JP2010015582A - Information processing device and method, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent wasteful consumption of power by stopping an internal power supply when power from an external device is received. <P>SOLUTION: A GPS device 1 includes a part for installing a battery, in which power is supplied from the installed battery to each part by a power supply part 54. A control part 53 instructs, when it is determined that a cable is connected to a USB port 42, the power supply part 54 to switch the supply of power from the battery to supply of power input through the USB port 42. According to this instruction, the power supply part 54 switches the power to be supplied to each part of the GPS device 1 to the power supplied from the USB port 42. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a recording medium, and in particular, when connected to a personal computer and power is supplied from the connected personal computer, the power supplied from the inside is turned off. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a recording medium.

  In recent years, devices capable of performing processing such as taking, storing, and processing images using digital technology, such as digital cameras, are becoming widespread. In addition to images captured by a digital camera, the user usually performs post-processing (organization) such as collecting the captured images in order of shooting or for each predetermined category. When such arrangement is performed, information regarding the location and date / time of imaging is required.

  Therefore, it has been proposed to store image data captured by a digital camera or the like in association with data on the date and time when the image data was captured. As an example for acquiring (storing) an imaging location, for example, a method using a digital camera and a GPS (Global Positioning System) device has been proposed as disclosed in JP-A-10-2333985. In this method, it is proposed to connect a GPS device and a digital camera and store the positional information obtained by the GPS device in association with image data captured by the digital camera.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-073247

  However, as described above, when the GPS device and the digital camera are connected and used, it is not possible to know when the image is captured by the digital camera, so the GPS device must always be turned on. For this reason, there is a problem that wasteful power is consumed.

  In addition, when the GPS device is used exclusively for a digital camera, there is a problem that it lacks versatility.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and when used in a navigation system or the like, when connected to a personal computer and supplied with power from the connected personal computer, the interior of the GPS device is provided. An object of the present invention is to eliminate wasteful power consumption by turning off the power supplied from.

  An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a power supply unit that supplies power from a mounted battery and a reception unit that receives power from an external device, and stores the acquired position information in a storage device that is provided internally. In the first mode, the power supplied by the power supply means is used, the second mode is connected to the external device, and the position information stored in the storage device is output to the external device. The power supply by the power supply means is stopped, and the power received by the reception means is used.

  The position information may be GPS data.

  When it is in the first mode when connected to the external device, the power supply from the power supply means is stopped, and when connected to the external device, the power supply from the power supply means When the is stopped, the stopped state can be maintained.

  According to an information processing method of one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method of an information processing apparatus including a power supply unit that receives power from a mounted battery and a reception unit that receives power from an external device, the acquired position information Is stored in a storage device provided therein, the power is supplied from the power supply means to control each unit to operate, connected to the external device, and stored in the storage device. In the second mode in which the position information is output to the external device, the power supply by the power supply unit is stopped, and control is performed so that each unit operates using the power received by the reception unit.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a recording medium includes a power supply unit that receives power from a mounted battery and a receiving unit that receives power from an external device. In the case of the first mode to be stored in the device, each unit is controlled to operate using the power supplied by the power supply means, and the position information stored in the storage device is connected to the external device. In the case of the second mode for outputting to the external device, the power supply by the power supply unit is stopped, and a step for controlling each unit to operate using the power received by the reception unit is executed. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded.

  In the information processing apparatus and method according to one aspect of the present invention, and the program recorded in the recording medium, in the first mode in which the acquired position information is stored in the storage device provided therein, the battery is attached. In the second mode in which the power is used, connected to the external device, and the position information stored in the storage device is output to the external device, the power supply from the attached battery is stopped and the external device Electricity is accepted.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, when power from an external device is received, power supply from the inside is stopped, so that wasteful power consumption can be prevented.

It is a figure which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the information processing apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the personal computer of FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the GPS apparatus of FIG. It is a figure explaining the state which mounted | wore the personal computer with the GPS apparatus. It is a figure explaining the state in which the user is carrying the GPS apparatus. It is a figure explaining the internal structure of a GPS apparatus. It is a figure explaining the switch inside a GPS apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a GPS apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of step S4 of FIG. It is a figure explaining the log data memorize | stored in a GPS apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of step S23 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of step S7 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of step S9 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of step S77 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of step S78 of FIG. It is a timing chart explaining operation | movement of the GPS apparatus at the time of continuous operation | movement. It is a timing chart explaining operation | movement of the GPS apparatus at the time of intermittent operation | movement. It is a timing chart explaining operation of a GPS device when a mark button is operated. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the GPS apparatus when connected to a personal computer. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of step S136 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of step S158 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of step S175 of FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example displayed on the display 19. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display when a space | interval setting part is operated. It is a figure which shows the example of a display when an error generate | occur | produces in transmission / reception of the data currently performed between the personal computer and the GPS apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a display displayed when transmission / reception of data is performed between a personal computer and a GPS apparatus. It is a figure explaining the structure of an image file. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the personal computer 4 at the time of specifying an imaging location. It is a figure explaining a log. It is a figure explaining presumption of a photography place. It is a figure explaining a medium.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an information processing system to which the present invention is applied. The GPS device 1 receives a signal from a satellite (not shown), analyzes the signal, calculates a reception position (latitude, longitude, etc.), and stores the position information. In addition, an atomic clock is usually mounted on the satellite, and the GPS device 1 can obtain time information from the received signal, and also stores the obtained time information. Hereinafter, information including position information and time information stored in the GPS device 1 is referred to as log data. The digital camera 2 captures an image of a subject, and records the captured image on a recording medium such as a floppy disk 3 (hereinafter, an image captured by the digital video camera 2 is stored in the floppy disk 3). Store the data.

  As a recording medium for recording an image captured by the digital camera 2, a recording medium such as the portable semiconductor memory 5 may be used in addition to the floppy disk 3. Further, in the digital camera 2 having a communication function, captured image data may be transmitted to another device and stored in the transmitted destination device.

  The personal computer 4 is connected to the GPS device 1 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) and is supplied with log data stored in the GPS device 1. The personal computer 4 can also be connected to the digital camera 2 via USB, and can read stored image data and can read image data from the floppy disk 3.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the personal computer 4. The CPU 11 of the personal computer 4 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 appropriately stores data and programs necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes. A keyboard 15 and a mouse 16 are connected to the input / output interface (I / F) 14, and signals input from them are output to the CPU 11. Further, an FDD (Floppy Disk Drive) 17 and a hard disk (HDD) 18 are also connected to the input / output I / F 14, and data, programs, etc. can be recorded and reproduced there. A display 18 as a display device is connected to the input / output I / F 14, and is also connected to, for example, the GPS device 1 via the USB port 20. The internal bus 21 connects these units to each other.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the GPS device 1. 3 (A) is a view from the front, FIG. 3 (B) is a view from the back, FIG. 3 (C) is a view from the right side, and FIG. 3 (D) is a view from the bottom. Represents each. The GPS device 1 includes an antenna 31 and a main body 32, and the antenna 31 is attached to the main body 32 so as to rotate in the back direction. The main body 32 is provided with a total of three lamps, a GPS lamp 33, a REC lamp 34, and a POWER lamp 35, and a total of two buttons, a mark button 36 and a power button 37. The main body 32 is also provided with a PC mounting portion 38.

