JP2010170265A - Image managing apparatus, method, program, and system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To store an image into a proper folder even when information for identifying an object such as a license plate is not included in the image. <P>SOLUTION: When a face is detected from a through image, a blog folder is set to store a blog image. When the face is not detected and a vehicle number is not detected, a folder having the detected vehicle number as a folder name is prepared, and a user can freely select whether or not the blog image is stored into the folder. When the face and the vehicle number are not detected in an imaging process afterwards, a folder set as a previous storage stores the blog image. That is, the blog images are continuously stored into the same folder, unless the face or the vehicle number is detected in a certain imaging process. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for managing images for publication on the Internet or other networks.

  In Patent Document 1, a size conversion unit converts an original image obtained as a result of a shutter operation of a CCD into a blog image size. The file control unit creates a blog image by converting the image resized by the size conversion unit into a predetermined file format. The folder control unit stores the blog image in the blog folder and stores the normal size normal image in the normal folder. The blog posting unit transmits the blog image stored in the blog folder to the blog server 2 in response to determining that communication with the blog server is possible.

  In Patent Document 2, a data input unit that receives input of a monitoring camera image and a recognition camera image, an area specifying unit that specifies an area of a vehicle license plate in the recognition camera image, and the world coordinates of each camera image A region position specifying unit that specifies which region of the monitoring camera image the matching license plate region matches, and image data that has been subjected to image processing that conceals the license plate region in the specified monitoring camera image And an image processing unit that creates the restoration data of the image data, and a transmission unit that transmits the image data subjected to the image processing and the restoration data to the management apparatus.

   In Patent Literature 3, when a license plate of a vehicle body is first photographed using a digital camera, the vehicle body number is automatically recognized from the image data of the license plate. Then, a folder with a folder name based on the vehicle body number is created on the recording medium of the digital camera. Subsequently, when the target part of the vehicle body is photographed, the image data is recorded in the created folder. The license plate information is added to the header portion of the image data.

JP 2008-34963 A JP 2007-164275 A JP 2004-227034 A

  When uploading a car image with a car number to a weblog site that boasts a car like Patent Document 1, create a folder according to the number of the license plate as Patent Document 3. If you manage image files, you can manage images for each car in separate folders. Furthermore, using Patent Document 2, it is possible to perform a privacy process such as blurring on a license plate in an image. In this way, the site that uploads car images according to the car number can be changed to the weblog site that boasts the car, and the privacy processing can be performed to automatically upload it to the site.

  However, when the license plate is not included as in the image of the wheel part of the car, there is a problem that the image is not stored in the car folder or uploaded to the wrong site.

  The present invention makes it possible to classify and store an image in an appropriate folder even when the image does not contain information relating to identification of a license plate or other subject.

  An image management apparatus according to the present invention creates a web log image by performing a predetermined web log process suitable for publication on a web log site on a desired original image, and the web log image is stored in a predetermined recording medium. A weblog image creation unit for recording, a subject information identification unit for identifying subject information related to subject identification from an original image on which the weblog image creation unit is to create a weblog image, and subject information identification A folder creation unit for creating a folder by identification information, which is a folder with a folder name based on subject information identified from the original image by the unit, on a predetermined recording medium, and a source from which the subject information identification unit was able to identify subject information A storage control unit that stores the weblog image created by the weblog image creation unit from the subject information identification image, which is an image, in a folder for each identification information. When the subject information identifying unit can identify the first subject information from the desired first original image, the control unit detects the first information from the second original image that is different from the first original image. Until a second subject information different from the subject information is identified, a weblog image created from a non-subject information identification image, which is an arbitrary original image for which the subject information identification unit has not been able to identify the subject information, The information is stored in a previously stored folder that is a folder by identification information to which a folder name based on one subject information is assigned.

  Note that a selection as to whether or not to create a folder by identification information may be received from the operation unit, and a folder by identification information may be created according to the selection from the operation unit.

  The subject information includes a vehicle number. For example, the vehicle number may be recognized from a car license plate.

  A subject information recognition region synthesizing unit that synthesizes an image showing a region in which subject information is recognized with an original image and outputs the synthesized image to a predetermined display device.

  In this way, it can be visually recognized that the license plate having the subject information is recognized.

  A face detection unit that detects a face area of a person, and when the face detection unit detects a face area from the non-subject information identification image, the storage control unit previously saved a weblog image created from the non-subject information identification image Save to a different folder.

  When a face is detected from the image, the image related to the car and the image containing the face are mixed and managed in one folder by saving the image in a folder different from the previous saving folder. You can prevent incoming images from being sent to inappropriate blog servers.

  The predetermined weblog processing includes image processing for hiding a face area or a face part included in the face area.

  A web log image processing menu unit that receives a desired instruction from a processing menu related to the web log image is provided.

  The weblog image processing menu instructing unit, through the processing menu, items relating to the transmission of the weblog image, items relating to the size of the weblog image, items relating to the naming rule of the folder by identification information, items relating to the destination of the weblog image, A selection of a desired item is received from items relating to selection of the content of processing for a predetermined web log and items relating to composition of web log images.

  A transmission destination setting unit is provided that receives, for each web log image, the setting of the address of the web log site that is the transmission destination of each weblog image in response to selection of an item relating to the transmission destination of the weblog image.

  A destination can be set for each folder, and images stored in the folder can be sent to a desired destination in a batch.

  A transmission instructing unit that accepts an input of an instruction as to whether or not to transmit a weblog image to a weblog site identified by an address for which the destination setting unit has received the setting by selecting an item related to the transmission of the weblog image, and a transmission instruction When the communication unit attempts to connect to the weblog site at the address corresponding to the weblog image and the communication unit connects to the weblog site, A final confirmation unit that displays a blog image on a predetermined display screen and receives a final confirmation input as to whether or not to transmit a blog image from a predetermined operation unit. In response to receiving the final confirmation input for transmitting the blog image, the blog image is transmitted to the connected blog site.

  You can check the privacy process for leaks before sending the image. You can also check the contents of the image to be sent.

  The transmission destination setting unit accepts the setting of the address of the weblog site for each folder storing the weblog image, and the communication unit converts the weblog image stored in the desired storage folder to the address of the address corresponding to the storage folder. Send to blog site.

  A privacy processing selection unit that accepts selection of a type of image processing for hiding subject information in response to selection of an item related to selection of the content of processing for a predetermined weblog, and the weblog image creation unit includes a privacy processing The type of image processing that the selection unit has accepted is performed.

  Various protection processes (blurring, filling, etc.) are applied to parts that cause privacy problems such as car numbers and human faces.

  A plurality of desired web log images selected from a predetermined operation unit are pasted together in a desired size and a desired arrangement selected from the predetermined operation unit in response to selection of an item relating to the composition of the web log images. And a composite weblog image section for creating one weblog image.

  The weblog image creation unit includes image processing for resizing the original image to a desired size selected from a predetermined operation unit in response to selection of an item related to the size of the weblog image.

  Images can be resized to the desired size for blogs.

  The folder creation unit assigns a folder name in accordance with a desired folder name naming rule selected from a predetermined operation unit in response to selection of an item related to the naming rule for each identification information folder.

  You can freely specify the rules for names automatically assigned to folders.

  A shooting web log image creation instruction unit is provided for receiving a weblog image creation instruction at the time of shooting.

  Weaving image creation comprising an imaging unit that outputs an image obtained by photoelectrically converting subject light incident through a photographing lens, and a recording unit that records an image output by the imaging unit on a predetermined recording medium The section creates a web log image by performing predetermined web log processing on the image output from the imaging section in response to the instruction received by the web log image creation instruction section during shooting.

  The original image includes a recorded image recorded by the recording unit according to a predetermined format.

