JP2012089928A - Image processing device and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for protecting photographer's privacy and making information on a photographing place and photographing time usable for retrieval and display.SOLUTION: An image processing device acquires image data and attribute information to be recorded in association with the image data, and determines whether to generate low-accuracy attribute information which has lowered accuracy than that of the attribute information. When it is determined to perform generation, low-accuracy attribute information which has lowered accuracy is generated. When it is not determined to perform the generation, the attribute information and the image data are output and when it is determined to perform the generation, the low-accuracy attribute information and the image data are output.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for processing image attribute information.

  Distribution of images taken with digital cameras and mobile phones via blogs and electronic albums has become common. Furthermore, information (GPS information or the like) that can specify the shooting position is added to the image.

  In such a situation, in order to protect information related to privacy, a digital camera that automatically deletes information added to a file when transferring the file via a communication network such as the Internet has been proposed ( Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-343627 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that if information added to a file is deleted, it cannot be used for search or display at all. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique for protecting the photographer's privacy and making the information on the shooting location and shooting date and time usable for searching and displaying. To do.

  In order to achieve the object of the present invention, for example, an image processing apparatus of the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is, whether to generate image data and attribute information recorded in association with the image data, and to generate low-accuracy attribute information with lower accuracy than the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit A determination unit that determines whether or not, a generation unit that generates low-precision attribute information with reduced accuracy when the determination unit determines to perform the generation, and a determination unit that determines that the generation is not performed If the determination means outputs the attribute information and image data acquired by the acquisition means, and the determination means determines that the generation is to be performed, the low-precision attribute information generated by the generation means and the image data Output means for outputting.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to protect the privacy of the photographer and to make it possible to use information on the shooting location and shooting date and time for searching and displaying.

The block diagram which shows the function structural example of a digital still camera. The figure which shows the file structure of the image which a digital still camera handles. The flowchart of the process which a digital still camera performs. The rear view of a digital still camera. The figure which shows before abstraction and after abstraction about an imaging | photography place and imaging | photography date. The flowchart of the process which an external device performs. The figure which shows an example of a map image. The rear view of a digital still camera. The flowchart of the process which a digital still camera performs. The block diagram which shows the function structural example of a server. The figure which shows before and after an update about the area | region 200 and the area | region 201. FIG. The flowchart of the process which a server performs. The figure which shows place name information. The figure which shows before and after an update about the area | region 200 and the area | region 201. FIG. The figure which shows the example of a display of a setting screen. The figure which shows the example of a display of a setting screen. The rear view of a digital still camera. (A) is a figure which shows the information set on the setting screen of FIG. 17, (b) is a flowchart of the process which a digital still camera performs.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below shows an example when the present invention is specifically implemented, and is one of the specific examples of the configurations described in the claims.

[First Embodiment]
The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment handles an image captured by a camera such as a digital still camera or a digital video camera that performs imaging by converting an optical image into an image signal using a solid-state imaging device. In this embodiment, when an image is transmitted to an external device, an image processing apparatus that converts a shooting location and shooting date and time, which are attribute information related to privacy, into information having a certain range and records the information in association with the image. Will be described. Note that after the image processing apparatus performs transmission processing on an external device, the external device is ready to be provided to a third party.

<Definition of wording used in this specification>
The definitions indicated by the words used in the following description are listed here. A more detailed definition of these terms will become apparent in the following description.

  ・ “Abstraction”: Converting detailed information into information for specifying a target with lower accuracy or information for specifying a target within a certain range. In any case, it refers to conversion to information with lower accuracy.

  ・ “Transmission”: Sending data to an external device via a communication line. For example, sending data from a digital camera to a server computer (server) via the Internet.

  ・ “Distribution”: To be in a state where it can be provided to a third party on the external device at the destination. For example, the server computer can be provided to a third party.

<Configuration example of digital still camera>
In the present embodiment, a digital still camera that operates as an image processing apparatus will be described as an example. In the following, in order to clearly describe the features of the present embodiment, not all the operation functions of the digital still camera are described, but a control function for an image stored in a memory accessible by the digital still camera. Focus on and explain.