  The PC mounting unit 38 is used when mounting on a notebook personal computer 4 (mobile computer), and is configured to move back and forth with respect to the main body 32. FIG. 3C shows a state in which the main body 32 is stretched forward (drawn), but is usually stored in the main body 32 so as not to get in the way. The PC mounting portion 38 is provided with a spring (not shown), and is naturally stored in the main body 32 when a hand is released from the extended state.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, when the PC mounting portion 38 is pulled out from the main body 32, it can be mounted on the laptop personal computer 4. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, with the personal computer 4 opened, the personal computer 4 is hung on the display 19 so that one end of the display 19 is sandwiched between the PC mounting portion 38 and the main body 32. The GPS device 1 can be attached to the personal computer 4. As described above, since the spring is mounted on the PC mounting portion 38, the display 19 can be sandwiched between the main body 32 and a moderate pressure. Therefore, even when vibration is applied to the personal computer 4, Inconveniences such as the GPS device 1 falling can be prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the GPS device 1 is mounted on the personal computer 4, it can be used as a navigation system commonly called a car navigation system. A predetermined application for causing the personal computer 4 to execute the navigation system is executed. The application displays a map including the current position on the display 19. Data for displaying the current position is calculated using position information obtained from the GPS device 1. As described above, when the personal computer 4 and the GPS device 1 are used as the navigation system, the antenna 31 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body 32 as described above, so that it is easy to receive a signal from the satellite. As shown in FIG. 4, the antenna 31 can be fixed at an angle with respect to the main body 32 (fixed at an angle at which signals from satellites can be easily received).

  In addition, the GPS device 1 can be carried and used by the user. In such a case, the user can store the PS attachment unit 38 in the main body 32 so as not to interfere with carrying. Then, it is possible to carry the strap attached to the strap attaching portion 39 (FIG. 3B) by hooking the strap around the neck or belt. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the user attaches a long strap to the strap attachment portion 39, the user can carry the GPS device 1 around the neck.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (B), the GPS device 1 has a battery lid 40 on its back surface, and the lid is opened by shifting the battery lid 40 to the right in the drawing. As the battery, either a primary battery or a secondary battery can be used. When using a secondary battery, it is good also as a structure provided with the function which can be charged, with attaching a secondary battery to the GPS apparatus 1. FIG. The GPS device 1 includes a USB port 41 so that data can be exchanged with the personal computer 2.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the GPS device 1. As described above, the GPS device 1 includes the antenna 31 and the main body 32, and the main body 32 stores circuits for performing various processes. FIG. 6 is a block diagram functionally summarizing those circuits. The operation unit 51 includes a mark button 36 and a power button 37 that are operated when a user performs a desired operation. The storage unit 52 stores log data.

  The control unit 53 generates log data based on the signal received by the antenna 31 and stores the log data in the storage unit 52 or executes processing corresponding to the signal input from the USB port 41 or the operation unit 51. The power supply unit 54 supplies power supplied from the battery (battery) or power supplied from the personal computer 4 via the USB port 41 to each unit of the GPS device 1. The counter unit 55 manages time, manages various counter values described later, and provides the management information to the control unit 53.

  Here, the GPS device 1 defines three modes, a GPS mode, a PC mode, and a storage mode, and the meaning of each mode is as follows. First, the GPS mode is a mode when connected to the personal computer 4 and used as a GPS signal receiving antenna in a navigation system. The PC mode is a mode that is connected to the personal computer 4 and outputs log data stored in the storage unit 52 or makes various settings in accordance with instructions from the personal computer 4. The storage mode is, for example, a mode that is carried by the user and stores log data in the storage unit 52.

  Further, the storage mode is classified into three states: a wake state, a sleep state, and a wake-up state. The wake state indicates a state in which a storage operation is being performed. On the other hand, the sleep state indicates a state where the storage operation is stopped. The wake-up state indicates a state in which, during the sleep state, the state is temporarily changed to the wake state, the storage operation is performed, and the state is returned to the sleep state again.

  The GPS device 1 includes a switch inside, and the control unit 53 switches the switch according to the three modes described above. Specifically, a switch 61 and a switch 62 are provided as shown in FIG. In the GPS mode, the control unit 53 connects the switch 61 to the terminal A1 and the switch 62 to the terminal B1.

  In the PC mode, the switch 61 is connected to the terminal A1 or the terminal A2, and the switch 62 is connected to the terminal B2. In the PC mode, the GPS device 1 operates according to a command from the personal computer 4, and therefore, if the command includes the meaning of operating as GPS (output a signal received by the antenna 31), the switch 61 Is connected to the terminal A1 and includes the meaning of outputting log data stored in the storage unit 52, the switch 62 is connected to the terminal A2. When it is determined that the switch 61 is in a state where communication (data exchange) with the personal computer 4 can be performed, the switch 61 is forcibly (as an initial setting) connected to the terminal A1 and can communicate with the personal computer 4. When it is determined that it cannot be performed, the terminal A2 is connected.

  The control unit 53 connects the switch 61 to the terminal A2 in the storage mode. Since the personal computer 4 is not connected in the storage mode, there is no problem whether the switch 62 is basically connected to either the terminal B1 or the terminal B2. Therefore, in the recording mode, the switch 62 is connected to the terminal B1 as a default.

  Next, the operation of the GPS device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation of the GPS device 1 described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8 is a state in which the GPS device 1 is not connected to the personal computer 4, in other words, the state is the storage mode state, not the GPS mode or the PC mode. .

  In step S1, the control unit 53 determines whether or not the power button 37 has been operated. The processing in step S1 is repeated until it is determined that the power button 37 is operated (that is, the GPS device 1 maintains the state until the power button 37 is operated), and it is determined that the power button 37 is operated. If so, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, it is determined whether or not the wake state is set.

  If it is determined in step S2 that the state is the wake state, that is, the GPS device 1 is determined to have been operated with the power button 37 in a state where the power is already turned on and log data is being stored. If so, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, it is determined whether or not the power button 37 has been operated for 3 seconds or more. Here, a case where 3 seconds is set as a reference value will be described as an example, but another number of seconds may be set as a reference value. Such a reference value is provided because the user desires the process of turning on or off the power of the GPS device 1 and has operated the power button 37 or an operation for executing the process of step S7 described later. This is to distinguish whether it has been operated or is operated contrary to the user's will (erroneous operation), for example, when being carried on the user's belt or the like.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the power button 37 has not been operated for more than 3 seconds, it is determined that the power button 37 has been operated incorrectly, and no processing is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the power button 37 has been operated for 3 seconds or more, a power-off process is executed in step S4.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the power-off process in step S4. When the power is turned off, first, supply of a signal from the antenna 31 is stopped in step S21. In step S22, the end flag is set to 1. Here, the structure of the log data to be stored will be described. One log data is configured as 19-byte fixed length data as shown in FIG. The byte sizes listed below are examples, and other byte sizes may be taken.