  A web log image creation unit, comprising: a display unit that displays a recorded image; and a post-shooting web log image creation instruction unit that accepts an instruction to start creating a web log image from the recorded image displayed on the display unit. Generates a web log image from the recorded image displayed on the display unit in response to the instruction received by the web log image creation instruction unit after shooting.

  Even after taking an image, a weblog image can be created from a normal original image.

  In the image management method according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus creates a web log image by performing predetermined web log processing suitable for publication on a web log site on a desired original image, and the web log image A step based on the subject information identified from the original image, a step for identifying subject information related to subject identification from the original image to be a target for creating a weblog image, and a folder based on the subject information identified from the original image Creating a folder by identification information, which is a folder with a name, on a predetermined recording medium, and adding a weblog image created from a subject information identification image, which is an original image with which subject information can be identified, to a folder by identification information If the first subject information can be identified from the storing step and the desired first original image, the first subject from the second original image different from the first original image Based on the first subject information, a weblog image created from a non-subject information identification image that is an arbitrary original image for which subject information could not be identified until second subject information different from the information is identified. And a step of saving in a previously saved folder that is a folder by identification information to which a folder name is assigned.

  An image management program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute an image management method is also included in the present invention.

  An image management system including the image management apparatus according to the ninth or tenth application of the present application and a weblog site that publishes a weblog image received from the image management apparatus is also included in the present invention.

  According to the present invention, the image storage folder can be divided according to subject identification information, for example, a car number. In addition, the storage location of the previous weblog image is continuously used without taking a license plate.

Front view of digital camera Rear view of digital camera Block diagram of digital camera Top view of mode dial A diagram conceptually showing a program executed by the main CPU A diagram conceptually showing a blog folder and a normal folder created separately on a memory card Flow chart of shooting process The figure which shows an example of the through image which recognizes a car number The figure which shows an example of the message display which prompts selection of whether to create the folder classified by car number The figure which shows an example of the image for the blog preserved in the preservation folder Flow chart of transmission processing Figure showing an example of a menu Figure showing an example of a blog image that has undergone privacy processing Diagram showing an example of privacy processing (black painting) Diagram showing an example of privacy processing (image composition) Diagram showing an example of a composite image Flow chart for image storage processing for blogs The figure which shows an example of the current image which recognizes a car number

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a digital camera (hereinafter abbreviated as a camera) 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  A lens barrel 60 disposed in front of the camera 100 incorporates a photographing lens 101 including a zoom lens 101a (see FIG. 3) and a focus lens 101b (see FIG. 3). The focal length is adjusted by moving the focus lens to, and the focus is adjusted by moving the focus lens 101b in the optical axis direction.

  The lens barrel 60 is advanced from the camera body 180 by moving forward and backward between the wide end, which is the shortest focal length position, and the tele end, which is the longest focal length position, from the state where the lens barrel 60 is retracted. Also stored. In this figure, a state in which the lens barrel 60 is retracted into the camera body 180 is shown.

  In addition, the camera 100 creates a state in which the photographing lens 101 is protected by covering the front surface of the photographing lens 101 and blocking the photographing lens 101 and the outside when not photographing, and a lens cover 61 that exposes the photographing lens to the outside when photographing. Is provided.

  The lens cover 61 is configured by a mechanism that can be freely opened and closed. The lens cover 61 covers the front surface of the photographing lens 101 in an open state, and exposes the front surface of the photographing lens 101 to the outside in a closed state. The lens cover 61 is opened / closed in conjunction with the power switch 121 being turned on / off. In this figure, the lens cover 61 is open.

  On the upper surface of the camera 100, a mode dial 123 and a power switch 121 provided with a release switch 104 at the center are provided, and a strobe 105a, an AF auxiliary light lamp 105b, a self-timer lamp 105c, and the like are provided on the front. Has been deployed.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the camera 100. A zoom switch 127 is provided on the back of the camera 100. When the wide (W) side of the zoom switch 127 is pressed, the lens barrel 60 is extended to the wide end (telephoto) side while being pressed, and when the other side of the tele (T) side is pressed, the lens barrel 60 is being pressed. The lens barrel 60 moves to the tele end (wide angle) side.

  On the back of the camera 100, an image display LCD 102, a cross key 124, an information position designation key 126, a “blog mode” button 128, and the like are also provided. The cross key 124 is an operation system for setting display brightness adjustment / self-timer / macro shooting / flash shooting on the top, bottom, left and right respectively. As will be described later, by pressing the lower key of the cross key 124, the main CPU 20 can set the self-photographing mode in which the CCD 132 performs the shutter operation after the time measurement of the self-timer circuit 83 is completed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the camera 100. The camera 100 is provided with an operation unit 120 for performing various operations when the user uses the camera 100. The operation unit 120 includes a power switch 121 for turning on the power for operating the camera 100, a mode dial 123 for selecting auto shooting, manual shooting, and the like, and setting and selection of various menus or zooming. A cross key 124, a flash emission switch 125, and an information position designation key 126 for executing or canceling the menu selected by the cross key 124 are provided.

  In addition, the camera 100 is provided with an image display LCD 102 for displaying captured images, reproduced images, and the like, and an operation LCD display 103 for assisting operations.

  The camera 100 is provided with a release switch 104. The release switch 104 transmits a shooting start instruction to the main CPU 20. In the camera 100, switching between photographing and reproduction can be freely performed on a predetermined menu screen. Further, the camera 100 is provided with a flash light emitting device having an AF auxiliary light lamp 105b composed of a light emitting diode (LED) for irradiating a subject with a light projection spot during contrast AF, and a strobe 105a that emits flash light.

  In addition, the camera 100 includes a photographing lens 101, a diaphragm 131, and a CCD sensor 132 (hereinafter referred to as a CCD 132) that is an imaging device that converts a subject image formed through the photographing lens 101 and the diaphragm 131 into an analog image signal. For short). The CCD 132 generates an image signal by accumulating charges generated by subject light irradiated on the CCD 132 for a variable charge accumulation time (exposure period). The CCD 132 sequentially outputs image signals for each frame at a timing synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal VD output from the CG unit 136.

  When the CCD 132 is used as the image sensor, an optical low-pass filter 132a that removes unnecessary high-frequency components in the incident light is disposed in order to prevent the generation of color false signals and moire fringes. In addition, an infrared cut filter 132b that absorbs or reflects infrared light in incident light and corrects a sensitivity characteristic unique to the CCD sensor 132 having high sensitivity in a long wavelength region is provided. The specific arrangement of the optical low-pass filter 132a and the infrared cut filter 132b is not particularly limited.

  The camera 100 also adjusts the white balance of the subject image represented by the analog image signal from the CCD sensor 132 and adjusts the slope (γ) of the straight line in the gradation characteristics of the subject image, and further amplifies the analog image signal. A white balance / γ processing unit 133 including an amplifier with a variable gain is provided.

  Further, the camera 100 includes an A / D converter 134 that A / D converts an analog signal from the white balance / γ processing unit 133 into digital R, G, B image data, and an A / D converter 134. A buffer memory 135 for storing R, G, B image data is provided.

  The R, G, B image data obtained by the A / D conversion unit 134 is also input to the AF detection unit 150. The AF detection unit 150 averages the R, G, B image data for each predetermined divided area of the screen and for each same color component, and further integrates the R, G, B image data of all areas for each frame. Average values Ir, Ig, and Ib are calculated. The integrated average values Ir, Ig, and Ib are used as the amounts of R, G, and B visible light received.

  However, the R, G, and B visible light receiving amounts Ir, Ig, and Ib can be detected by a light receiving sensor (not shown) other than the CCD 132 that has sensitivity to the R, G, and B visible lights, respectively. is there.

