, right arrow keys, left arrow keys, various function keys, and the like. This is converted into a signal and supplied to the control unit 510. Thereby, the control unit 510 controls each unit in accordance with an operation input from the user, and can perform processing according to the user's instruction.

  The memory I / F 507 includes a memory card slot, and reads data from a memory card inserted in the memory card slot and supplies the data to the control unit 510, or records data supplied from the control unit 510 to the memory card. It is.

  The external I / F 508 is a so-called digital interface. For example, the external I / F 508 is connected to an external device such as the above-described imaging apparatus, receives data from the connected external device, and converts the data into a format that can be processed by the own device. Then, the data is supplied to the control unit 510, or output data is formed from the data to be output from the control unit 510, and the data is output to an external device.

  The recording / reproducing apparatus 500 according to this embodiment mounts the external memory 250 in which the image file is recorded by the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment described above on the memory I / F 507, and records the image recorded on the external memory 250. The image data and lens information in the file can be read and used.

  In the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment described above, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the image data forming the picked-up image, the lens identification information as the lens information about the interchangeable lens used at the time of image pick-up, and the lens feature An image file having information (lens detailed information), an external view of the interchangeable lens, a lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens, and the like can be formed and recorded on the recording medium 250.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment described above, as described with reference to FIG. 25, image data that forms a captured image and a storage location of lens information about the interchangeable lens that is used during imaging are shown. An image file having the lens identification information URL can be formed and recorded on the recording medium 250.

  In the following, an image file (FIG. 1) having image data and various lens information such as lens characteristic information, an external view, and a lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens used when the image formed by the image data is taken. 4), and an image file (FIG. 25) having image data and the lens information URL of the interchangeable lens used when the image formed by the image data is taken. The image file playback process in the recording / playback apparatus of the second embodiment will be described separately from the case of using the image file described with reference to FIG.

[When using the image file shown in FIG. 4]
32, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the image data, lens identification information and lens characteristic information (lens detailed information) about the interchangeable lens used when the captured image formed by the image data is captured. ), And a case where the image data is read out and used from the recording medium 250 in which the image file including the external view of the interchangeable lens and the lens information including the lens configuration diagram of the interchangeable lens is recorded. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 32, a recording medium 250 in which an image file having image data and various lens information (image file shown in FIG. 4) is recorded is recorded on the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 31 through a memory I / F 507. To be attached to.

  When the reproduction of the captured image is instructed through the key operation unit 506, the control unit 510 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 controls the memory I / F 507 to read out the image data from the target image file, This is supplied to the display information generation unit 503. The display information generation unit 503 compresses and decompresses the supplied image data, generates image data (YC data) in a format to be supplied to the display processing unit 504 from the compressed and decompressed image data, and supplies this to the display processing unit 504. Supply.

  The display processing unit 504 forms an image signal to be supplied to the display unit 505 from the image data from the display information generation unit 503, and supplies this to the display unit 505. In the display unit 505, the image signal from the display processing unit 504 is supplied to the LCD through the LCD controller so that the photographed image can be displayed on the display screen of the LCD.

  As described above, in the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of this embodiment, the control unit 510, the display information generation unit 503, and the display processing unit 504 form a reproduction processing unit that performs reproduction processing of information such as a captured image. Information processed by the processing unit is supplied to the display unit 505 for display.

  Also in the case of the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a normal item having items such as “image quality adjustment”, “deletion”, and “lens information” as selection items. When the menu MN is displayed and “lens information” is selected, as shown in FIG. 7, a lens information menu LMN having items such as “external view”, “lens configuration”, and “lens details” as selection items is displayed. An external view (FIG. 8), a lens configuration diagram (FIG. 9), and detailed lens information (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the interchangeable lens used at the time of photographing as shown in FIGS. It can also be displayed.

  Specifically, the menu information MN and the lens information menu LMN are generated by the display information generation unit 503 according to the control of the control unit 510 and supplied to the display unit 505 through the control unit 510 and the display processing unit 504. It can be displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 505. That is, the menu MN and the lens information menu LMN can be displayed by supplying the menu MN and the lens information menu LMN formed by the reproduction processing unit in FIG. 32 to the display unit 505.