  A functional configuration example of the digital still camera described in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As described above, the entire digital still camera is not described here, and FIG. 1 shows only the configurations that appear in the following description among all the configurations of the digital still camera.

  The imaging apparatus 100 is for converting an optical image into an image signal using a solid-state imaging device and generating image (captured image) data from the converted image signal. The CPU 101 controls the operation of the entire digital still camera using computer programs and data stored in the ROM 102 and RAM 103, and executes various processes that will be described later as what the digital still camera performs.

  The ROM 102 stores computer programs and data for causing the CPU 101 to execute operation processing procedures of the CPU 101 (for example, processing to be performed by the CPU 101 when the digital still camera is turned on, basic input / output processing, and the like). . Further, the ROM 102 stores computer programs and data for causing the CPU 101 to execute various processes, which will be described later, performed by the digital still camera. Various setting data of the digital still camera are also stored in the ROM 102. Computer programs and data stored in the ROM 102 are appropriately loaded into the RAM 103 under the control of the CPU 101 and are processed by the CPU 101.

  The RAM 103 has an area for temporarily storing a storage medium loaded in the media drive 108 and a computer program and data loaded from the ROM 102. Further, the RAM 103 has an area for temporarily storing data received from outside the digital still camera via the I / F (interface) 109. Further, the RAM 103 also has a work area used when the CPU 101 executes various processes. As described above, the RAM 103 can appropriately provide various areas including these areas.

  The display device 104 is a device having a display 401 (to be described later with reference to FIG. 4) as a display screen, and displays processing results by the CPU 101 as images and characters. The displayed contents include, for example, information related to data stored in a memory such as a screen (GUI: Graphical User Interface) for setting transmission control or a storage medium mounted on the media drive 108. .

  The input device 107 is used to input various operation instructions to the CPU 101 by an operator (user) of the digital still camera such as buttons. Details of the input device 107 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The media drive 108 functions as an I / F for mounting a storage medium that is detachable from the digital still camera to the digital still camera. The media drive 108 is connected to the mounted storage medium. Read and write data.

  The I / F 109 is for connecting a digital still camera to the communication line 111. A computer network 112 is connected to the communication line 111, and an external device such as a server or a personal computer is further connected to the computer network 112. However, the digital still camera can perform data communication with an external device connected to the computer network 112 via the I / F 109. In the present embodiment, a server for calculating the current position using a satellite positioning system (GPS) is connected to the computer network 112, so that the digital still camera can detect its current position from this server via the I / F 109. Can be obtained.

  Each unit described above is connected to the system bus 110. The system bus 110 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like.

<About the structure of image files>
Next, the image file structure handled by the digital still camera will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the file configuration shown in FIG. 2 is adopted. However, the file configuration may be changed as appropriate as long as each process described below can be realized. Both the area 200 and the area 201 are areas for recording image attribute information according to the Exif standard.

  The area 200 is an area for recording basic information of the Exif standard. In the area 200, information indicating the imaging status (imaging environment) at the time of image capturing, such as the data size of the image to be recorded in the file, the shooting date and time, the shooting location, the shooting model, the flash on / off, etc., and the reading of the image And information necessary for playback and control.

  The area 201 is an area for recording image attribute information in a format unique to the manufacturer of the digital still camera according to the Exif standard. In the area 201, information indicating an imaging state at the time of image capturing such as a transmitted flag, a distributed flag, shooting location range information, shooting time range information, and information necessary for control are recorded. The transmitted flag is a flag indicating whether this file has already been transmitted to the external device (TRUE or FALSE). The distribution completion flag is a flag indicating whether or not the file has already been distributed by the external device (TRUE or FALSE).

  In the area 202, thumbnail image (reduced image) data of an image recorded in the area 203 described later is recorded. The thumbnail images in each image file are displayed as a list on the display 401 of the display device 104 when an instruction to display a list is input. In the area 203, captured image data (image data) generated by the imaging apparatus 100 is recorded.

  When the imaging apparatus 100 generates captured image data in accordance with control by the CPU 101, the CPU 101 acquires information to be recorded in the area 200. More specifically, the CPU 101 measures the “latitude, longitude, altitude, positioning indicating the shooting location by the imaging apparatus 100, measured using GPS from an external device connected to the computer network 112 via the I / F 109. "Time etc." Then, the CPU 101 records the acquired information in the area 200.