  Further, the camera 100 includes a CG (clock generator) unit 136, a photometry / ranging CPU 137, a charge / light emission control unit 138, a communication control unit 139, a YC processing unit 140, and a power supply battery 68. It has been.

  The CG unit 136 includes a vertical synchronization signal VD for driving the CCD sensor 132, a drive signal including a high-speed sweep pulse P, a control signal for controlling the white balance / γ processing unit 133, the A / D conversion unit 134, and communication control. A control signal for controlling the unit 139 is output. Further, a control signal from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 is input to the CG unit 136.

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 controls the zoom motor 110, the focus motor 111, and the aperture motor 112 for adjusting the aperture to drive the zoom lens 101a, the focus lens 101b, and the aperture 131, respectively, thereby driving the distance to the subject. Is calculated (ranging), and the CG unit 136 and the charge / light emission control unit 138 are controlled. Driving of the zoom motor 110, the focus motor 111, and the aperture motor 112 is controlled by the motor driver 62, and a control command for the motor driver 62 is sent from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 or the main CPU 20.

  The driving source of the zoom lens 101a, the focus lens 101b, the stop 131, and the AF auxiliary light irradiation angle is not necessarily limited to various motors such as the zoom motor 110, the focus motor 111, and the stop motor 112. It may be.

  The CPU 137 for photometry / ranging is based on image data (through image) obtained periodically (every 1/30 seconds to 1/60 seconds) by the CCD 132 when the release switch 104 is half-pressed (S1 is turned on). Measure the brightness of the subject (calculate EV value).

  That is, the AE calculation unit 151 integrates the R, G, and B image signals output from the A / D conversion unit 134 and provides the integrated values to the photometry / ranging CPU 137. The photometry / ranging CPU 137 detects the average brightness (subject brightness) of the subject based on the integrated value input from the AE calculation unit 151, and calculates an exposure value (EV value) suitable for photographing.

  Then, the photometry / ranging CPU 137 determines the exposure value including the aperture value (F value) of the aperture 131 and the electronic shutter (shutter speed) of the CCD 132 based on the obtained EV value according to a predetermined program diagram. (AE operation).

  When the release switch 104 is fully pressed (S2 is turned on), the photometry / ranging CPU 137 drives the aperture 131 based on the determined aperture value, controls the aperture diameter of the aperture 131, and determines the determined shutter speed. Based on the above, the charge accumulation time in the CCD 132 is controlled via the CG 136.

  The AE operation includes an aperture priority AE, a shutter speed priority AE, a program AE, etc. In any case, the subject brightness is measured, and an exposure value determined based on the photometric value of the subject brightness, that is, an aperture value and a shutter. By taking a picture in combination with the speed, control is performed so that an image is taken with an appropriate exposure amount, and it is possible to save troublesome determination of exposure.

  The AF detection unit 150 extracts image data corresponding to the detection range selected by the photometry / ranging CPU 137 from the A / D conversion unit 134. The method of detecting the focal position is performed using the feature that the high frequency component of the image data has the maximum amplitude at the in-focus position. The AF detection unit 150 calculates an amplitude value by integrating the high-frequency component of the extracted image data for one field period. The AF detector 150 is configured such that the photometry / ranging CPU 137 drives and controls the focus motor 111 to move the focus lens 101b within the movable range, that is, between the end point (INF point) on the infinity side and the end point (NEAR point) on the near side. When the maximum amplitude is detected, the detection value is transmitted to the photometry / ranging CPU 137 when the maximum amplitude is detected.

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 obtains this detection value and issues a command to the focus motor 111 to move the focus lens 101b to the corresponding in-focus position. The focus motor 111 moves the focus lens 101b to the in-focus position in accordance with a command from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 (AF operation).

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 is connected to the release switch 104 through inter-CPU communication with the main CPU 20, and the in-focus position is detected when the release switch 104 is half-pressed by the user. Further, a zoom motor 110 is connected to the photometry / ranging CPU 137, and when the main CPU 20 acquires a zoom command from the user in the TELE direction or WIDE direction, the zoom motor 110 is used. By driving the motor 110, the zoom lens 101a is moved between the WIDE end and the TELE end.

  The charging / light emission control unit 138 is supplied with electric power from the power supply battery 68 in order to cause the strobe 105a to emit light, and charges a flash light emitting capacitor (not shown) or controls light emission of the strobe 105a.

  The charging / light emission control unit 138 receives various signals such as a charging start of the power supply battery 68, a half-press / full-press operation signal of the release switch 104, and a signal indicating the light emission amount and the light emission timing. Is supplied to the self-timer lamp (tally lamp) 105c and the AF auxiliary light lamp 105b, and control is performed so that a desired light emission amount can be obtained at a desired timing.

  Note that the self-timer lamp 105c may be constituted by an LED, or may be made common with the LED constituting the AF auxiliary light lamp 105b.

  A self-timer circuit 83 is connected to the main CPU 20. When the self-photographing mode is set, the main CPU 20 measures time based on the full-press signal of the release switch 104. During this timing, the main CPU 20 causes the self-timer lamp 105c to blink while gradually increasing the blinking speed in accordance with the remaining time via the photometry / ranging CPU 137. The self-timer circuit 83 inputs a timing completion signal to the main CPU 20 after timing is completed. The main CPU 20 causes the CCD 132 to perform a shutter operation based on the timing completion signal.

  The communication control unit 139 includes a communication port 107, and the communication control unit 139 transmits an image signal of a subject photographed by the camera 100 to an external device such as the blog server 2 via the communication port 107. Data communication is performed with the external device by transmitting or receiving a web page or other data from the external device via the communication port 107 by wire or wireless.

  The camera 100 has a function of simulating the function of switching to ISO sensitivity 80, 100, 200, 400, 1600, etc. of a normal camera that takes a photograph in a roll-shaped photographic film, and has been switched to ISO sensitivity 400 or more. In this case, the high-sensitivity mode is set in which the amplification factor of the amplifier of the white balance / γ processing unit 133 is set to a high amplification factor exceeding a predetermined amplification factor. The communication control unit 139 stops communication with the external device during shooting in the high sensitivity mode.

  The camera 100 also includes a compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 and an I / F unit 144. The compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 reads and compresses the image data stored in the buffer memory 135 via the bus line 142 and stores the image data in the memory card 200 via the I / F unit 144. In addition, the compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 extracts an identification number (ID) unique to the memory card 200 and reads the image data stored in the memory card 200 when reading the image data stored in the memory card 200. The data is decompressed and stored in the buffer memory 135 or the RAM 149.

  The Y / C signal stored in the buffer memory 135 is compressed in accordance with a predetermined format by the compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143, and then the removable medium such as the memory card 200 or the hard disk (HDD) 75 via the I / F 144. Are recorded in a predetermined format (for example, an Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) file). Data recording to the hard disk (HDD) 75 or reading of data from the hard disk (HDD) 75 is controlled by the hard disk controller 74 in accordance with a command from the main CPU 20.

  The camera 100 includes a main CPU 20, an EEPROM 146, a YC / RGB conversion unit 147, and a display driver 148. The main CPU 20 controls the entire camera 100. The EEPROM 146 stores solid data and programs unique to the camera 100. The YC / RGB conversion unit 147 converts the color video signal YC generated by the YC processing unit 140 into RGB signals of three colors, and outputs them to the image display LCD 102 via the display driver 148.

  In addition, the camera 100 has a configuration in which an AC adapter 48 for obtaining power from an AC power supply and a power supply battery 68 are detachable. The power supply battery 68 is composed of a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, or a lithium ion battery. The power supply battery 68 may be a single-use primary battery such as a lithium battery or an alkaline battery. The power supply battery 68 is electrically connected to each circuit of the camera 100 by being loaded into a battery storage chamber (not shown).