  Of the 19 bytes of log data, 1 byte is assigned flag data, 17 bytes is assigned the log data body, and the remaining 1 byte is assigned status data. The flag data has a data structure as shown in FIG. Of the 1-byte flag data, a start flag, an end flag, a mark flag, and an O / G flag are each assigned 1 bit, and the remaining 4 bits are assigned for ELS.

  The start flag is set to 1 when it indicates the first log data that has been stored due to the start of the storage mode, and otherwise (the second and subsequent data after the storage mode has started). If it is log data), the value is set to zero. Similarly, when the end flag indicates that the log data is the last log data that has been started due to the start of the storage mode, the value is set to 1; otherwise, the value is set to 0.

  The mark flag is set to 1 when the mark button 36 is operated (details will be described later) to indicate that it is stored log data, and the value is set to 0 otherwise. .

  If the value of the O / G flag is 1 and the start flag is 0, the log data is not the data at the time of storage but the newest data stored at the time prior to the time of storage. When the O / G flag is 0 and the start flag is 0, it indicates that the stored log data is data at the time of storage. When the O / G flag is 1 and the start flag is 1 (that is, when the first stored log data is indicated after the start of storage), from the start of storage until the end Indicates that the log data is from the Tokyo Geodetic System, the O / G flag is 0, and the start flag is 1, the log data from the start of storage to the end is stored in WGS84 (World Geodetic System: Global Geodetic System).

  The log data body is configured as shown in FIG. 10C. Of the 17 bytes, 6 bytes are the date and time, 0.5 bytes are the latitude and longitude hemisphere, 3.5 bytes are the latitude, and 4 bytes are the longitude. , 1.5 bytes indicate speed, and the remaining 1.5 bytes indicate direction.

  The date time indicates a year, month, day, hour, minute, and second based on UTC (Universal Time Coordinated). The latitude-longitude hemisphere is data relating to the following latitude and longitude. When the most significant bit is 0, the following latitude is the northern hemisphere (north latitude), and when 1, the southern hemisphere (south latitude). When the next bit of the most significant bit is 0, it indicates the east hemisphere (east longitude), and when it is 1, it indicates the west hemisphere (west longitude).

  The latitude is data expressed in a 7-digit number format, and the longitude is data expressed in an 8-digit number format. The speed is data represented by a three-digit number, and the unit is 1 km / h. Further, the azimuth indicates the azimuth in which the user is traveling, and is data of a three-digit number that is inscribed in units of 1 degree clockwise from 360 degrees with north as 0 degrees.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 9, when the end flag of the log data described above is set to 1 in step S22, storage processing is performed in step S22. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the storage process. This process is performed to create the log data described above and store it in the storage unit 52 (FIG. 6).

  In step S32, the control unit 53 checks the storable area of the storage unit 52, and whether or not the storable area has enough space to store one log data, that is, in this case, a 19-byte space is present. Judge whether there is. If it is determined that there is no 19-byte storable area, the process proceeds to step S32, and the REC lamp 34 is turned on. The REC lamp 34 is, for example, red, and remains lit red all the time during which log data cannot be stored due to the absence of a storable area.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that there is enough space to store log data in the storable area of the storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, log data as described above is created and stored in the address of the designated storage unit 52. In step S34, an address for storing the next log data is set. That is, 19 is added to the address value.

  When the created log data is stored in this way, the REC lamp 34 is lit for 0.1 second in step S35 in order to notify the user of the fact. In step S36, it is determined whether or not the storable area is smaller than the caution level. The caution level is a level value set to execute a process of notifying the user when the size of the storable area of the storage unit 52, that is, when the remaining amount of the storage unit 52 becomes a predetermined value or less. is there. This caution level is set as a time when 10% of the capacity of the storage unit 52 (area for storing log data) is cut off as a default. This setting can be changed by the user, as will be described later.

  The capacity of the storage unit 52 is set, for example, as a capacity that can be stored for about 7.5 hours even if log data is stored every second. When set in this way, specifically, the capacity of the storage unit 52 is 513000 (= 19 bytes × 60 seconds × 60 minutes × 7.5 hours) bytes. Therefore, when the caution level is set as 10% of the capacity, the level value is 51300 bytes.

  If it is determined in step S36 that the storable area is smaller than the caution level, the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37, the REC lamp 34 is continuously blinked every 0.3 seconds in order to notify the user that the storage capacity of the storage unit 52 has been reduced. In step S38, a beep sound is generated. As the beep sound, any tone color, volume, and melody may be used, but it is preferable that the beep sound is output with a different melody and tone color depending on the situation so that the user can judge the situation of the GPS device 1 only by listening. For example, a beep melody that informs that the capacity of the storage unit 52 is low is a continuous sound such as “pi-pi-pi-.

  In response to a warning informing the user that the storage capacity of the storage unit 52 has decreased, for example, the storage operation is terminated (power is turned on), and unnecessary log data is deleted. When the log data storage operation is continued without performing the process such as performing the processing, and the storage unit 52 has no storable capacity, the power of the GPS device 1 is turned off. By doing so, the log data once stored can be retained unless there is an instruction from the user, and it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the log data that the user wanted to use later is deleted. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S36 that the storable area is larger than the caution level, the processes in steps S37 and S38 are omitted, and the storage process is terminated.

  When the storing process is completed, all the lamps are turned off in step S24 (FIG. 9). That is, lighting or blinking of the GPS lamp 33, the REC lamp 34, and the POWER lamp 35 is stopped. In step S25, a beep sound is output to notify the user that the power-off process has been completed. An example of a beep melody is “pi”.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 8, if it is determined in step S2 that the wake state is not set, the process proceeds to step S5 to determine whether or not the wake state is set. If it is determined in step S5 that the sleep state is set, the process proceeds to step S6, and it is determined whether or not the power button 37 has been operated for 3 seconds or more as in the process of step S3. If it is determined in step S6 that the power button 37 has been operated for 3 seconds or more, the process proceeds to step S4. Since the process of step S4 has already been described, it will be omitted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the power button 37 has not been operated for more than 3 seconds, the process proceeds to step S7, where the wake-up process is executed. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the wake-up process.

  In step S51, the control unit 52 performs initial setting for starting storage of log data. As an initial setting, for example, in the sleep state, the supply of the signal received by the antenna 31 is stopped (the supply of power to the antenna 31 is stopped), so that the signal can be received. Etc. are set.

  In step S52, the POWER lamp 35 is lit in green to inform the user that the wake-up state is present. The POWER lamp 35 is lit (flashes) in green or red depending on the situation. Similarly, the GPS lamp 33 is also lit (flashes) in green or red depending on the situation. Of course, other colors may be lit, but here, as described above, a case where green and red are used will be described as an example.

  In step S53, a beep sound is emitted to inform the user that the wake-up state has been reached. An example of a beep melody is “beep”.

  When the GPS device 1 is ready to store log data, the GPS device 1 is in the same state as the wake state only for the set wake time, and the log data is stored. The wake time indicates the time during which the sleep state is released (the continuation time of the wake-up state), and can be set by the process described later by the user. The default is 10 minutes (600 seconds). It is also possible to use a value set as such.

  Predetermined processing such as storage of log data is executed until the set wake time elapses, and when the wake time elapses, the state returns to the sleep state again. When the wake time elapses, the state returns to the sleep state. However, when the user operates the power button 37, the state returns to the sleep state.