  Further, the CPU 101 initializes the transmitted flag and the distributed flag to False and then records them in the area 201. Note that a method of using the transmitted flag, shooting location range information, and shooting time range information will be described later in this embodiment. Further, a method of using the distribution completion flag will be described later in the third embodiment.

  Of course, the captured image data generated by the imaging apparatus 100 is recorded in the region 203 by the CPU 101, and the thumbnail image data of the captured image is recorded in the region 202 by the CPU 101.

  As described above, when data of one captured image is generated, an image file having a configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 is generated for the captured image and is recorded on a storage medium attached to the media drive 108. The Of course, the recording destination is not limited to this, and it may be output to some output destination without recording. Hereinafter, a series of processes until the image file is formed in this way and the formed image file is recorded on the storage medium is referred to as “imaging”.

<About the input device 107>
The input device 107 included in the digital still camera will be described with reference to FIG. 4 which is a rear view of the digital still camera. As described above, the input device 107 is composed of a group of buttons for the user of the digital still camera to operate, and each is attached to various parts of the digital still camera as shown in FIG. Of course, the attachment position shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the digital still camera according to the present embodiment, four modes can be switched and used. The first mode is a “shooting mode” that is a mode for performing imaging. The second mode is a “reproduction mode” which is a mode for displaying a list of images (thumbnail images) recorded on a storage medium mounted on the media drive 108 on the display 401 of the display device 104. The third mode is a “setting mode” that is a mode for performing various settings. The fourth mode is a “transmission mode” which is a mode for transmitting an image file recorded on a storage medium to an external device via the I / F 109. Regardless of which mode is selected, the CPU 101 controls the digital still camera in accordance with the selected mode, and realizes processing corresponding to the selected mode. Hereinafter, the operation of the CPU 101 in the setting mode will be mainly described. Regarding the buttons other than the power button 402, functions when the digital still camera is turned on will be described.

  The release button 400 is pressed by the user of the digital still camera to input a shooting instruction. When the CPU 101 detects that the release button 400 is pressed, the operation mode of the digital still camera is switched to the “shooting mode” and an operation corresponding to the “shooting mode” is performed.

  The display 401 is the display screen of the display device 104 as described above, and a setting screen as illustrated in FIG. Of course, display on the display 401 is performed according to control by the CPU 101.

  The power button 402 is pressed by the user of the digital still camera to turn on / off the power of the digital still camera. When the CPU 101 detects that the power button 402 has been pressed in a state where the power of the digital still camera is not turned on, the CPU 101 performs operation control for turning on the power of the digital still camera. Further, when the CPU 101 detects that the power button 402 has been pressed while the digital still camera is turned on, the CPU 101 performs operation control for turning off the power of the digital still camera.

  The shooting mode button 403 is pressed by the user of the digital still camera to switch the operation mode of the digital still camera to the shooting mode. When the CPU 101 detects that the shooting mode button 403 is pressed, the operation mode of the digital still camera is switched to the shooting mode. Then, the CPU 101 controls the imaging device 100 to the imaging preparation state and displays an image output from the imaging device 100 on the display 401. Note that when the CPU 101 detects that the release button 400 is pressed in the shooting mode, the CPU 101 creates a file of the image output from the imaging device 100 at the time when the release button is detected, and records the file on the storage medium.

  A playback button 404 is pressed by the user of the digital still camera to switch the operation mode of the digital still camera to the playback mode. When the CPU 101 detects that the playback button 404 is pressed, the operation mode of the digital still camera is switched to the playback mode. Then, the CPU 101 reads out thumbnail images from the respective image files recorded on the storage medium, and displays a list of the read thumbnail image groups on the display 401.

  The menu button 405 is pressed by the user of the digital still camera to switch the operation mode of the digital still camera to the setting mode. When the CPU 101 detects that the menu button 405 is pressed, the operation mode of the digital still camera is switched to the setting mode. Then, the CPU 101 reads out the computer program and data related to the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 4 from the ROM 102 and displays the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 4 on the display 401 based on the read computer program and data. Of course, the CPU 101 also performs operation control of the setting screen as exemplified in FIG.