  When the AC adapter 48 is loaded in the camera 100 and power is supplied from the AC power source to the camera 100 via the AC adapter 48, the power supply battery 68 is preferential even if it is loaded in the battery storage chamber. The power output from the AC adapter 48 is supplied to each part of the camera 100 as driving power. If the AC adapter 48 is not loaded and the power battery 68 is loaded in the battery storage chamber, the power output from the power battery 68 is supplied to each part of the camera 100 as driving power. Is done.

  Although not shown, the camera 100 is provided with a backup battery separately from the power supply battery 68 housed in the battery housing chamber. For example, a dedicated secondary battery is used as the built-in backup battery and is charged by the power supply battery 68. The backup battery supplies power to the basic functions of the camera 100 when the power battery 68 is not loaded in the battery storage chamber, such as when the power battery 68 is replaced or removed.

  That is, when the power supply from the power supply battery 68 or the AC adapter 48 is stopped, the backup battery is connected to the RTC 15 or the like by a switching circuit (not shown) and supplies power to these circuits. As a result, as long as the backup battery 29 does not reach the end of its life, power supply continues to the basic functions such as the RTC 15 without interruption.

  An RTC (Real Time Clock) 15 is a chip dedicated to timekeeping, and continuously operates by receiving power supply from the backup battery even when power supply from the power supply battery 68 or the AC adapter 48 is turned off.

  The image display LCD 102 is provided with a backlight 70 that illuminates the transmissive or transflective liquid crystal panel 71 from the back side. In the power saving mode, the main CPU 20 determines the brightness of the backlight 70 ( Brightness) is controlled through the backlight driver 72, and the power consumption of the backlight 70 is reduced. In the power saving mode, the information position designation key 126 of the operation unit 120 is pressed to display a menu screen on the image display LCD 102, and a predetermined operation can be performed on the menu screen so that on / off can be set. It has become.

  FIG. 4 is a view of the mode dial 123 as seen from above. The mode dial 123 is configured by a rotatable dial switch. On the mode dial 123, an icon, which is a mark that can intuitively recognize each operation mode, is printed. The mode dial 123 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow (clockwise or counterclockwise) in the figure, and the photographer rotates the mode dial 123 so that the icon corresponding to the desired operation is at the position of the alignment mark 97. As a result, the operation mode can be selected.

  In this figure, the icon 123-1 corresponds to the “blog mode”. Other types of modes include, for example, a still image shooting mode for shooting a still image and a moving image shooting mode for shooting a moving image. Further, the still image shooting mode includes shutter speed, aperture value, etc. Auto mode for automatically setting shooting conditions, Manual mode for manually setting shooting conditions, portrait shooting, landscape shooting, sports shooting, night scene shooting, etc. There are various shooting modes (portrait mode, portrait shooting mode, landscape mode, sports mode, night view mode) that are automatically set to the shooting conditions such as exposure value, white balance, and the like.

  The blog mode is set by matching the “blog mode” icon 123-1 with the alignment mark 97. When the blog mode is set, processing corresponding to this is performed at the time of image recording.

  However, there is no necessity to set the operation mode with the mode dial 123. For example, the blog mode and other arbitrary operation modes can be set by operating the cross key 124 and the information position designation key 126 from the imaging mode menu displayed on the image display LCD 102.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, a “blog mode” button 128 is provided on the outer surface of the camera body as a part of the operation unit 120 (see FIG. 3), and the blog is displayed in response to the “blog mode” button 128 being pressed. A mode may be set.

  FIG. 5 conceptually shows a program executed by the main CPU 20 in a block diagram. The main CPU 20 includes a blog menu display unit 20a, an HTML tag analysis unit 20b, an Exif tag control unit 20c, a folder control unit 20d, and a file control unit, which are program modules stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as the EEPROM 146 and the hard disk 75. 20e, the blog image creation unit 20g, the blog address management unit 20l, and the blog posting unit 20m are executed.

  Each block illustrated in FIG. 5 may be a processing unit of a program (stored in the EEPROM 146) executed by the CPU 20, but may be configured by a logic circuit different from the CPU 20.

  The blog menu display unit 20a controls the OSD signal generation circuit 148a to generate and output a video signal for a blog menu and a detailed menu described later. The video signal of the blog menu output from the OSD signal generation circuit 148 a is mixed with the image signal from the YC / RGB conversion unit 147 and supplied to the liquid crystal panel 71.

  The HTML tag analysis unit 20b analyzes the HTML tag of the HTML file describing the web log site and other web pages received from the blog server 2, and displays the web page on the liquid crystal panel 71 according to the analysis result.

  The blog address management unit 201 manages the storage, change, deletion, or addition of the URL of the web log site of the specific blog server 2 that uploads the web log. The URL of the web log site is stored in the EEPROM 146, the HDD 75, a flash memory (not shown), or the like.

  The blog posting unit 20m outputs a blog image stored in a default blog image folder, a car number-specific folder, or a face-specific folder, which will be described later, or an arbitrary sentence specified in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 120. Is transmitted to the blog server 2 designated by the web blog site managed by the.

  The folder control unit 20d creates a folder as a storage destination of the captured image in a recording medium that can record the captured image, here, the HDD 75 or the memory card 200. A folder is a unit for classifying and storing data, and can have a hierarchical structure. For example, the normal folder and the default blog image folder are created as a top folder (root folder) and a vehicle number-specific folder created for each vehicle number recognized by the vehicle number recognition unit 20g-7 (see FIG. 6). ). Note that a face-specific folder created for each individual face detected by the face-eye detection unit 20g-2 can be created in a lower hierarchy subordinate to the default blog image folder.

  In FIG. 6, a folder by face and a folder by car number are created as root folders different from the normal folder and the default blog image. However, the folder hierarchy structure in FIG. 6 is not absolute, and the hierarchy where the folder by face and the folder by car number are created may be arbitrarily specified from the operation unit 120. For example, the default blog image May be subordinated to a car number-specific folder.

  The folder control unit 20d stores a blog folder for storing an image transmitted by the blog posting unit 20m as a blog image, and a normal folder for storing an image (normal image) used for a normal use such as a photo print or a screen display. Each is created separately on a recording medium. Hereinafter, for simplicity of explanation, the recording medium on which the folder is created is the memory card 200, but may be the HDD 75. By storing images in these separate folders, normal images and blog images are classified. Note that the normal folder and the blog folder are not necessarily created on the same recording medium. For example, the normal folder may be created on a separate recording medium such as the memory card 200 and the blog folder on the HDD 75 or a flash memory (not shown).

  The folder control unit 20d gives a unique name (folder name) that does not overlap each other between different folders to the created folder. The folder control unit 20d can assign a folder name arbitrarily designated from the operation unit 120 to a newly created folder within a range where folder names do not overlap. Further, the folder control unit 20d can add the vehicle number recognized by the vehicle number recognition processing unit 20g-7 from the through image or the recorded image to the newly created folder.

  The file control unit 20e controls reading and writing of image files such as development of image files in the memory card 200 or compression recording of image data in the buffer memory 135.

  The blog image creation unit 20g includes a plurality of program modules, that is, a size conversion unit 20g-1, a contour extraction unit 20g-2, a face / eye detection unit 20g-3, a mask control unit 20g-4, and an image composition control unit 20g-. 5, frame control unit 20g-6, vehicle number recognition unit 20g-7. The blog image creation unit 20g creates a blog image by executing at least one of the plurality of program modules. Of course, the image of the memory card 200 itself may be used as it is for the blog image, and the blog image does not necessarily have to be processed.

  The size conversion unit 20g-1 has a function (resizing function) for converting an image stored in the buffer memory 135 into a size suitable for blog posting. The size to be converted can be arbitrarily designated by the operation unit 120. For example, when “change blog image size” is selected from the menu shown in FIG. 12 described later, sub-items for image sizes such as VGA and QVGA are displayed, and a desired image size is selected from the sub-items. Create a blog image by resizing the normal image.