  Further, the external view of the interchangeable lens, the lens configuration diagram, and the detailed lens information are read by the control unit 510 from the image file in which the image data forming the captured image to be displayed is stored, and this is displayed as the display information generation unit. By supplying the display unit 505 via the display unit 503 and the display processing unit 504, an external view, a lens configuration diagram, and detailed lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the displayed captured image is captured are also displayed on the display unit. It can be displayed on the display screen of 505 LCD.

  As described above, when the recording medium 250 on which the image file having the configuration described with reference to FIG. 4 is loaded in the memory I / F 507 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of this embodiment, the recording medium 250 is loaded. It is possible to display and use the image data in the recorded image file and the lens information associated therewith.

  Therefore, also in the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 having the configuration shown in FIG. 31, the captured image reproduction process described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17 is executed, and each process of step S430, step S432, and step S434 shown in FIG. , The external view display processing, lens configuration diagram display processing, and lens detailed information display processing described with reference to FIGS. 18, 19, and 20 are performed.

[When using the image file shown in FIG. 25]
As described with reference to FIG. 25, FIG. 33 shows image data in an image file, and lens information URL about an interchangeable lens used when a captured image formed by the image data is captured as lens information. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the said image data is read and used from the recording medium 250 on which the image file containing is recorded.

  As shown in FIG. 33, a recording medium 250 in which an image file having image data and lens information URL (the image file shown in FIG. 25) is recorded is transferred to the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 31 through a memory I / F 507. Installed.

  When the reproduction of the captured image is instructed through the key operation unit 506, the control unit 510 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 controls the memory I / F 507 to read out the image data from the target image file, This is supplied to the display information generation unit 503. The display information generation unit 503 compresses and decompresses the supplied image data, generates image data (YC data) in a format to be supplied to the display processing unit 504 from the compressed and decompressed image data, and supplies this to the display processing unit 504. Supply.

  The display processing unit 504 forms an image signal to be supplied to the display unit 505 from the image data from the display information generation unit 503, and supplies this to the display unit 505. In the display unit 505, the image signal from the display processing unit 504 is supplied to the LCD through the LCD controller so that the photographed image can be displayed on the display screen of the LCD.

  As described above, in the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of this embodiment, the control unit 510, the display information generation unit 503, and the display processing unit 504 form a reproduction processing unit that performs reproduction processing of information such as a captured image. Information processed by the processing unit is supplied to the display unit 505 for display.

  Also in the case of the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a normal item having items such as “image quality adjustment”, “deletion”, and “lens information” as selection items. When the menu MN is displayed and “lens information” is selected, as shown in FIG. 7, a lens information menu LMN having items such as “external view”, “lens configuration”, and “lens details” as selection items is displayed. An external view (FIG. 8), a lens configuration diagram (FIG. 9), and detailed lens information (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the interchangeable lens used at the time of photographing as shown in FIGS. It can also be displayed.

  Specifically, the menu information MN and the lens information menu LMN are generated by the display information generation unit 503 according to the control of the control unit 510 and supplied to the display unit 505 through the control unit 510 and the display processing unit 504. It can be displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 505. That is, the menu MN and the lens information menu LMN can be displayed by supplying the menu MN and the lens information menu LMN formed by the reproduction processing unit in FIG. 32 to the display unit 505.

  If there is no lens information such as the external view of the interchangeable lens used at the time of photographing, the lens configuration diagram, and the lens feature information in the image file, and there is a lens information URL, before displaying the lens information menu LMN. In addition, the lens information URL is used to access a predetermined server device 402, and in accordance with the lens information URL, lens information such as an external view of the interchangeable lens, a lens configuration diagram, and detailed lens information is downloaded and acquired. The lens information menu is displayed after the various lens information downloaded and stored in the EEPROM 514 of the control unit 510 can be used immediately.