  The transmission button 411 is pressed by the user of the digital still camera to switch the operation mode of the digital still camera to the transmission mode. When the CPU 101 detects that the transmission button 411 is pressed, the CPU 101 determines that a transmission instruction has been input, and switches the operation mode of the digital still camera to the transmission mode. The CPU 101 reads out the image file recorded in the storage medium, performs image control processing described later on the read out image file, and transmits the image file to the transmission destination set in the setting mode.

  The up arrow button 407, the down arrow button 408, the left arrow button 409, and the right arrow button 410 are all for switching the selection target in the corresponding direction when pressed by the user of the digital still camera. When the buttons 407 to 410 are pressed, the CPU 101 switches the selection target in the corresponding direction. A determination button 406 is used by the user of the digital still camera to press to input a determination instruction to the CPU 101.

  Of the setting screen displayed in the display 401, a selection frame 415 is superimposed on an item that is currently active (operable). When the CPU 101 detects pressing of the up arrow button 407, the CPU 101 moves the selection frame 415 to an item one level higher than the item where the selection frame 415 is currently located. When the CPU 101 detects that the down arrow button 408 has been pressed, the CPU 101 moves the selection frame 415 to an item one lower than the item in which the selection frame 415 is currently located. When the CPU 101 detects that the left arrow button 409 is pressed, the CPU 101 moves the selection frame 415 to an item that is one item left of the item in which the selection frame 415 is currently located. When the CPU 101 detects pressing of the right arrow button 410, the CPU 101 moves the selection frame 415 to an item that is one right of the item in which the selection frame 415 is currently located.

  An area 412 is an area (edit box) for inputting an image file transmission destination. When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 415 to the area 412 and then presses the enter button 406, the area 413 becomes usable. The user can select the characters and symbols displayed in the area 413 using the buttons 407 to 410, and when the user presses the decision button 406 after selection, the selected characters and symbols are additionally displayed in the upper part of the area 413. Is done. This operation is repeated until the character string indicating the transmission destination is displayed in the upper part of the area 413. After the character string indicating the transmission destination is displayed in the upper part of the area 413, when the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 415 to the button 414 and presses the decision button 406 there, the CPU 101 transmits It is determined that the previous setting has been completed. Then, the CPU 101 displays a character string indicating the transmission destination displayed in the upper part of the area 413 in the area 412. Of course, the transmission destination setting method is not limited to this. The operation part described below relates to settings for converting attribute information related to privacy into abstract information (low-precision attribute information).

  A check box 416 is used to switch whether or not to perform setting related to abstraction. After the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 415 to the position of the check box 416, every time the user presses the enter button 406, the check box 416 is switched ON / OFF. When the determination button 406 is pressed while the check box 416 is ON, the button is turned OFF. When the determination button 406 is pressed while the check box 416 is OFF, the button is turned ON.

  When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 415 to the position of the menu 417 and depresses the enter button 406 there, a pull-down menu is displayed. The menu items to be displayed are “when sending”, “when shooting”, and “when delivering”. When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 415 to the position of the desired item and presses the enter button 406 there, the CPU 101 relates to the conversion timing of the desired item to abstract information. The setting information is stored in a memory such as the RAM 103. Further, the CPU 101 displays the desired item on the menu 417 as a character string. In FIG. 4, “when sending” is selected as a desired item, and this “when sending” is displayed as a character string on the menu 417.

  When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 415 to the position of the menu 418 and presses the enter button 406, a pull-down menu is displayed. The menu items to be displayed are “when it is around home” and “when it is night”. Here, “night” refers to “time zone from 20:00 to 6:00”, but this is only an example. When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 415 to the position of a desired item and presses the enter button 406 there, the CPU 101 relates to the conversion condition for converting the desired item into abstract information. The setting information is stored in a memory such as the RAM 103. Further, the CPU 101 displays the desired item on the menu 418 as a character string. In FIG. 4, “when it is around the home” is selected as a desired item, so this “when it is around the home” is displayed as a character string on the menu 418.