  The contour extraction unit 20g-2 recognizes the contour of a specific object such as a ball, a building, a vehicle, or the like from the image stored in the buffer memory 135. The contour of a specific object is registered in advance in the HDD 75 or the like as a contour pattern. The contour extraction unit 20g-2 recognizes the contour by recognizing or predicting a closed curve (contour connection) surrounding the center, assuming that the subject at the AF in-focus position is the center of the subject. Alternatively, the contour extracting unit 20g-2 may recognize a specific contour by detecting a contrast difference or an edge portion of the image and matching it with a contour pattern. When the contour extracting unit 20g-2 recognizes a specific contour, the contour extracting unit 20g-2 extracts an image region surrounded by the contour.

  The face / eye detection unit 20 g-3 detects a face area that is an area including a human face from the image stored in the buffer memory 135. As a method for detecting a face region, for example, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-101579 by the present applicant can be applied.

  This technology determines whether or not the hue of each pixel of the captured image is included in the skin color range and divides it into a skin color region and a non-skin color region, and detects edges in the image to detect each pixel in the image. The location is classified as an edge portion or a non-edge portion. Then, an area surrounded by pixels that are located in the skin color area and classified as a non-edge part and surrounded by pixels that are determined to be edge parts is extracted as a face candidate area, and the extracted face candidate area becomes a human face. It is determined whether the region is a corresponding region, and is detected as a face region based on the determination result. In addition to this, a face region can also be detected by a method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2003-209683 and 2002-199221. Alternatively, a face detection method by edge detection or shape pattern detection, a feature point vector which is a coordinate of a feature part, and a feature point vector approximation method by approximating a feature point vector, a region detection method by hue detection or skin color detection, A method for extracting feature values of face parts and matching them with a sample of a part as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-342003, or a known method such as face discrimination based on a correlation value with a template as in Japanese Patent No. 4127521 is used. Can do. The face / eye detection unit 20g-3 can also instruct the compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 and the HDD controller 74 to store the recognized face area image data.

  Further, the face / eye detection unit 20g-3 detects an eye area where the eye exists from the face area detected from the image. The eye region can be detected from the relative positional relationship of the approximate face center position obtained as a result of face detection.

  The mask control unit 20g-4 performs image processing that makes it difficult to view privacy information including the eye area of the subject detected by the face / eye detection unit 20g and the vehicle number recognized by the vehicle number recognition unit 20g-5 (for example, the subject By performing image processing that hides the eye area and the car number), it is difficult to view the eye and car number of the subject, and the privacy and portrait rights of the subject and the image poster are protected. Examples of this image processing are black blindfold and other image composition processing, mosaic processing, low resolution processing, blurring processing, and embossing processing. In addition, the face parts other than the eyes, for example, the nose and the mouth may be detected, and the process of hiding these face parts may be performed. Alternatively, the entire face area may be detected by skin color detection or the like, and the face area may be hidden.

  What kind of privacy processing is to be performed may be arbitrarily selected from the operation unit 120, and the selected kind of privacy processing may be performed. For example, the selection of “blog image privacy setting” is received from the menu of FIG. 12 described later, and the target of privacy setting, which is a submenu that appears subsequently, is “processing to face” or “processing to car”. Depending on the selection of “Process to face”, a submenu of privacy processing types such as “Blindfold” and “Blur” will be displayed, and the desired type will be selected and selected. Privacy processing corresponding to the type. For example, if “blindfold” is selected, a black blindfold line is synthesized. Similarly, when “Process to car” is selected, the sub-menus such as “Paste image” and “Mosaic processing” are also displayed, and the user can select the desired type and select the privacy corresponding to the selected type. Process. If “Paste image” is selected, an image for pasting stored in the flash memory 152 is displayed, a desired image is selected from the image, and the selected image is combined with the position of the privacy information.

  The image composition control unit 20g-5 creates a single new still image by compositing and integrating a plurality of desired images stored in the memory card 200 or the HDD 75 in an arbitrary arrangement.

  The frame control unit 20g-6 combines a frame image designated in advance with a desired image stored in the memory card 200 or the HDD 75 to create a new image.

  The vehicle number recognizing unit 20g-7 uses a captured image (either a through image or a recorded image of the memory card 200) obtained by the CCD 132 and an image of a license plate portion of the vehicle (for example, a white rectangle in the captured image). Region) is cut out, and the image of the license plate portion cut out here is subjected to character recognition processing such as pattern matching for each character written on the license plate to recognize the registration number (vehicle number). It is assumed that character patterns such as numbers and kanji are stored in the EEPROM 146 or the flash memory 152. The vehicle number recognition unit 20g-7 can also instruct the compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 and the HDD controller 74 to store the recognized vehicle number.

  The vehicle number is vehicle identification information, but if the subject is a person, instead of the vehicle number, the identification number of the person's name tag or other subject identification information or image information embedded therein (for example, a barcode) QR code) can be used, and the embodiment of the present application is not necessarily applied only to the identification of the license plate of the vehicle, but can be applied to various types of image information including identification information of the subject.

  The blog address management unit 20 f stores the address (URL) of the blog server 2 input from the operation unit 120 in the flash memory 152. When a plurality of addresses are input, the name and address of the blog server 2 are stored in association with each other. It is also possible to store an address associated with each image and each folder. For example, “blog image transmission destination setting” is selected from the menu of FIG. 12 to be described later, and then a screen including a text box for inputting an address for each folder is displayed, and an address corresponding to each folder is input. The address corresponding to each input folder is stored in the flash memory 152.

  In response to the instruction from the operation unit 120, the blog posting unit 20m sends an instruction to the communication control unit 139 to transmit the blog image to the blog server 2. The blog server 2 which is the transmission destination of the blog image is specified by an address arbitrarily selected by the operation unit 120 among the addresses stored in the flash memory 152 by the blog address management unit 20f. If a folder is associated with the selected address, all the images stored in the folder are transmitted to the blog server 2 specified by the selected address. When the transmission of the blog image is normally completed, the blog posting unit 20m transmits the identification information (file name and the like) of the normally transmitted blog image to the file control unit 20e. The file control unit 20e deletes the blog image identified by the identification information received from the blog posting unit 20m.

  On the other hand, as is well known, the blog server 2 is a server that manages and publishes blog pages of many users. Each user's blog page and its image are stored in information storage means such as a hard disk. The embodiment of the present application is characterized by the storage, processing, and transmission of the blog image on the camera 100 and other terminals, so that the details of the publishing of the blog are omitted, but the blog server 2 includes the camera 100, mobile phone, personal computer. Authentication means for authenticating whether or not the user who accesses the information terminal is an administrator, and instructions from the information terminal to create / edit / delete the blog page corresponding to the administrator authenticated by the authentication means And a blog page management unit that performs operations according to received data (image, text, layout information), and a transmission unit that reads a blog page designated from an information terminal of a general user who is not an administrator from the information storage unit and returns the blog page to the information terminal And, if necessary, an information input form is transmitted to the information terminal of the general user, and within the post input from the information terminal of the general user A, and a post management means for writing the information storage means as posting information corresponding to the blog page.

  When a display content such as a title, text, or image is input from the dedicated form transmitted to the information terminal of the camera 100 or other administrator and transmitted to the blog server 2, the display content is automatically laid out in the design, and the content Will be added. Unlike conventional websites, it is not necessary to create text editors or dedicated software, or rewrite and upload HTML files. In blogs, site administrators can freely upload text and images, like a diary. Can be updated easily every day.

  FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the photographing process executed by the CPU 20. A program that causes the CPU 20 to execute this processing is stored in the EEPROM 146. This process starts in response to half-pressing of the release switch 104 after setting the blog mode 123-1. Note that the CPU 20 starts AF / AE processing in response to the release switch 104 being pressed halfway. If a shooting mode other than the blog mode 123-1 is set, an image is recorded in response to half-press / full-press of the release switch 104, and no blog folder or blog image is created.

  In S1, the face detection unit 20g-3 is instructed to recognize the face area from the through image. The face detection unit 20g-3 recognizes a face area from the through image in the buffer memory 135 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 20. If it can be recognized (Yes), the process proceeds to S2. If it cannot be recognized (No), the process proceeds to S3. If the car number cannot be partially recognized, the process proceeds to S3.

  In S2, the folder control unit 20d creates a blog folder in the memory card 200 (but does not create it if it already exists). Then, the file control unit 20e sets the storage destination of the blog image to the blog folder. The setting contents of the storage destination are stored in the HDD 75 or the flash memory 152. Note that the captured image in which both the face and the car number are recognized may be saved in a blog folder, or may be saved in a folder (a folder by car number) having the recognized car number as a folder name.

  In S3, the CPU 20 instructs the vehicle number recognition processing unit 20g-7 to recognize the vehicle number from the through image. The vehicle number recognition processing unit 20g-7 recognizes the vehicle number (a character string written on the number plate of the vehicle) from the through image in the buffer memory 135 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 20 (see FIG. 8). The OSD signal generation circuit 148a may combine the image of the detection frame surrounding the recognized vehicle number with a through image and output the synthesized image to the LCD 102. This way you can see visually that the car number is being detected. CPU20 judges whether the notification of the vehicle number recognized from the vehicle number recognition process part 20g-7 was received. If Yes, the process proceeds to S4. If No, the process proceeds to S8.

  In S4, it is determined whether or not a vehicle number-specific folder assigned the same folder name as the vehicle number notified from the vehicle number recognition processing unit 20g-7 exists in the memory card 200. If yes, go to S5, if no, go to S6. Here, “identical” refers to a mismatch of essential parts related to vehicle identification, and does not require matching of peripheral information not related to vehicle identification, such as a hyphen.

  In S5, the file control unit 20e sets the storage destination of the blog image to a car number-specific folder assigned the same folder name as the recognized car number. The setting contents of the storage destination are stored in the HDD 75 or the flash memory 152.

  In S6, a message is displayed prompting the user to select whether or not to create a folder by car number with the same folder name as the car number recognized by the car number recognition processing unit 20g-7. 120 (see FIG. 9). If a selection for creating a folder by car number is accepted, the process proceeds to S7, and if not accepted, the process proceeds to S8.

  In S7, the folder control unit 20d creates a car number-specific folder in the memory card 200 having the recognized car number as the folder name. However, symbols such as hyphens that are irrelevant to the identification of the identity of the car number may be excluded from the folder name. Alternatively, a recognized vehicle number may be added after an immobile character such as “No” or “car number”, and a character string including the immobile character and the car number may be used as the folder name. Alternatively, a character string arbitrarily input by the user from the operation unit 120 may be used as the folder name as long as it does not overlap with other folder names. For the naming rule of the folder name, “car number folder setting” is selected from a predetermined menu (see FIG. 12), and an arbitrary sub-item “No + car number”, “car number only”, etc. appearing accordingly is selected. It can be arbitrarily specified by selecting a sub-item. Then, the file control unit 20e sets the storage location of the blog image as the default blog image folder. The setting contents of the storage destination are stored in the HDD 75 or the flash memory 152.

  In S8, the file control unit 20e sets the storage destination of the blog image to the folder stored in the HDD 75 or the flash memory 152 in S2, 5, or 7 of the previous shooting process. If there is no previous setting, the storage location of the blog image is set to the default blog image folder.

  In S9, in response to the release switch 104 being fully pressed, the CCD 132 is caused to perform a shutter operation to acquire image data for recording.

  In S10, the file control unit 20e creates an image file storing the normal image from the image data for recording, and stores it in the normal folder. The size converter 20g-1 creates a blog image from the recording image data, and stores the blog image in the folder set as the storage destination in S2, 5, 7, or 8 (see FIG. 10). ).

  The main points of the above processing are as follows. When a face is detected from the through image, the blog folder is set as the storage destination of the blog image. When a face is not detected but a car number is not detected, a folder having the detected car number as a folder name is created, and the user can freely select whether or not to save a blog image in the folder.

  If neither the face nor the car number is detected in the subsequent shooting process, the folder set as the previous save destination continues to be the save destination for the blog image. That is, as long as no face or car number is detected in a certain shooting process, the blog image continues to be stored in the same folder.

  Further, when a car number different from the previous time is detected in the subsequent photographing process, a new folder having the car number as a folder name is created according to the user's selection.

  If a face is detected in the subsequent shooting process, the blog image is stored in the blog folder.

  Thereafter, the mask control unit 20g-4 performs image processing on an important part of the blog image as necessary. The blog posting unit 20m transmits the blog image stored in the blog folder to the blog server 2. The transmission may be performed every time the blog image is saved, but there is a problem that the next shooting cannot be performed until the transmission is completed. Therefore, it is more efficient in terms of continuous shooting of images to start all at once in response to a transmission instruction from the operation unit 120 or arrival of a specific event (for example, when the power is turned on / off). The blog image transmitted to the blog server 2 is deleted from the folder. The blog image that has not been transmitted due to a communication failure or the like remains in the folder. However, if communication is possible thereafter, the blog posting unit 20m attempts to transmit, and if transmitted, the blog image is deleted from the folder.

  For example, it is assumed that captured images I1-1 to I1-4 as shown in FIG. A face is detected from I1-1, and the blog image I2-1 corresponding to I1-1 is stored in the default blog image folder. The car number “12-34” is detected from I1-2 obtained following I1-1, a folder with the folder name “1234” is created, and the blog image I2-2 is stored in the folder. Since neither the car number nor the face is detected from I1-3 obtained after I1-2 (the wheel of the car is the subject), I1-3 is stored in the folder with the folder name “1234” as with I1-2. . The car number “56-78” is detected from I1-4 obtained subsequent to I1-3, a folder with the folder name “5678” is created, and the blog image I2-4 is stored in the folder.

  In this way, even if you take an image that does not include a car license plate, if a folder corresponding to the captured image that contains the car number has been created in the previous shooting process, you can save it there, Images that do not include car numbers can also be managed in a folder for each car number. Since an image including a face is not managed in a folder for each car number, an image unrelated to a car is prevented from being mixed into the car number folder.

  FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a transmission process executed by the CPU 20. A program that causes the CPU 20 to execute this processing is stored in the EEPROM 146. This process starts in response to an instruction from the operation unit 120 to transmit a blog image. As shown in FIG. 12, "Blog image transmission", "Blog image size change", "Car number folder setting", "Blog image transmission destination setting", "Blog image privacy setting", "Blog image multiple image" A menu for selecting a desired instruction item from “composite” may be displayed on the image display LCD 102, and the transmission process may be started in response to selection of the item “transmission of blog image”.

  In S <b> 21, the selection of a desired folder storing an image to be transmitted to the blog server 2 is received from the operation unit 120 from the default blog image folder or the vehicle number-specific folder. One or more folders may be selected. Alternatively, all default blog image folders or car number-specific folders may be automatically selected as image transmission target folders without requiring selection input from the user.

  Next, the blog images (faces detected) stored in the selected folder, directly under the default blog image folder, or images of car number-specific folders (car numbers detected, Alternatively, it is determined whether or not there is an image (processing candidate image) that has not been subjected to privacy processing in S24 to be described later. In the case of Yes, it progresses to S22. If no, the process proceeds to S27.