  By doing in this way, the control unit 510 reads out the external view of the interchangeable lens, the lens configuration diagram, and the lens detailed information from the EEPROM 514, and these are read via the display information generation unit 503 and the display processing unit 504. By supplying it to the display unit 505, an external view, a lens configuration diagram, and detailed lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the displayed captured image is captured are also displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 505. Can do.

  As described above, when the recording medium 250 in which the image file having the configuration described with reference to FIG. 25 is loaded in the memory I / F 507 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of this embodiment, the recording medium 250 is loaded. The image data in the recorded image file can be reproduced. For lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the captured image formed by the image data is captured, the lens information URL existing in the image file is used to access a predetermined server device 402, and It can be downloaded from the server device 402 and displayed.

  Therefore, also in the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 having the configuration shown in FIG. 31, the captured image reproduction process described with reference to FIGS. 15, 16, and 27 is executed, and steps S 430, S 432, and S 434 shown in FIG. In each of these processes, the external view display process, the lens configuration diagram display process, and the lens detailed information display process described with reference to FIGS. 18, 19, and 20 are performed. In this case, the data that forms the external view, the data that forms the lens configuration diagram, and the lens detailed information that is stored in the EEPROM 514 are used.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33, in the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of the second embodiment, it is recorded on the recording medium 250 as in the case of the imaging apparatus of the first embodiment. The image data of the existing image file and the lens information of the interchangeable lens can be reproduced, or the lens information of the interchangeable lens can be downloaded from a predetermined server device and reproduced.

  Here, the case where the information of the image file recorded on the recording medium 250 attached to the memory I / F 507 is reproduced has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the imaging apparatus is connected to the external I / F 508, and image data, lens information, and lens information URL are read from the recording medium 250 mounted on the recording / reproducing unit 204 of the imaging apparatus, and this second implementation. It can also be used in the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of the form.

  In addition, the control unit 510 can read out an image file from the recording medium mounted in the memory I / F 507 through the memory I / F 507, record the image file in the HDD 502, and use the image file recorded in the HDD 502. Similarly, an image file can be acquired from an external device such as an imaging device connected to the external I / F 508 and recorded in the HDD 502 so that the image file can be used.

[Uploading image data]
Further, the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of the second embodiment includes the communication I / F 501 as described above, and the image file recorded on the recording medium 250 mounted on the memory I / F 507, An image file acquired from an external device such as an imaging device mounted on the external I / F 508 or an image file recorded on the hard disk of the HDD 502 is transmitted via the communication I / F 501 and uploaded to the target server device. You can also

  FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a case where the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of the second embodiment uploads an image file. As shown in FIG. 34, a recording medium 250 on which image data (image file shown in FIG. 4) having image data and various lens information is recorded is recorded on the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 31 through a memory I / F 507. It is attached to.

  When an instruction input for uploading an image file is received through the key operation unit 506, the control unit 510 receives a selection input of image data to be uploaded through the key operation unit 506. The control unit 510 uses the URL of the image data upload destination server device 403 previously stored in the EEPROM 514 to access the upload destination server device 402 via the communication I / F 501 and the network 400 such as the Internet.

  After that, the control unit 510 reads an image file having the selected image data from the recording medium 250 through the memory I / F 507, and sends it to the upload destination server device 403 through the communication I / F 501. Send. Thus, the image file selected by the user can be uploaded to the target upload destination server apparatus 403.

  That is, also in the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of the second embodiment, the image file upload process described with reference to FIG. 29 is executed, and the image file held in the recording medium 250 attached to the own apparatus is stored. Can be uploaded to the target server device and disclosed to the general public.

  Further, in this case, the upload destination server device 403 performs the image file development processing described with reference to FIG. 30 so that the general public can view it using a browser.

[About downloading image files]
Further, the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of the second embodiment can download image data uploaded to a predetermined server apparatus 403 and use it. FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining a case where the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of the second embodiment downloads and uses an image file.