  A button 419 is used to make detailed settings related to conversion to abstract information. When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 415 to the position of the button 419 and presses the determination button 406 there, the CPU 101 displays a screen for performing detailed settings related to conversion to abstract information. It is displayed on the display 401. The screen for performing this detailed setting is not touched in the present embodiment, and will be touched in the second and subsequent embodiments.

  Various setting information set on the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 4 may be stored in a memory such as the RAM 103 when switching to another operation mode, and the timing for storing the setting information is particularly limited. Not what you want. In any case, information for specifying whether the check box 416 is ON / OFF is also stored in the memory such as the RAM 103 as setting information. Such setting information is used in an image control process described below.

<About image control processing>
A process performed by the digital still camera to transmit the image file will be described with reference to FIG. 3 showing a flowchart of the process. The processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 3 is performed by the CPU 101 using the computer program and data stored in the ROM 102 as described above.

  In step S301, the CPU 101 monitors a user operation using the input device 107, and when a user operation is performed, whether the user operation matches the conversion timing indicated by the setting information set using the menu 417. Judging. If the user operation matches the conversion timing indicated by the setting information set using the menu 417, the process proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, when the user operation does not coincide with the conversion timing indicated by the setting information set using the menu 417, this process is terminated.

  Here, as an example, it is assumed that the setting information set using the menu 417 is “during transmission”. In this case, however, if the CPU 101 detects that the user has pressed the send button 411, the process proceeds to step S302. If not detected, the process ends.

  In step S302, the CPU 101 accesses the storage medium mounted in the media drive 108, and refers to the transmitted flag in the area 201 in each image file recorded in the storage medium. Then, only the image file whose transmitted flag is FALSE is read from the ROM 102 and loaded (extracted) into the RAM 103.

  In step S303, the CPU 101 initializes the counter n to 0. In step S304, the CPU 101 compares the value of the counter n with the total number of image files loaded in the RAM 103 in step S302. As a result of this size comparison, if (value of counter n) <(total number of image files loaded into RAM 103 in step S302), the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if (the value of the counter n) ≧ (the total number of image files loaded into the RAM 103 in step S302), this processing ends.

  In step S305, the CPU 101 refers to setting information for specifying whether the check box 416 is ON or OFF among the setting information set using the setting screen of FIG. 4 and stored in the memory such as the RAM 103. To do. If the referenced setting information indicates that the check box 416 is ON, the process proceeds to step S306, and if it indicates that the check box 416 is OFF, the process proceeds to step S311. In this case, in step S311, the CPU 101 transmits an untransmitted image file among the image files loaded in the RAM 103 in step S302 to the external device via the I / F 109.

  In step S306, the CPU 101 selects one of the image files loaded in the RAM 103 in step S302 and whose transmitted flag is FALSE. Of the information recorded in the area 200 in the selected image file, information indicating the shooting location and shooting date of the image is read out.

  In step S307, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the conversion condition indicated by the setting information set using the menu 418 is satisfied. For example, it is assumed that the latitude and longitude of a digital still camera user's home are registered in advance in a memory such as the RAM 103 and “when the user is in the vicinity of the home” is selected from the menu 418. In this case, in step S307, the distance between the position (home position) indicated by the latitude and longitude of the home and the shooting location read in step S306 is calculated. If the calculated distance is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the object is “around the home”. Of course, this determination method is not limited to this.

  If it is determined that the conversion condition indicated by the setting information set using the menu 418 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S308. If it is determined that the conversion condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S311. In this case, in step S311, the image file selected in step S306 is transmitted to the external device via the I / F 109.

  In step S308, the CPU 101 generates range information for the shooting location read in step S306. For example, when the latitude of the shooting location is 43.323464 degrees, the latitude range information is set to numerical values 43 to 44 degrees at both ends of the range, with the numerical value “43.323464” being in the range. When the longitude is 142.353991 degrees, the longitude range information has the numerical value “142.353991” within the range, and the numerical values 142 to 143 degrees at both ends of the range. When the range information (upper limit value and lower limit value) is generated in this way, the generated range information is stored in a memory such as the RAM 103.