  In step S55, the POWER lamp 35 blinks red every 4 seconds to notify the user that the sleep state is to be returned (when the sleep state is established, the POWER lamp blinks red every 4 seconds). The GPS lamp 33 is turned off. Further, in step S56, a beeping sound is made.

  In this manner, even in the sleep state, it is possible to execute a process of storing log data for a predetermined time when desired by the user.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 8, if it is determined in step S5 that the sleep state is not set, the process proceeds to step S8, and it is determined whether or not the power button 37 has been operated for 3 seconds or more. . If it is determined in step S8 that the power button 37 has not been operated for more than 3 seconds, as in step S3, the operation is processed as an erroneous operation, and no particular processing is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the power button 37 has been operated for 3 seconds or more, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S2, it is determined that the state is not the wake state, and in step S5, it is determined that the state is not the sleep state. Therefore, the GPS device 1 can be determined to be in a state where the power is turned off. In such a state, if the user operates the power button 37, it can be determined that the user desires to turn on the power. Therefore, in step S9, a power-on process is executed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the power-on process. In step S <b> 71, the control unit 53 determines that the power button 37 has been operated based on the signal input from the operation unit 51, and performs initial setting for power-on. In step S72, the POWER button 37 is lit in green.

  In step S73, the start flag is set to 1 and the O / G flag is set to 1 or 0. As described above, the O / G flag is set to 1 when the start flag is 1 and the Tokyo geodetic system, and is set to 0 when the start flag is 1 and WGS84. As described above, when the flag is set, the storage process is executed in step S74. Since this storage process has already been described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S75, in order to notify the user that the power of the GPS device 1 has been turned on, a beep sound is generated. In step S76, it is determined whether or not the sleep time is zero. The sleep time is a parameter that determines how long the log data is stored from when the log data is stored. In other words, the sleep time is a parameter that determines at what timing the log data is stored. is there.

  When the sleep time is 0, that is, it means that there is no sleep state, and therefore the wake state is set to a continuous state. On the other hand, if the sleep state is set to a value other than 0, it is in the sleep state only while the sleep state is set, and the rest of the time is in the wake state, that is, the sleep state and the wake state By repeating the above, log data is stored intermittently (only in the wake state). The state of the wake state is continued for the time set as the maximum wake time.

  The sleep time and wake time can be set by the user. For example, the sleep time can be set to 2 minutes (120 seconds) and the wake time can be set to 10 minutes (600 seconds). It is.

  If it is determined in step S76 that the sleep time is not zero, the process proceeds to step S77, and intermittent operation processing is executed. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining details of the intermittent operation processing. In step S91, the counter value of the counter unit 55 (FIG. 6) that counts the wake time is set to the set wake time.

  In step S92, GPS data is acquired. GPS data is acquired every second. If the data is received from a satellite, the data is used as NEW data. However, even if the signal from the satellite cannot be received, the newest data obtained from the satellite is used. Data can be used as OLD data. Therefore, in step S93, it is determined whether or not the GPS data obtained in step S92 is new data (obtained from a signal from a satellite).

  If it is determined in step S93 that the data is not new data, the process proceeds to step S94. In step S94, the counter value of the counter unit 55 is subtracted by 1. That is, it is subtracted by 1 second. In step S95, it is determined whether or not the counter value is zero. In other words, it is determined whether or not the wake time has elapsed. If it is determined in step S95 that the counter value is not 0, the process returns to step S92, and the subsequent processing is repeated. If it is determined that the counter value is 0, the process proceeds to step S97.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S93 that the data is new, the process proceeds to step S96. Since the storage process in step S96 has already been described, the description thereof is omitted. When the storing process is completed, the process proceeds to step S97, where the process waits for the set sleep time in the sleep state. That is, during intermittent operation, after entering the wake state, when GPS data is obtained from a signal from the satellite, storage processing is performed, and the state immediately returns to the sleep state. As described above, by returning to the sleep state as soon as new data is obtained, unnecessary power consumption can be eliminated.

  For example, when the set sleep state duration (sleep time) is 2 minutes and the wake state duration (wake time) is 1 minute, when the signal from the satellite cannot be received, such as indoors, Log data is stored every three minutes. On the other hand, if log data is stored in the first second after entering the wake state in a state where it is easy to receive a signal from a satellite in the outdoors, the log data is stored about every two minutes.

  Note that if the signal from the satellite has never been received (new data has not been obtained) during the wake state, the process of step S96 is never performed, so the log data is not stored. I will not.

  In step S97, when waiting in the sleep state for the set sleep time, the process returns to step S91 to enter the wake state again, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  The processing of such a flowchart is performed when the power button 37 is operated, when the storable area of the storage unit 52 runs out, when the power (battery capacity) supplied from the power supply unit 54 runs out, etc. The process is terminated as an interrupt process, and a process corresponding to each situation is executed.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 13, when it is determined in step S76 that the sleep time is set to 0, the process proceeds to step S78, and a process of continuous operation is executed. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the continuous operation processing. In step S111, the counter value for counting the interval time is set to the set interval time. The interval time sets the storage density of log data, and is arbitrarily set between 1 second and 1 hour. The default value is, for example, 5 seconds, which means that log data is stored every 5 seconds.

  The processing from step S112 to step S116 is the same as the processing from step S92 to S96 in FIG. When the storage process in step S116 is completed, in step S117, the remaining counter value is set in a standby state (a state in which processing such as storage of log data is not performed). For example, when the interval time is set as 5 seconds, the operation is in the standby state for 5 seconds, the log data is then stored, and the standby device state for 5 seconds is entered again. When the standby state in step S117 ends, the process returns to step S111, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  The log data is recorded only when a signal from the satellite can be received. When the signal cannot be received, the log data is not recorded and enters a standby state. When the interval time is set to a time exceeding 1 minute, the standby state is a standby mode. As a result, even in a continuous operation, power consumption can be prevented as in the intermittent operation.

  The process of the flowchart for explaining the process of the continuous operation shown in FIG. 15 loses power when the power button 37 is operated, when the storable area of the storage unit 52 is exhausted, as in the process of the intermittent operation. Sometimes, it is terminated as an interrupt process.

  Next, processing when the mark button 36 is operated will be described. When the mark button 36 is operated in the recording mode and in the wake state or wake-up state, a predetermined process is executed. Regardless of the wake state or wake up state, there are GPS positioning status and GPS positioning disabled status (a state where the antenna 31 is receiving a signal from a satellite and a state where it is not receiving). To do.

  When the mark button 36 is operated during GPS positioning, position information and time information at the time of the operation are stored as log data. At this time, the interval time set in the recording mode is performed regardless of the interval time. That is, the log data is stored when the mark button 36 is operated, even when the log data is not stored. The same applies when GPS positioning is impossible, but since GPS positioning is impossible, log data including position information with new data cannot be stored (created). Therefore, log data including the latest position information (OLD data) among the data obtained from the signal from the satellite is created.