  That is, the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 of this embodiment includes a communication I / F 501. Therefore, when receiving an instruction input to access a predetermined server device through the key operation unit 506, the control unit 510 controls the communication I / F 501 in accordance with the received instruction input, and the target is transmitted through the network 400. By accessing the server apparatus 403, receiving the thumbnail image list display information corresponding to the image data of the downloadable image file, and supplying it to the display unit 505 through the display processing unit 504, the thumbnail image list display Is displayed on the LCD display screen of the display unit 505.

  Then, a selection input of an image to be downloaded is received through the key operation unit 506, and a request for providing an image file of the selected image is formed and transmitted to the accessing server device 403. As a result, the image file requested to be provided is transmitted from the server device 403. The recording / reproducing device 500 receives the image file through the communication I / F, stores it in a predetermined recording medium such as the HDD 502, and stores it. Will be available.

  In the second embodiment, as is clear from the above description, the first receiving means, the second receiving means, and the instruction input means are realized by the key operation unit 506, and the image reading means. The lens information reading unit and the URL reading unit are realized by the memory I / F 507 and the control unit 510, and the image display processing unit and the lens information display processing unit are the control unit 510, the display information generation unit 503, and the display processing unit 504. And so on. The upload unit and the communication processing unit are realized by the control unit 510 and the communication I / F 501.

  The playback method used in the playback apparatus of the second embodiment corresponds to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 to 20, and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Realized as a method.

  Further, as can be seen from the first and second embodiments described above, by using the present invention, various lens information can be automatically stored in the image file, so that the image file is transferred. Even when it is used, when the image data in the image file is used, the lens information of the interchangeable lens used at the time of photographing can be confirmed.

  Further, by storing the lens information URL in the image file, it is possible to acquire a lot of lens information related to the interchangeable lens with a small amount of data and to easily access the target information. it can. Therefore, even when addition or change occurs in the content of the lens information, it is possible to easily cope with this.

  In addition, an image file in which lens information is stored can be uploaded to the server device, and the server device side separates the image data from accompanying information such as lens information and makes it viewable. Therefore, it is possible to easily create a web page including accompanying data such as lens information by uploading only an image file.

  As can be seen from the description of the first and second embodiments described above, the information disclosure program according to the present invention is realized as a program corresponding to FIG.

  The imaging apparatus and imaging method according to the present invention can be applied to various digital cameras that can use interchangeable lenses. In addition to digital still cameras that capture still images, digital imaging that captures moving images is also possible. It can also be applied to a video camera.

  The playback device and playback method according to the present invention can be applied to an information processing device capable of processing an image file, such as an image playback device capable of using an image file, an image recording / playback device, and an information processing device such as a personal computer. It is.

  In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that various lens information can be acquired from the server device on the network by using the lens information URL. However, the present invention is not limited to the lens information. For example, it is possible to contribute to access to information other than lens information, such as being able to access captured images taken using the same interchangeable lens.

  Further, in addition to the lens information and the lens information URL, the photographer information can be added to the image file. The photographer information is, for example, information such as a photographer's name, profile, and face photo. The name and profile can be input through the key operation unit 206 provided in the camera body 200, and the face photograph can be selected from images obtained by shooting through the imaging device. Say like. Such photographer information can be stored and held in the EEPROM 214.

  In addition, information such as the photographer's name, profile, and facial photograph is created by an external device such as a personal computer, received through the communication I / F 207, and stored in the EEPROM 214. It is also possible to keep it.

  In addition, when sharing one imaging device with a family, the photographer information of a plurality of photographers is stored in the EEPROM 214 in advance, and the photographer information of the photographer performing the photographing is selected at the time of photographing. Thus, it is possible to cope with a case where a plurality of users use one imaging apparatus.

  As described above, by adding photographer information in addition to lens information, for example, even when photographing using the same lens, it is possible to specify a photographed image for each photographer. Can be played.