  In step S309, the CPU 101 generates range information (date / time range) for the shooting date and time read in step S306. For example, if the shooting date and time is January 3, 2009, 9:45:15, the shooting date and time range information is set to January 3, 2009 from 9:00 to 10:00. When the range information (upper limit value and lower limit value) is generated in this way, the generated range information is stored in a memory such as the RAM 103.

  In step S310, the CPU 101 updates the read shooting location by using the range information generated in step S308 for the shooting location read in step S306, thereby updating the shooting location to abstract information. Similarly, by using the range information generated in step S309 for the shooting date and time read in step S306, the read shooting date and time is updated to update the shooting date and time to information that is abstracted. As a result, the shooting location and shooting date and time in the image file selected in step S306 are abstracted and the image file is updated.

  The pre-abstraction and post-abstraction are shown in FIG. In the column 501, an area 200 (Exif_Base attribute information area) and an area 201 (Exif_MakerNote attribute information area) are described. Prior to abstraction, the latitude, longitude, and shooting date / time as the shooting location are recorded in the area 200, as indicated by 502, as described above.

  In step S310, the CPU 101 first copies the information in the area 200 into the area 201 and deletes the information in the area 200 as indicated by reference numeral 503. Next, as shown at 504, the CPU 101 replaces the copied latitude in the area 201 with the upper limit value and the lower limit value generated for the latitude. As a result, the latitude “43.323464 degrees” is abstracted into latitudes “43” and “44”. Similarly, as shown at 504, the CPU 101 replaces the copied longitude in the area 201 with the upper limit value and the lower limit value generated for the longitude. As a result, the longitude “142.353991 degrees” is abstracted into longitudes “142” and “143”. Similarly, the CPU 101 replaces the copied shooting date / time in the area 201 with the upper limit value and the lower limit value generated for the shooting date / time as shown at 504. As a result, the shooting date “January 3, 2009 9:45:15” is abstracted to the shooting date “January 3, 2009 9 o'clock” and “January 3, 2009 10:00”.

  In this case, in step S311, the CPU 101 transmits the image file in which the area 200 and the area 201 are updated in step S310 to the external device via the I / F 109. This external device is the transmission destination set in the above setting mode. If the transmission destination is not set by the user, the default transmission destination may be used, or a warning may be displayed to prompt the user to set the transmission destination.

  In step S312, the CPU 101 rewrites the transmitted flag in the image file transmitted in step S311 to TRUE. In step S313, the CPU 101 increments the value of the counter n by one. And the process after step S304 is repeated.

  In this embodiment, the transmitted flag of the image file is referred to determine whether the image file has been transmitted to the external device. However, after the image file is transmitted to the external device, the image file may be deleted from the storage medium. In this case, it may be determined whether or not the image file remains in the storage medium.

<About external devices>
Here, the above-described external device, that is, the external device that functions as an image display device that receives the image file transmitted from the digital still camera as described above and displays an image in the received image file will be described.

  First, processing performed when an external device functioning as such an image display apparatus receives an image file transmitted from a digital still camera will be described with reference to FIG. 6 showing a flowchart of the processing. The memory of the external device stores a computer program and data for causing the CPU of the external device to execute processing according to the flowchart of FIG. However, when the CPU of the external device executes processing using the computer program and data, the external device can execute processing according to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the following description, the digital still camera transmits images A and B to the external device without abstracting the shooting location and shooting date and time, and the image C for the external device after abstracting the shooting location and shooting date and time. As an example, the case transmitted to will be described. However, it will be clear from the following description that the following description is not limited to this case.

  In step S601, each image file transmitted from the digital still camera and taken into a memory such as a hard disk included in the external device is read out to a memory such as a RAM included in the external device.

  In step S602, the value of the counter n used in the following processing is initialized to zero. In step S603, the size of the counter n is compared with the total number of image files read in step S601. As a result of the size comparison, if (value of counter n) <(total number of image files read in step S601), the process proceeds to step S604, where (value of counter n) ≧ (image file read in step S601). If this is the case, the process is terminated.

  In step S604, one of the image files read out in step S601 that has not yet been processed in the following steps is selected as a selected image file. Then, it is determined whether or not the shooting location recorded in the selected image file is an abstraction. In this determination, if the latitude and longitude are recorded in the area 200 in the selected image file, it is determined that the shooting location recorded in the selected image file is not abstract. On the other hand, if the latitude and longitude are not recorded in the area 200 in the selected image file, it is determined that the shooting location recorded in the selected image file is abstract.