  The time information is supplied from the counter unit 55. The counter unit 55 also manages the time. When the signal from the satellite can be received, the counter unit 55 corrects the time managed by itself based on the time based on the signal. Further, the counter unit 55 provides the control unit 53 with time information managed by itself when the mark button 36 is operated when a signal from the satellite cannot be obtained. The control unit 53 creates log data including the provided time information and stores it in the storage unit 52.

  In this way, a mark flag is set (stored with a value of 1) and stored in the data stored when the mark button 36 is operated. In the case of log data including OLD data, the value of the O / G flag is set to 1 and stored.

  The storage of log data by the above-described processing will be further described with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. FIG. 16 is a timing chart for explaining storage of log data by continuous operation in the recording mode. When the power of the GPS device 1 is turned on by operating the power button 37 at a predetermined time, the start flag is set to 1 and storage of log data is started. Storage of log data by continuous operation is performed for each set interval time period.

  Therefore, in FIG. 16, the time intervals of P0 and P1, P1 and P2,..., P5 and P6 are the same. The GPS lamp 33 is lit in green when the signal from the satellite is normally received, and is lit in red when the signal is not normally received. If the signal is normally received at the timing at the predetermined interval time (if the GPS lamp 33 is lit in green), the log data is stored (P0, P1, P3, P5, P6). However, if the signal is not normally received (if the GPS lamp 33 is lit red), the log data is not stored (P2, P4).

  When the log data is stored normally, the REC lamp 34 is lit red, but when the log data is not stored, the REC lamp 34 is not lit. As described above, when the log data is being stored, when the power button 37 is operated and the power-off is instructed, the log data with the end flag is stored, and the log data storing operation is terminated. The POWER lamp 35 continues to light green until the end flag is stored after the start flag is stored.

  Next, referring to the timing chart of FIG. 17, the storage of log data by the intermittent operation in the recording mode will be described. As in the case of continuous operation, log data in which a start flag is set when the power is on and an end flag is set when the power is off is stored. Further, the GPS lamp 33 is lit in green when the signal is normally received, and red when the signal is not normally received. Furthermore, during the intermittent operation, the wake state (POWER lamp 35 lights in green) and the sleep state (POWER lamp 35 blinks in red) are alternately repeated. During the wake state, the GPS lamp 33 is It lights in green or red depending on the signal reception state, and the GPS lamp 33 is turned off in the sleep state.

  If the signal from the satellite is normally received in the wake state, log data is stored (P0, P1, P3). However, if the signal from the satellite cannot be received normally during the wake state (while the wake time elapses), log data is not stored (P2). Further, as soon as the storage is performed, the sleep state is entered. As described above, in the case of intermittent operation, in order to prevent battery consumption, the sleep state is set immediately.

  Next, storage of log data when the mark button 36 is operated during the intermittent operation in the recording mode will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. The user needs to recognize the state of the GPS device 1, that is, the state, before operating the mark button 36. In other words, the GPS device 1 needs to recognize whether it is in a wake state or a sleep state if the power is on or if the power is on.

  These recognitions can be made by looking at the POWER lamp 35. First, the user looks at the POWER lamp 35 and recognizes that the power is not turned on if the lamp is not turned on, and operates the power button 37 to turn on the power of the GPS device 1. The user recognizes that the power lamp 35 is in the sleep state when the POWER lamp 35 continuously flashes in red every 4 seconds, operates the power button 37 (operation within 3 seconds), and The GPS device 1 is put into a wake-up state.

  FIG. 18 shows such a state. In the sleep state, the user operates the power button 37 to enter the wake-up state. When the wake-up state is set, the GPS lamp 33 starts to light, but as described above, it lights green when receiving a signal, and lights red when not. The user confirms that the GPS lamp 33 is lit in green and operates the mark button 36. When the user operates the mark button 36, it is time to store the position information at that time. Therefore, in principle, the operation is performed when the GPS lamp 33 is lit in green.

  When the mark button 37 is operated, the position information at that time is stored. In the timing chart shown in FIG. 18, the mark button 36 is operated when the GPS lamp 33 is lit in green. However, it is assumed that the user may operate the mark button 36 even when the GPS lamp 33 is lit red.

  In such a case, it is considered that the user operates the mark button 36 knowing that the GPS lamp 33 is lit red, and thus the position information cannot be obtained. It seems that he wants to keep it. In such a case, log data including the time information managed by the counter unit 55 and the old flag (O / G flag is set to 1) is added to the position information of the newest log data. Accordingly, the position information is not the data at the time when the mark button 36 is operated, but the time information is the time information supplied from the counter unit 55, so the time information at that time is stored.

  When any information is stored by operating the mark button 36 in this way, a mark flag is set (the value is set to 1) and stored in the information.

  Even if the mark button 36 is operated and the storage of the log data is ended, the wake-up state is continued until a preset wake time elapses or until the power button 37 is operated by the user. . FIG. 18 shows an example in which the user operates the power button 37 before the wake time elapses.

  By the way, when the GPS device 1 performs the operation of storing the log data as described above (when operating alone), the power is supplied by the battery (mounted when the battery cover 40 is removed). Yes. Therefore, it is conceivable that the capacity of the battery is reduced, and eventually it becomes impossible to execute operations such as storing log data. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the user that the capacity of the battery is low before entering such a state.

  Therefore, the control unit 53 (FIG. 6) always knows the capacity of the battery, and when it is determined that the remaining capacity is equal to or less than a predetermined capacity, for example, 10% or less of the total capacity, “pi-pi-pi-・ ・ Continuous beep sound indicating the warning. Further, the POWER lamp 35 is continuously blinked in red with a period of 0.3 seconds. This blinking continues until the battery runs out of capacity and becomes inoperable or until the power is turned off by the user. It should be noted that the user can also set the amount of capacity to be warned.

  The log data stored in the storage unit 52 in this way is supplied to the personal computer 4 via the USB port 41. When the personal computer 4 and the GPS device 1 are connected via USB, power is supplied from the personal computer 4 to the GPS device 1. The operation of the GPS device 1 when connected to the personal computer 4 via USB will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S131, the control unit 53 determines whether or not a USB cable (not shown) is connected to the USB port. Until it is determined that the USB cable is connected to the USB port 42, the process of step S131 is repeated. When the personal computer 4 is connected, power is supplied from the personal computer 4 to the GPS device 1 as described above, but the GPS device 1 is required to prevent wasteful power consumption of the personal computer 4. Do not supply power except when Therefore, in step S132, it is determined whether or not a predetermined application that requires the GPS device 1 is started up in the personal computer 4.

  If it is determined in step S132 that the predetermined application is not started on the personal computer 4, the GPS device 1 is in a wake state (including the wake state at the time of wake-up) in step S133. Is judged. If it is determined in step S133 that the wake state is set, the process proceeds to step S135. If it is determined that the wake state is not set, the process proceeds to step S134.

  In step S134, it is determined whether or not the GPS device 1 is in the sleep state. If it is determined in step S134 that the sleep state is set, the process proceeds to step S135. When it comes to step S135, it is a case where it is judged that it is a wake state in step S133, or a case where it is judged that it is a sleep state in step S134. That is, the GPS device 1 is turned on.