It is a block diagram for demonstrating the imaging device with which one Embodiment of the imaging device by this invention and the imaging method was applied. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the function of the imaging device shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of the lens information memorize | stored and hold | maintained at the lens information memory. 6 is a diagram for describing a specific example of an image file recorded on a recording medium 250. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of the reproduction | regeneration aspect of the information of an image file. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of the reproduction | regeneration aspect of the information of an image file. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of the reproduction | regeneration aspect of the information of an image file. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of the reproduction | regeneration aspect of the information of an image file. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of the reproduction | regeneration aspect of the information of an image file. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of the reproduction | regeneration aspect of the information of an image file. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of the reproduction | regeneration aspect of the information of an image file. 5 is a flowchart for explaining lens information acquisition processing executed in a control unit 210 of the camera body 200. 5 is a flowchart for explaining lens information erasing processing executed in a control unit 210 of the camera body 200. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a photographing process executed in a control unit 210 of the camera body 200. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction process of a captured image or the like performed by a control unit 210 of the camera body 200. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display process of the external view of the interchangeable lens performed in step S430 of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display process of the lens block diagram of the interchangeable lens performed in step S432 of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display process of the lens detailed information of the interchangeable lens performed in step S434 of FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining reproduction processing of a captured image or the like (first other example of captured image reproduction processing) when display of an external view of an interchangeable lens is restricted. It is a flowchart for demonstrating reproduction | regeneration processing (2nd other example of captured image reproduction | regeneration processing), such as a captured image, when restrict | limiting display of all the lens information of an interchangeable lens. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the function of an imaging device in case URL is also used as lens information. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of the lens information memorize | stored and hold | maintained at the lens information memory. 4 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of an image file recorded on a recording medium 250. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where lens information is acquired and used from a predetermined | prescribed server apparatus in cooperation with a mobile telephone terminal. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process performed when lens information URL is used and "lens information" which is a selection item is selected from the normal menu MN. 10 is a flowchart for explaining lens information acquisition processing executed by the control unit 210 of the camera body 200 constituting the imaging apparatus when using the lens information URL. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the upload process of an image file. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the expansion | deployment process of the image file performed in the server apparatus to which the image file was uploaded. It is a block diagram for explaining a recording / reproducing apparatus 500 to which an embodiment of a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing method according to the present invention is applied. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the information of the image file containing image data and various lens information is utilized. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the information of the image file containing image data and lens information URL is utilized. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 uploads an image file. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the recording / reproducing apparatus 500 downloads and uses an image file.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Interchangeable lens, 101 ... Lens information memory, 200 ... Camera body, 201 ... Image pick-up element part, 202 ... Signal processing part, 203 ... Display part, 204 ... Recording / reproducing part, 205 ... Reproduction processing part, 206 ... Key operation 207 ... Communication I / F, 210 ... Control unit, 211 ... CPU, 212 ... ROM, 213 ... RAM, 214 ... EEPROM, 215 ... CPU bus, 250 ... Recording medium, 300 ... Mobile phone terminal, 400 ... Network, 401 ... base station, 402, 403 ... server device, 500 ... recording / playback device, 501 ... communication I / F, 502 ... HDD, 503 ... display information generation unit, 506 ... key operation unit, 507 ... memory I / F, 508 ... External I / F

Claims (17)