  In S 22, the processing candidate image is displayed on the LCD 102. When there are a plurality of processing candidate images, display is performed one by one in accordance with a predetermined order (such as shooting date order).

  In S <b> 23, a selection as to whether or not to perform privacy processing on the displayed processing candidate image is accepted from the operation unit 120. If Yes, the process proceeds to S24. If No, the process proceeds to S26.

  In S24, the mask control unit 20g-4 performs privacy processing on the displayed processing candidate image, and overwrites and saves the unprocessed image in the folder with the processed image (see FIG. 13). FIG. 14 shows an example of privacy processing. Here, the area (number plate) where the vehicle number is detected is painted black to hide the vehicle number. FIG. 15 shows another example of the privacy process. In this example, another mask image is overwritten on the license plate to conceal the vehicle number. One or more mask images may be stored in the flash memory 152 as prescribed template images, and a desired template image may be selected as a mask image in accordance with a selection operation from the operation unit 120. The privacy process for the face is the same.

  In S <b> 25, the candidate process image (processed image) subjected to the privacy process is displayed on the LCD 102.

  In S26, it is determined whether there is an image that is not displayed in S22 among the processing candidate images. In the case of Yes, it returns to S22 and displays the image. If no, the process proceeds to S27.

  In S27, in response to the selection of the “blog image transmission destination setting” item in the menu described above, the blog address management unit 20f receives the URL of the blog server 2 corresponding to the vehicle number-specific folder and the face-specific folder from the operation unit 120. Accepts input. For example, it is assumed that the URL corresponding to the folder name “1234” is input as “www.XXXX” and the URL corresponding to the folder name “1234” is input as “www.XXZZ”. The blog address management unit 20f stores the input URL in the flash memory 152 in association with the folder name. If URLs corresponding to all vehicle number-specific folders and face-specific folders are stored, the process proceeds to S28, and if there is a vehicle number-specific folder or face-specific folder for which no corresponding URL has been input, the process proceeds to S32. Note that the URL may be set not for each folder but for each weblog image.

  In S28, the blog address management unit 20f tries to access the blog server 2 specified by the URL stored in the flash memory 152 (if the URL is a desired one selected from the operation unit 120), the blog server 2 If there is a reply indicating that access is possible, the process proceeds to S29. If there is no reply from the blog server 2, the process proceeds to S35. Note that if the access attempt itself is impossible in the first place due to a failure in the communication path (Internet) between the camera 100 and the blog server 2, the process proceeds to S35.

  In S29, the URL of the blog server 2 (current blog server) confirmed to be accessible and a list of images of the folder (current folder) corresponding to the URL are displayed on the LCD 102, and the images of the folder are displayed to the blog server 2. Prompt for confirmation of whether or not to send. If there is an input indicating that transmission is to be performed from the operation unit 120, the process is terminated if there is an input indicating that transmission is not performed.

  In S30, the current folder image is transmitted to the current blog server.

  In S31, it is determined whether or not transmission of all images in the current folder has been completed. In the case of Yes, this process is complete | finished, and in No, it returns to S30.

  In S <b> 32, a message indicating that the transmission destination of the blog image is not set is displayed on the LCD 102. You may output the audio | voice equivalent to the said message with the speaker which is not shown in figure.

  In S <b> 33, the selection of whether to set the transmission destination of the blog image is accepted from the operation unit 120. If a selection for setting is accepted, the process proceeds to S34, and if a selection for not setting is accepted, the process is terminated.

  In S 34, the input of the URL of the desired blog server 2 is accepted from the operation unit 120, and the input URL is stored in the flash memory 152.

  In S35, a message indicating that the blog server 2 cannot be accessed is displayed on the LCD 102. You may output the audio | voice equivalent to the said message with the speaker which is not shown in figure.

  Note that S22 to S26 are not necessarily implemented in connection with the transmission of the blog image, and can be independent subroutines (privacy processing subroutines). Therefore, it is also possible to start S21 in response to the selection of “blog image privacy setting” from the menu of FIG. 12 and to end this subroutine if there is no blog image that has not undergone privacy processing. it can. S28 to S35 can also be a subroutine (transmission subroutine) independent of the privacy processing subroutine. However, it is necessary to prevent the transition to the transmission subroutine unless the privacy processing subroutine is executed.

  In addition, one new image may be created by combining arbitrary blog images in response to the selection of the item “Blog Image Multiple Image Synthesis” from the menu of FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, after selecting the above items, when the images I3-1 to I3-4 are selected from the operation unit 120 as the images to be combined, the image composition control unit 20g-5 displays the images I3-1 to I3. -4 is created in a grid pattern. In FIG. 15, four images are synthesized with an equal size, but an arbitrary size may be designated according to each image, and the size of each image may be different. A plurality of grid patterns that define the arrangement and size of each image are stored in the flash memory 152, and selection of an arbitrary grid pattern and selection of which image is to be placed on which grid of the selected grid pattern is selected and selected. Alternatively, an image may be arranged on the lattice of the lattice pattern to determine the final composite image layout. For example, when the item “Blog Image Multiple Image Synthesis” is selected in the menu of FIG. 12, the number of images that are elements of the composite image (for example, “4 in 1 (composite from four element images)”) and the arrangement of the element images A pattern (for example, “equal square”, “right small square × 3 + left large square × 1”, etc.) is displayed, a desired pattern is selected from the patterns, and an image is arranged in the selected pattern and synthesized. An arrangement pattern is easy to understand if a sample of the pattern is displayed together with the name.

  Further, the size conversion unit 20g-1 reduces the composite image I4 to the size of any blog image instructed from the operation unit 120, and the vehicle number is detected among the compositing target images, here the image I3 The vehicle number “1234” detected from -4 is stored in a folder by vehicle number assigned to the folder name. The composition process and the privacy process may be performed after the process, and the privacy process may be performed after the composition, or the image after the privacy process may be selected as one of the composition target images.

  The main points of the above transmission processing are as follows. First, it is determined whether or not there is an image that has not undergone privacy processing in the blog folder, and if so, the image is displayed to warn the user. If there is an instruction from the user, privacy processing is performed on the displayed image. In addition, the address of the blog server 2 that is an image transmission destination can be arbitrarily designated. If communication is possible after privacy processing and address setting, a blog image to be transmitted is displayed, and the user is finally confirmed as to whether or not transmission is possible. When the transmission is finished, the image is deleted from the folder, so it is not transmitted twice. As described above, an image containing privacy information is erroneously given by giving a double visual confirmation, that is, a warning by displaying an image not subjected to privacy processing (S22) and a final confirmation by displaying an image to be transmitted (S29). To prevent transmission to the blog server 2.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, privacy information is detected from a through image. However, privacy information may be detected from a recorded image, and a folder may be created according to the presence or absence of the detection.

  FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of the blog image storage process. This process starts in response to the selection of image reproduction from the operation unit 120. Note that this processing is not performed by the camera 100, such as a personal computer, a PDA, a mobile phone, and a blog server 2 that stores and manages images in the same folder structure as the camera 100 of the first embodiment. The present invention can also be executed by various information processing apparatuses including a circuit (CPU, RAM, ROM) and an information communication circuit (network adapter).

  In S51, the image data obtained by decompressing the recorded image file stored in the memory card 200 is stored in the buffer memory 135, and this image is displayed on the LCD 102. Note that the image of the memory card 200 is not limited to that obtained from the CCD 132, and may be an image captured from another camera. It is assumed that an image displayed on the LCD 102 can be arbitrarily selected from the operation unit 120.

  In S52, the process proceeds to S53 in response to the blog mode button 128 being pressed while an image is displayed on the LCD 102 (see FIG. 18).