  When the user connects the personal computer 4 and the GPS device 1, it can be assumed that the user uses the GPS device 1 in the GPS mode or the PC mode. Therefore, it is necessary to end the state of the wake state or sleep state that is the storage mode. Therefore, in step S135, a power-off process is executed. Since this power-off process has already been described, the description thereof is omitted.

  If it is determined in step S134 that the current state is not the sleep state, in other words, if it is determined that the power of the GPS device 1 is turned off, the processing of this flowchart is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S132 that a predetermined application has started up in the personal computer 4, the process proceeds to step S136, and the GPS mode process is executed. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the GPS mode processing.

  In step S151, the GPS device 1 performs initial setting for starting processing in the GPS mode. Examples of the initial setting include switching of the switches 61 and 62 (FIG. 7) and setting processing for accepting power supply from the personal computer 4. In step S152, acquisition of GPS data is started. In step S <b> 153, the information of the signal received by the antenna 31 is output to the personal computer 4 via the USB port 42 by switching the switches 61 and 62.

  In step S154, it is determined whether or not the data output from the personal computer 4 has been input. Basically, in the GPS mode, only position information and time information are provided from the GPS device 1 to the personal computer 4, and no data is output from the personal computer 4 to the GPS device 1. Therefore, if it is determined in step S154 that there is data output from the personal computer 4 to the GPS device 1, the user desires to operate the GPS device 1 with the personal computer 4, in other words, Thus, it can be determined that switching to the PC mode is desired. Therefore, if it is determined in step S154 that there is data from the personal computer 4, the process proceeds to step S155.

  In step S155, it is determined whether the data from the personal computer 4 is an instruction to switch to the PC mode. If it is determined in step S155 that the data from the personal computer 4 is not an instruction to switch to the PC mode, it is determined that the data is not related to the GPS device 1, and the process proceeds to step S156. Step S156 is a step that comes also when it is determined in step S154 that there is no data from the personal computer 4.

  In step S156, it is determined whether or not a predetermined application has been started. The fact that the flow has advanced to the GPS mode process shown in FIG. 20 (the process of step S136 in FIG. 19) means that the personal computer 4 determines that an application that uses the GPS device 1 as a GPS antenna is running. The purpose of providing the process of step S156 is to always manage whether or not the application is continuously started up.

  Performing such management turns off the power of the GPS device 1 in order to prevent wasteful power consumption when the application is not started up, in other words, when the GPS device 1 is not required. By turning off the power of the GPS device 1, useless power supply from the personal computer 4 is cut off, and thus it is possible to prevent power consumption of the personal computer 4.

  Therefore, if it is determined in step S156 that the predetermined application has not started, the process proceeds to step S157, and the power of the GPS device 1 is turned off. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S156 that the application is running, the process returns to step S152, and the subsequent processing is repeated (the GPS mode is continued).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S155 that the input data indicates an instruction to switch to the PC mode, the process proceeds to step S158, and PC mode processing is executed. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the PC mode processing. In step S171, it is determined whether there is data from the personal computer 4. If it is determined in step S171 that there is no data from the personal computer 4, the process proceeds to step S172.

  In step S172, it is determined whether an application related to the GPS device 1 is running on the personal computer 4. Since this process is the same as the process of step S156 in FIG. 20 described above, the description thereof is omitted. As described above, it is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption of the personal computer 4 and the GPS device 1 by always determining whether or not an application related to the GPS device 1 is running in any mode. .

  If it is determined in step S172 that the predetermined application is started, the process returns to step S171, and the subsequent processing is repeated (the PC mode is continued), and if it is determined that the predetermined application is not started, Proceeding to step S157 (FIG. 20), the power of the GPS device 1 is turned off.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S171 that there is data from the personal computer 4, it is determined whether or not the data is a command instructing switching to the GPS mode. If it is determined in step S171 that the command is an instruction to switch to the GPS mode, the process proceeds to step S174, and GPS mode processing is executed. Since the GPS mode process is the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 20, the process in step S174 is a process in which the process after step S151 is returned to step S151 (FIG. 20).

  If it is determined in step S173 that the command is not a command for switching to the GPS mode, the process proceeds to step S175, and analysis and execution processing of the command from the personal computer 4 is executed. FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining details of processing for analyzing and executing a command from the personal computer 4.

  In step S201, it is determined whether or not it is a reset instruction. If it is determined that the instruction is a reset instruction, the process proceeds to step S202. In step S202, reset processing is executed. As described above, the GPS device 1 has a plurality of parameters such as sleep time and wake time, for example, and the user can set a desired parameter value. In the reset process, the parameter value set as such is reset to the parameter value set as the default.

  If it is determined in step S201 that the instruction is not a reset instruction, the process advances to step S203 to determine whether the command is related to the power from the USB. If it is determined in step S203 that the command is related to the power from the USB, the process proceeds to step S204, and the power from the USB is set to an on or off state according to the command.

  If it is determined in step S203 that the command is not related to the power from the USB, the process proceeds to step S205 to determine whether the command is related to the power of the antenna 31. If it is determined in step S205 that the command is related to the power of the antenna, the process proceeds to step S206, and the supply of power to the antenna is turned on or off according to the command.

  If it is determined in step S205 that the command is not related to the power of the antenna, the process proceeds to step S207, and it is determined whether or not the command is an ID output instruction. If it is determined in step S207 that the instruction is to output an ID, the process proceeds to step S208, and the ID of the GPS device 1 itself is output. The ID is an identification code uniquely assigned to the GPS device 1.

  If it is determined in step S207 that the instruction is not an ID output instruction, the process advances to step S209 to determine whether the instruction is a dump instruction from the storage unit 52 or not. In step S209, if it is determined that the dump instruction is from the storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S210, and the dump process is started. The dump can be canceled halfway. Therefore, when it is determined in step S209 that the instruction is not a lamp instruction, the process proceeds to step S211 and it is determined whether or not the instruction is to stop dumping.

  If it is determined in step S211 that the instruction is to cancel dumping, the process proceeds to step S212, and dump canceling processing is executed. If it is determined in step S211 that the instruction is not a dump cancellation instruction, the process advances to step S213 to determine whether the instruction is a read instruction from the storage unit 52 or not. If it is determined in step S213 that the instruction is a read instruction, the process proceeds to step S214, and predetermined data corresponding to the command is read.

  If it is determined in step S213 that the instruction is not a read instruction from the storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S215, and it is determined whether or not the instruction is a data write instruction to the storage unit 52. If it is determined in step S215 that the instruction is to write to the storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S216, and data corresponding to the command is written to the storage unit 52.

  The command analysis shown in FIG. 22 is an example, and other commands for executing various processes are prepared. Therefore, in the process of the flowchart of the analysis and execution process of the command from the personal computer 4 shown in FIG. 22, which command is among these commands is analyzed, and the process according to the analysis result is executed. Is for.

  Such processing is performed every time a command is input. Therefore, when the process of the flowchart of FIG. 22 is completed, the process returns to step S171 of FIG. 21, and the subsequent processes are repeated. Further, when the process of the flowchart of FIG. 21 is completed, the process proceeds to step S157 of FIG. 20, and the power of the GPS device 1 is turned off. When the process of the flowchart of FIG. 20 is finished, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 19 is also finished. When the GPS device 1 and the personal computer 4 are connected by USB, processing as described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 19 to 22 is performed.