An imaging device capable of using an interchangeable lens,
An imaging means for capturing an image of a subject formed on a self-imaging surface through an attached interchangeable lens as an image signal at a timing according to an instruction from a user;
Signal processing means for generating image data for recording from image signals captured through the imaging means;
Obtaining means for obtaining lens information, which is information relating to the interchangeable lens, from a memory mounted on a housing of the interchangeable lens mounted;
Generation means for generating an image file for recording including the image data for recording generated by the signal processing means and the lens information acquired by the acquisition means;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a recording unit that records the image file for recording generated by the generating unit on a recording medium. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
The lens information includes one or more pieces of information including identification information of an interchangeable lens, a brand name, an external view, a lens configuration diagram, a production start time, and a sales start time. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
First receiving means for receiving an image display instruction based on image data of an image file recorded on the recording medium;
An image reading unit that reads image data of the instructed image from the recording medium when the display instruction of the image is received through the first receiving unit;
Image display processing means for displaying an image corresponding to the image data read by the image reading means on a display element;
Second receiving means for receiving an instruction to display lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the image to be displayed on the display element is taken by the display processing means;
Lens information reading means for reading lens information corresponding to the display instruction from an image file of a displayed image when the display instruction for lens information is received through the second receiving means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: lens information display processing means for displaying the lens information read by the lens information reading means on the display element. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3,
The interchangeable lens mounted based on the lens information of the memory mounted on the mounted interchangeable lens and the lens information added to the image file of the image data forming the image to be displayed. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the interchangeable lenses used for taking an image to be displayed are the same;
When the discriminating means discriminates that the interchangeable lens mounted and the interchangeable lens used to capture the image to be displayed are the same, do not display part or all of the lens information. An image pickup apparatus comprising: display control means for controlling the display. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
Instruction input receiving means for receiving an instruction input for uploading the image file recorded on the recording medium to a predetermined server;
Upload means for accessing the predetermined server and transmitting the image file to the server by uploading the image file when the instruction input is accepted through the instruction input accepting means; An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
The lens information is an URL (Uniform Resource Locators) indicating the location of various information related to an interchangeable lens on a network. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6,
First receiving means for receiving an image display instruction based on image data of an image file recorded on the recording medium;
An image reading unit that reads image data of the instructed image from the recording medium when the display instruction of the image is received through the first receiving unit;
Image display processing means for displaying an image corresponding to the image data read by the image reading means on a display element;
Second receiving means for receiving an instruction to display lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the image to be displayed on the display element is taken by the display processing means;
URL reading means for reading the URL from the image file of the displayed image when the display instruction of the lens information is received through the second receiving means;
Communication processing means for accessing a target server based on the URL read by the lens information reading means and downloading lens information corresponding to the URL;
An imaging apparatus comprising: lens information display processing means for displaying the lens information downloaded through the communication processing means on the display element. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7,
The interchangeable lens mounted based on the lens information of the memory mounted on the mounted interchangeable lens and the lens information added to the image file of the image data forming the image to be displayed. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the interchangeable lenses used for taking an image to be displayed are the same;
When the discriminating means discriminates that the interchangeable lens mounted and the interchangeable lens used to capture the image to be displayed are the same, do not display part or all of the lens information. An image pickup apparatus comprising: display control means for controlling the display. An image of a target image from a recording medium on which one or more image files having image data of the image obtained by shooting and lens information of the interchangeable lens used at the time of shooting the image are recorded A playback device that reads and plays back data,
First receiving means for receiving an image display instruction based on image data of an image file recorded on the recording medium;
An image reading unit that reads image data of the instructed image from the recording medium when the display instruction of the image is received through the first receiving unit;
Image display processing means for displaying an image corresponding to the image data read by the image reading means on a display element;
Second receiving means for receiving an instruction to display lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the image to be displayed on the display element is taken by the display processing means;
Lens information reading means for reading lens information corresponding to the display instruction from an image file of a displayed image when the display instruction for lens information is received through the second receiving means;
A reproduction apparatus comprising: lens information display processing means for displaying the lens information read by the lens information reading means on the display element. The playback apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
Instruction input receiving means for receiving an instruction input for uploading the image file recorded on the recording medium to a predetermined server;
Upload means for accessing the predetermined server and transmitting the image file to the server by uploading the image file when the instruction input is accepted through the instruction input accepting means; A playback apparatus comprising: One or more image files having image data of an image obtained by shooting and URL (Uniform Resource Locators) indicating the location of lens information about the interchangeable lens used at the time of shooting the image are recorded. A playback device for reading out and playing back image data of a target image from a recorded medium,