  In S53, the vehicle number recognition unit 20g-7 recognizes the vehicle number from the currently displayed image (current image). If the vehicle number can be recognized, the process proceeds to S54. If the vehicle number cannot be recognized, the process proceeds to S60.

  In S54, it is determined whether or not a folder having the recognized car number as a folder name exists in the memory card 200. If yes, go to S55, if no, go to S56.

  In S55, the current image is stored in a folder having the recognized car number as the folder name.

  In S <b> 56, the selection of whether or not to create a new folder with the recognized car number as the folder name is accepted from the operation unit 120. If there is a selection to create, the process proceeds to S57, and if there is a selection to not create, the process proceeds to S58.

  In S57, a folder having the recognized car number as the folder name is created in the hierarchy immediately below the blog folder. Then, the created folder is set as a folder for saving the blog image created from the current image.

  In S <b> 58, an operation for selecting a folder for storing the blog image created from the current image from the existing folder is accepted from the operation unit 120.

  In S59, the selected folder is set as the storage destination of the blog image created from the current image.

  In S60, the saving destination of the blog image created from the current image is set to the folder set in the previous blog image saving process.

  In S61, the current image is reduced to the size of the desired blog image.

  In S62, the current image reduced to the size of the blog image is saved in the set folder.

  As described above, for images that have already been taken and images acquired from an external camera, the blog button 128 is pressed when the images are displayed to recognize the car number from the image, and the folder with the recognized car number as the folder name. You can save a blog image created from the image. Thereafter, this blog image can be transmitted to the desired blog server 2 by the above-described transmission processing.

  As described above, the present invention is useful for an image management apparatus, method, program, and system. In particular, even when an image does not include information related to identification of a license plate or other subject, the image is appropriately displayed. Suitable for storing in folders.

20: Main CPU, 83: Self-timer circuit, 101: Shooting lens, 105c: Self-timer lamp, 132: CCD, 134: A / D converter, 150: AF detector, 151: AE calculator

Claims (21)

A weblog image creating unit that creates a weblog image by performing a predetermined weblog processing suitable for publication on a weblog site for a desired original image, and records the weblog image on a prescribed recording medium When,
A subject information identifying unit for identifying subject information related to subject identification from an original image that is to be a target for creating a weblog image by the weblog image creating unit;
A folder creation unit that creates a folder by identification information, which is a folder with a folder name based on subject information identified from the original image by the subject information identification unit, on the predetermined recording medium;
A storage control unit that stores the weblog image created by the weblog image creation unit from the subject information identification image that is the original image from which the subject information identification unit was able to identify the subject information;
With
When the subject information identifying unit is able to identify the first subject information from the desired first original image, the storage control unit is configured such that the subject information identifying unit is different from the first original image. Created from a non-subject information identification image that is an arbitrary original image for which the subject information identification unit could not identify the subject information until the second subject information different from the first subject information is identified from the image An image management apparatus that stores the weblog image that has been stored in a previously stored folder that is a folder by identification information to which a folder name based on the first subject information is assigned.   The image management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the subject information includes a vehicle number.   The image management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a subject information recognition area synthesis unit that synthesizes a video indicating an area in which the subject information is recognized with the original image and outputs the synthesized image to a predetermined display device. It has a face detection unit that detects the human face area,
The storage control unit, when the face detection unit detects a face region from the non-subject information identification image, stores a weblog image created from the non-subject information identification image in a folder different from the previous storage folder. Item 4. The image management device according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   The image management apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined weblog processing includes image processing for concealing the face area or a face part included in the face area.   The image management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a weblog image processing menu unit that receives a desired instruction from a processing menu related to the weblog image.   The weblog image processing menu instructing unit is configured to send, via the processing menu, an item related to transmission of the weblog image, an item related to the size of the weblog image, an item related to the naming rule for the identification information folder, the weblog image The image management apparatus according to claim 6, wherein selection of a desired item is received among items relating to a transmission destination, items relating to selection of contents of the predetermined web log processing, and items relating to synthesis of the web log images.   The transmission destination setting part which receives the setting of the address of the web log site used as the transmission destination of each web log image according to selection of the item regarding the transmission destination of the said web log image for every web log image. The image management apparatus described. A transmission instructing unit that accepts input of an instruction as to whether or not to transmit the weblog image to the weblog site specified by the address at which the transmission destination setting unit has accepted the setting by selecting an item related to transmission of the weblog image; ,
A communication unit that attempts to connect to a weblog site at an address corresponding to the weblog image in response to receiving an instruction to send the weblog image by the transmission instruction unit;
When the communication unit connects to the web log site, the web log image is displayed on a predetermined display screen, and the final confirmation whether or not to transmit the web log image is received from the predetermined operation unit. A confirmation section;
With
The image management according to claim 8, wherein the communication unit transmits the web log image to the connected weblog site in response to the final confirmation unit receiving an input of a final confirmation for transmitting the weblog image. apparatus. The destination setting unit accepts the setting of the address of the weblog site for each folder storing the weblog image,
The image management apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the communication unit transmits a web log image stored in a desired storage folder to a web log site having an address corresponding to the storage folder. A privacy processing selection unit that accepts a selection of a type of image processing for hiding the subject information in response to selection of an item related to selection of the content of the predetermined weblog processing;
The image management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the weblog image creation unit performs image processing of a type that the privacy processing selection unit accepts selection.   In response to selection of an item relating to the composition of the web log images, a desired plurality of web log images selected from a predetermined operation unit are arranged in a desired size and a desired arrangement selected from the predetermined operation unit. The image management apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a combined weblog image unit that creates a weblog image by pasting together.   The said web log image preparation part contains the image process which resizes the said original image to the desired size selected from the predetermined | prescribed operation part according to the item regarding the size of the said web log image being selected. The image management apparatus according to any one of 12.   14. The folder creation unit assigns a folder name according to a desired folder name naming rule selected from a predetermined operation unit in response to selection of an item related to the naming rule for the identification information folder. The image management apparatus according to any one of the above.   The image management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a shooting web log image creation instruction unit that receives a web log image creation instruction at the time of shooting. An imaging unit that outputs an image obtained by photoelectrically converting subject light incident through the photographing lens;
A recording unit that records an image output by the imaging unit on a predetermined recording medium;
With
The web log image creation unit performs a predetermined web log process on the image output from the imaging unit in response to the shooting web log image creation instruction unit receiving the instruction. The image management apparatus according to claim 15, which creates   The image management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the original image includes a recorded image recorded by the recording unit according to a predetermined format. A display unit for displaying the recorded image;
A post-shooting weblog image creation instruction unit that accepts an instruction to start creating a weblog image from the recorded image displayed on the display unit;
With
The said web log image preparation part produces a web log image from the recorded image currently displayed on the said display part according to the said web log image creation instruction | indication part after imaging | photography receiving the said instruction | indication. Image management device. Information processing device
Creating a weblog image by performing predetermined weblog processing suitable for publication on a weblog site for a desired original image, and recording the weblog image on a predetermined recording medium;
Identifying subject information related to subject identification from an original image to be a target for creating the weblog image;
Creating a folder by identification information, which is a folder with a folder name based on subject information identified from the original image, on the predetermined recording medium;
Storing the created weblog image from the subject information identification image, which is the original image with which the subject information could be identified, in the identification information-specific folder;
When the first subject information can be identified from the desired first original image, the second subject information different from the first subject information is identified from the second original image different from the first original image. Until then, the weblog image created from the non-subject information identification image, which is an arbitrary original image for which the subject information could not be identified, is classified by the identification information assigned with the folder name based on the first subject information. Saving to the last save folder, which is a folder;
Image management method to execute. An image management program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute the image management method according to claim 19. The image management device according to claim 9 or 10,
A weblog site for publishing the weblog image received from the image management device;
Including image management system.

Images