  In order to output a command in the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 22 from the personal computer 4, the user needs to perform an operation for outputting a desired command from the screen displayed on the display 19 of the personal computer 4. . FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of such an operation screen.

  On the display 19, a setting window 71 for operating (setting) parameters for determining the operation of the GPS device 1 is displayed. The setting window 71 mainly includes three parts: an operation setting unit 72, a memory setting unit 73, and a battery setting unit 74. The operation setting unit 72 includes an interval setting unit 75 that sets a log recording interval and an effective time setting unit 76 that sets an effective time for wakeup.

  The memory setting unit 73 erases (clears) all the log data stored in the portion for setting an alarm display to notify when the capacity of the memory (storage unit 52) falls below what percentage. It consists of a clear button 77 that is operated when As described above, the log data stored in the storage unit 52 continues to be stored unless it is erased in accordance with a user instruction. Therefore, in order to secure a storable capacity, the user periodically presses the clear button 77. It is necessary to operate and clear the storage unit 52.

  The battery setting unit 74 is a part for setting what percentage or less of the remaining amount of the battery the alarm display is to be performed. At the bottom of the setting window 71, a button 78-1 operated when the set parameter is returned to the standard (default) value, a button 78-2 operated when the setting is completed with the set parameter, and There are provided three buttons 78-3 which are operated when setting is not performed or when it is not desired to reflect the set parameter and when the setting window 71 is to be closed.

  In order to set parameters in each setting unit, the user moves the cursor 79 by operating the mouse 16 (FIG. 2) or the like to a desired portion and performs a predetermined operation such as clicking. Is possible. For example, when the user uses the mouse 16 to move the cursor 79 to the interval setting unit 75 and clicks, a pull-down menu 81 is displayed as shown in FIG. In the pull-down menu 81, a value that can be set as the log recording interval is displayed, and a scroll bar that is operated to display a portion that is not displayed is displayed on the right side.

  For example, the value set as the log recording interval is 1 second, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes (1 hour) 11 ways. Of course, it may be displayed in the pull-down menu 81 so that another time can be set. The user selects a desired time in consideration of the situation where the log is recorded. For example, when storing a log when walking, the moving speed is not fast, so select a relatively long time (cycle) such as 10 minutes or 30 minutes, and log when moving by car When storing, the moving speed is fast, so a relatively short time such as 30 seconds or 1 minute is selected so as to be recorded frequently.

  Other parameters can be set in the same manner. Of course, instead of selecting only the value displayed in the pull-down menu 81, it is also possible to move the cursor 81 directly to the setting portion and change the displayed number.

  Data relating to the set parameters is output from the personal computer 4 to the GPS device 1 by operating the button 78-2. In this case, in the GPS device 1, since the old parameter value is rewritten to the newly set parameter value, a write instruction to the storage unit 52 is received. That is, in step S215 of the flowchart of FIG. 22, it is determined that the instruction is to write to the storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S216, and parameter value writing processing is executed.

  When an error occurs for some reason when data is exchanged between the personal computer 4 and the GPS device 1, an error message as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the display 19. The

  The setting window 71 is not limited to the design shown in FIG. Further, a plurality of setting windows for operating and setting the GPS device 1 are prepared. Although not particularly shown, for example, the log data in the storage unit 52 of the GPS device 1 is stored in the HDD 18 of the personal computer 4 (FIG. 2). There is a window for saving (dumping). When the user opens a window for operating dumping, performs a predetermined operation, and executes dumping, a window notifying that data transfer is in progress is displayed on the display 19 as shown in FIG.

  When the user operates the cancel button when the window as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed, the GPS device 1 determines that the instruction is to stop dumping by the process of step S211 in FIG. In step S212, the dump process is stopped. As a result, the window indicating that data transfer is in progress shown in FIG. 26 is not displayed.

  Thus, the GPS device 1 can store log data including position information and time information, and can supply the stored log data to the personal computer 4. In the personal computer 4, the user can edit the supplied log data and the image data captured by the digital camera 2 (FIG. 1) and stored in the floppy disk 3 in association with each other.

  The digital camera 2, for example, is based on the digital camera format format DCF (Design rule for Camera File) defined by JEIDA (Japan Electronic Industry Development Association), and the shooting date and time is recorded for each image data. Yes. That is, as shown in FIG. 27, an image file of an image captured by the digital camera 2 is mainly composed of a header and an image data body, and an image recorded in the image data body is included in the header. Is recorded, and the imaging date and time is recorded as one of the data.

  Here, the operation of the personal computer 4 when specifying the imaging location of the image captured by the digital camera 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S231, the personal computer 4 reads the log from the GPS device 1 connected via USB. The read log is stored in the RAM 13 (FIG. 2), for example. When stored, the log data is arranged and stored in ascending order in time order. Furthermore, a counter value starting from 0 is attached to each log data. An example of a log stored in the personal computer 4 is shown in FIG.

  The log shown in FIG. 29 is composed of 32 pieces of log data. The log is a collection of log data recorded from when the GPS device 1 is turned on until it is turned off. In other words, the log data from the start flag 1 to the end flag 1 It is composed of In FIG. 29, only the time is shown among the data recorded in the log data body, and the log data is recorded every 30 seconds from “10:18:00” to “10:33:30”. An example is shown. Further, based on the time data recorded in the log data main body, they are arranged in order of time, and counter values of 0 to 31 are given.

  In step S232, one image data to be processed is read. This reading is first shown in FIG. 27 from the floppy disk 3 (portable semiconductor memory 5 or communication may be used) on which image data captured by the digital camera 2 is recorded, which is set in the FDD 17. Image data having such a data structure is read into the RAM 13 or the HDD 18 and stored. At this time, all the image data is read from the floppy disk 3 and stored in the RAM 13, for example, and one image data to be processed may be read from the RAM 13, or one image data from the floppy disk 3. You may make it read.

  In step S233, the counter value of the log data to be processed is set to 0, which is an initial value. In step S234, it is determined whether or not the counter value is smaller than the total number of log data + 1. In other words, it is determined whether or not all log data has been subjected to processing in step S234 and subsequent steps. In this case, since the counter value has just been set to 0, it is determined that the counter value is not larger than the total number of log data + 1, and the process proceeds to step S235.

  In step S235, the pre-log is set to the counter value, and the next log is set to the counter value + 1. Note that the prelog and the next log are log data that are adjacent in time (counter values are adjacent), and the prelog is log data that indicates the time immediately before the next log. In step S236, it is determined whether or not the time indicated by the pre-log is before the shooting date and time. That is, it is determined whether or not the time indicated by the prelog is a time that is earlier than the shooting date and time included in the image data to be processed, which is read in step S232.