First receiving means for receiving an image display instruction based on image data of an image file recorded on the recording medium;
An image reading unit that reads image data of the instructed image from the recording medium when the display instruction of the image is received through the first receiving unit;
Image display processing means for displaying an image corresponding to the image data read by the image reading means on a display element;
Second receiving means for receiving an instruction to display lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the image to be displayed on the display element is taken by the display processing means;
URL reading means for reading the URL from the image file of the displayed image when the display instruction of the lens information is received through the second receiving means;
Communication processing means for accessing a target server based on the URL read by the lens information reading means and downloading lens information corresponding to the URL;
A reproduction apparatus comprising: lens information display processing means for displaying the lens information downloaded through the communication processing means on the display element. The playback apparatus according to claim 11,
Instruction input receiving means for receiving an instruction input for uploading the image file recorded on the recording medium to a predetermined server;
Upload means for accessing the predetermined server and transmitting the image file to the server by uploading the image file when the instruction input is accepted through the instruction input accepting means; A playback apparatus comprising: An imaging method used in an imaging apparatus capable of using an interchangeable lens,
An acquisition step in which an acquisition unit acquires lens information, which is information related to the interchangeable lens, from a memory mounted on a housing of the mounted interchangeable lens;
An imaging step of capturing an image of a subject formed on the imaging surface of the imaging means through the mounted interchangeable lens as an image signal at a timing according to an instruction from a user;
A signal processing step in which the signal processing means generates image data for recording from the image signal captured through the imaging step;
A generation step in which a generation unit generates a recording image file including the image data for recording generated in the signal processing step and the lens information acquired in the acquisition step;
A recording step in which a recording unit records the image file for recording generated in the generation step on a recording medium. An image of a target image from a recording medium on which one or more image files having image data of the image obtained by shooting and lens information of the interchangeable lens used at the time of shooting the image are recorded There is a playback method used in a playback device that reads and plays back data,
A first receiving step of receiving an image display instruction based on image data of an image file recorded on the recording medium through a first receiving unit;
An image reading step in which the image reading unit reads image data of the instructed image from the recording medium when the display instruction of the image is received in the first receiving step;
An image display processing step in which an image display processing means displays an image corresponding to the image data read in the image reading step on a display element;
A second accepting step of accepting, through a second accepting means, an instruction to display lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the image to be displayed on the display element in the display processing step is taken;
A lens information reading step of reading lens information corresponding to the display instruction from an image file of a displayed image by a lens information reading unit when the display instruction of the lens information is received in the second receiving step; ,
A lens information display processing step in which lens information display processing means displays the lens information read in the lens information reading step on the display element. One or more image files having image data of an image obtained by shooting and URL (Uniform Resource Locators) indicating the location of lens information about the interchangeable lens used at the time of shooting the image are recorded. A reproduction method used in a reproduction apparatus for reading out and reproducing image data of a target image from a recorded medium,
A first receiving step of receiving an image display instruction based on image data of an image file recorded on the recording medium through a first receiving unit;
An image reading step in which the image reading unit reads image data of the instructed image from the recording medium when the display instruction of the image is received in the first receiving step;
An image display processing step in which an image display processing means displays an image corresponding to the image data read in the image reading step on a display element;
A second accepting step of accepting, through a second accepting means, an instruction to display lens information of the interchangeable lens used when the image to be displayed on the display element in the display processing step is taken;
A lens information reading step of reading lens information corresponding to the display instruction from an image file of a displayed image by a lens information reading unit when the display instruction of the lens information is received in the second receiving step; ,
A communication processing step in which communication processing means accesses a target server and downloads lens information corresponding to the URL based on the URL read in the lens information reading step;
A lens information display processing step of displaying the lens information downloaded in the communication processing step on the display element by lens information display processing means. An information disclosure program executed in a server device to which one or more image files having image data of an image obtained by photographing and lens information of an interchangeable lens used at the time of photographing the image are uploaded There,
A separation step of separating image data and lens information for the received image file;
An information configuration step for reconstructing and reconfiguring the image data and lens information separated in the separation step so that they can be viewed through various information processing devices;
An information disclosure program, wherein the computer of the server device executes a recording step of disclosing the information configured in the information configuration step by recording it in a predetermined memory as downloadable information. An information disclosure program according to claim 16, comprising:
When the lens information includes a URL (Uniform Resource Locators), in the information configuration step, a means for connecting to the information indicated by the URL is provided so that the user can easily acquire the information indicated by the URL. An information disclosure program characterized by creating.