  If the result of this determination is that the shooting location recorded in the selected image file is abstracted, the process proceeds to step S606, and if it is not abstracted, the process proceeds to step S605. Proceed to

  In step S605, the arrangement position of the reduced image (or thumbnail image) in the selected image file on the map image displayed on the display screen of the external device is set as the shooting location in the selected image file. Find using. Then, the reduced image and attribute information such as latitude and longitude recorded in the selected image file are arranged at the obtained arrangement position.

  In step S606, it is determined whether or not the shooting location in the selected image file is recorded as range information, that is, whether or not the shooting location is recorded using an upper limit value and a lower limit value. In this determination, it is determined whether information corresponding to each of latitude 1, latitude 2, longitude 1, and longitude 2 is recorded. If information corresponding to each of latitude 1, latitude 2, longitude 1, and longitude 2 is recorded, it is determined that the shooting location in the selected image file is recorded using the upper limit value and the lower limit value. On the other hand, if information corresponding to each of latitude 1, latitude 2, longitude 1, and longitude 2 is not recorded, it is determined that the shooting location in the selected image file is not recorded using the upper limit value and the lower limit value. .

  If the shooting location in the selected image file is recorded as range information, the process proceeds to step S607. If the shooting location in the selected image file is not recorded as range information, the process proceeds to step S609. move on. In the selected image file in which the shooting location in the selected image file is not recorded as the range information, neither the area 200 nor the area 201 has the latitude and longitude information necessary for displaying on the map image. Therefore, the display position cannot be calculated when displaying on the map image. Therefore, such an image in the selected image file is not displayed.

  In step S607, the range on the map image indicated by the shooting location (range information) in the selected image file is obtained. And the frame which shows the calculated | required range is arrange | positioned on this map image. In step S608, the reduced image of the image in the selected image file (or the reduced image of the thumbnail image) and the attribute information such as the latitude and longitude recorded in the selected image file at the position in the frame obtained in step S607. , To arrange. In step S609, the value of the counter n is incremented by one. Then, the process returns to step S603, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  Next, an example of the map image displayed according to the flowchart of FIG. 6 is shown in FIG. The map image 700 is obtained by downloading from an external device from a server or the like that manages the map image. At the time of downloading, a map image of an area that includes the shooting locations of the images A, B, and C is downloaded. Since the technique for downloading the map image of the predetermined area is general, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The upper left corner 701 of the map image 700 is the northwest end in the map image 700. The lower right corner 702 of the map image 700 is the southeast end in the map image 700. A frame 703 indicates the range obtained in step S607. In step S607, the positions of the upper left corner 704 and lower right corner 705 of the frame 703 are obtained as information defining the range on the map image indicated by the shooting location in the selected image file. At an appropriate position in the frame 703, a window 708 in which the image C and the shooting date / time of the image C are arranged is arranged.

  An “x” marker 706 is arranged at a position on the map image 700 corresponding to the shooting location in the image file of the image B, and a window 707 in which the shooting date and time of the image B and the image B are arranged in the vicinity thereof. Has been placed. Of course, the window 707 may be arranged at the position of the marker 706. In this case, the marker 706 is not arranged. The same applies to the image A.

  Next, the process in step S605 described above, that is, the process for obtaining the arrangement position (shotX, shotY) of the reduced image on the map image 700 will be described. Actually, the marker 706 is arranged at the arrangement position (shotX, shotY), and the reduced image is arranged at a position near the marker 706.