  If it is determined in step S236 that the time indicated by the pre-log is before the shooting date and time, the process proceeds to step S237, and it is determined whether or not the time indicated by the next log is a time that is later than the shooting date and time. If it is determined that the next log is not later than the shooting date and time, the process proceeds to step S238, where the counter value is incremented by 1, and the processing after step S234 is performed on the log data of the new counter value. Repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S237 that the time indicated by the next log is a time after the shooting date and time, the process proceeds to step S239. In step S239, the shooting location is estimated. Here, a method of estimating the shooting location will be described with reference to FIG. If the shooting date and time is “10:32:40”, first, the log data of the pre-log counter value 0 to 28 (time “10:18:00” to time “10:32:00”) is processed in step S236. In step S237, it is determined that the time indicated by the pre-log is before the shooting date and time. However, in step S237, it is determined that the time indicated by the next log is not after the shooting date and time, so the processing in steps S234 to S238 is repeated. It will be.

  When the counter value reaches 29 (that is, the time indicated by the pre-log is “10:32:30” and the time indicated by the next log is “10:33:00”), the process of step S236 is performed. Since it is determined that the time indicated by the pre-log is before the time of the photographing date and time, and it is determined in step S237 that the time indicated by the next log is after the photographing date and time, the image is captured by the processing of step S239. The location will be guessed. Such a state is the state shown in FIG. That is, the shooting date and time is located between the two log data.

  In this case, the shooting date is “10:32:40”, the time indicated by the previous log data is “10:32:30”, and the time indicated by the subsequent log data is “10:33:00”. . As illustrated in FIG. 30, when two log data and a point indicating the shooting date / time are plotted on the time axis, the point indicating the shooting date / time is a point that internally divides the two points indicating the log data. it is conceivable that. Therefore, when the point indicating the shooting date / time is considered to be a point dividing the point indicating the two log data into 1: 2, the position information of the shooting date / time can be estimated from the position information of the two log data. it can.

  In this case, the position information of the log data at time “10:32:30” is “N42 ° 32′35” ”and“ E135 ° 12′20 ”, and the log data at time“ 10:33:00 ”. The position information is “N42 ° 35′35 ″” and “E135 ° 00′40 ″”. The north latitude (N) of the shooting location is presumed to be “N42 ° 33′35” ”because the position information of the two log data is internally divided into one to two. Further, the east longitude (E) of the shooting location is assumed to be “E135 ° 04′20” ”because the position information of the two log data is divided into one to two. In step S239, the shooting location corresponding to the shooting date and time is determined based on such estimation.

  If the shooting date and time indicated by the log data match, in other words, if the internal ratio is 0: X (X is a value depending on the storage interval of the log data) The position information of the log data is estimated as the shooting location data of the image data to be processed.

  As described above, the GPS device 1 can select an intermittent mode in which log data is stored at intervals of a maximum of 3600 seconds (1 hour) from a continuous mode in which log data is stored every second. Further, the GPS device 1 may not be able to accurately receive signals from satellites where there are obstacles or the like (sometimes it may not be able to store log data including accurate position information). For this reason, there is a case where there is no log data including position information corresponding to (coincidence with) the shooting date / time of the image data because the signal from the satellite could not be received in the intermittent mode or due to shielding. is assumed. In order to deal with such a case, the shooting location is estimated by the processing as described above.

  When the shooting location is estimated (determined) in step S239, the data of the shooting location and the image data to be processed are associated with each other and stored in, for example, the HDD 18 in step S241.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S234 that the counter value is greater than the total number of log data + 1, or if it is determined in step S236 that the time indicated by the pre-log is not earlier than the time of the photographing date and time (that is, In this case, since it is compared with the shooting date and time in order from the earliest time, it is determined that the time indicated by the pre-log is not earlier than the shooting date and time. It means that it indicates a later time), and the process proceeds to step S240.

  In step S240, it is determined that the shooting location corresponding to the image data to be processed cannot be estimated. In step S241, image data is stored together with data indicating that the shooting location cannot be estimated.

  In the above description, after searching for two log data at a time close to the shooting date and time, the shooting location is estimated. First, a step for searching log data at a time that matches the shooting date and time is provided. The estimation may be performed only when log data to be searched is not retrieved.

  In this way, the image data associated with the shooting location is displayed as a thumbnail image at a position on the digital map corresponding to the position information on a predetermined application, or a predetermined area based on the position information. Editing is done so that they are grouped together. Further, when the image data is displayed on the digital map, the position information associated with the image data is acquired by the user's instruction (the log data stored when the mark button 36 is operated). In the case of the position information from), a display indicating that may be displayed.

  Log data is used not only in association with image data, but also based on time information, and if the position information is plotted on the digital map in the sorted order, a walking trajectory walking at that time is created. You can also.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a still image obtained by the digital camera 2 is used has been described as an example. However, the present invention is applied to image data of a moving image obtained by a digital video camera or the like. Can be applied. In addition to GPS, GLONASS (Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System) may be used.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a program storage medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  Here, the program storage medium for storing the program installed in the personal computer 4 and ready to be executed by the personal computer 4 includes a magnetic disk 131 (including a floppy disk) and a magneto-optical disk 132 as shown in FIG. (Including CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory), DVD (digital versatile disk)), magneto-optical disk 133 (including MD (mini-disk)), or semiconductor media 134 package media, or It is configured by a ROM 112 in which a program is stored temporarily or permanently, a hard disk constituting the storage unit 118, or the like. The program is stored in the program storage medium using a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via an interface such as a router or a modem as necessary. Is called.

  In this specification, the steps for describing the program provided by the medium are performed in parallel or individually in accordance with the described order, as well as the processing performed in time series, not necessarily in time series. The process to be executed is also included.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 GPS apparatus, 2 Digital camera, 4 Personal computer, 31 Antenna, 32 Main body, 33 GPS lamp, 34 REC lamp, 35 POWER lamp, 36 Mark button, 37 Power button, 38 PC mounting part, 39 Strap mounting part, 40 Battery Lid, 41 OPEN button, 42 USB port, 51 operation unit, 52 storage unit, 53 control unit, 54 power supply unit, 61, 62 switch

Claims (5)

Power supply means for supplying power from the attached battery;
Receiving means for receiving power from an external device, and
In the case of the first mode in which the acquired position information is stored in a storage device provided therein, the position information stored in the storage device is connected to the external device using the power supplied by the power supply means. In the second mode of outputting to the external device, the power supply by the power supply unit is stopped, and the power received by the reception unit is used. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position information is GPS data. When it is in the first mode when connected to the external device, the power supply from the power supply means is stopped, and when connected to the external device, the power supply from the power supply means The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the computer is stopped, the stopped state is maintained. In an information processing method for an information processing apparatus having power supply means for receiving power from a mounted battery and receiving means for receiving power from an external device,
In the case of the first mode in which the acquired position information is stored in a storage device provided therein, control is performed so that each unit operates using the power supplied by the power supply unit,
In the second mode, which is connected to the external device and outputs the position information stored in the storage device to the external device, the power supply by the power supply means is stopped and accepted by the accepting means An information processing method for controlling each unit to operate using electric power. An information processing apparatus having power supply means for receiving power supply from a mounted battery and receiving means for receiving power from an external device,
In the case of the first mode in which the acquired position information is stored in a storage device provided therein, control is performed so that each unit operates using the power supplied by the power supply unit,
In the second mode, which is connected to the external device and outputs the position information stored in the storage device to the external device, the power supply by the power supply means is stopped and accepted by the accepting means A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing a step for controlling each unit to operate using electric power.

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