  Here, in the map image 700, 701 is the origin, the horizontal direction is the X-axis direction, and the vertical direction is the Y-axis direction. In addition, it is assumed that the following variable values are known at the stage of performing the processing in step S605.

mapN0: Latitude (degrees) at origin 701
mapE0: Longitude (degree) at origin 701
mapN1: latitude in degrees at point 702 in the lower right corner
mapE1: Longitude (degrees) at point 702 in the lower right corner
shotN: Latitude (degrees) of the shooting location of image B
shotE: Longitude (degree) of shooting location of image B
uiX0: X coordinate of origin 701 (pixel)
uiY0: Y coordinate of origin 701 (pixel)
uiX1: X coordinate of point 702 (pixel)
uiY1: Y coordinate of point 702 (pixel)
shotX: X coordinate (pixel) of marker 706
shotY: Y coordinate (pixel) of marker 706
In order to match the actual shooting location with the position in the map image 700, both the expressions (1) and (2) are made true. The coordinates of the shooting location on the map image 700 that satisfy this condition can be obtained by calculating the following equations (3) and (4).

(mapE0-mapE1) :( shotE-mapE1) = (uiX0-uiX1) :( shotX-uiX1) (1)
(mapN0-mapN1) :( shotN-mapN1) = (uiY0-uiY1) :( shotY-uiY1) (2)
shotX = ((uiX0-uiX1) × (shotE-mapE1)) ÷ (mapE0-mapE1) + uiX1 (3)
shotY = ((uiY0-uiY1) × (shotN-mapN1)) ÷ (mapN0-mapN1) + uiY1 (4)
In addition to the variables described above, it is assumed that the values of the following variables are known, and a method of calculating the drawing positions of the frames (shotX0, shotY0) to (shotX1, shotY1) will be described.

shotN0: Latitude (degrees) at the northwestern end of the image C shooting location range
shotE0: Longitude (degrees) at the northwestern end of the shooting location range for image C
shotN1: Latitude (degrees) of the southeastern end of the shooting location range for image C
shotE1: longitude (degrees) at the southeast end of the range of the shooting location of image C
shotX0: X coordinate (pixel) of upper left corner 704
shotY0: Y coordinate (pixel) of upper left corner 704
shotX1: X coordinate (pixel) of lower right corner 705
shotY1: Y coordinate (pixel) of lower right corner 705
Similar to the calculation method in step S605 described above, the equations (5), (6), (7), and (8) are all made true. The coordinates of the vertices constituting the frame that satisfy this condition can be obtained by calculating Expression (9), Expression (10), Expression (11), and Expression (12).

(mapE0-mapE1) :( shotE0-mapE1) = (uiX0-uiX1) :( shotX0-uiX1) (5)
(mapN0-mapN1) :( shotN0-mapN1) = (uiY0-uiY1) :( shotY0-uiY1) (6)
(mapE0-mapE1) :( shotE1-mapE1) = (uiX0-uiX1) :( shotX1-uiX1) (7)
(mapN0-mapN1) :( shotN1-mapN1) = (uiY0-uiY1) :( shotY1-uiY1) (8)
shotX0 = ((uiX0-uiX1) × (shotE0-mapE1)) ÷ (mapE0-mapE1) + uiX1… (9)
shotY0 = ((uiY0-uiY1) × (shotN0-mapN1)) ÷ (mapN0-mapN1) + uiY1 (10)
shotX1 = ((uiX0-uiX1) × (shotE1-mapE1)) ÷ (mapE0-mapE1) + uiX1 (11)
shotY1 = ((uiY0-uiY1) × (shotN1-mapN1)) ÷ (mapN0-mapN1) + uiY1… (12)
Here, the process (step S605) for obtaining the coordinates (shotX, shotY) of the shooting location will be described using a specific example. The map image downloaded by the external device is assumed to be in an area within the range of 43.45 degrees latitude and 142.25 degrees longitude to 43.25 degrees latitude and 142.45 degrees longitude. The detailed shooting location of the image B is 43.33 degrees latitude and 142.32 degrees longitude. Also, the coordinates (uiX1, uiY1) in the map image are (0, 0), and (uiX0, uiY0) are (1500, 2000). Also, the value of each variable is shown in Equation (13).

mapN0 = 43.45
mapE0 = 142.25
mapN1 = 43.25
mapE1 = 142.45
shotN = 43.33
shotE = 142.32
uiX0 = 0
uiY0 = 0
uiX1 = 2000
uiY1 = 1500 (13)
The results calculated by substituting the value of the equation (13) into the equations (3) and (4) are shown in the equations (14) and (15).

shotX = ((uiX0-uiX1) × (shotE-mapE1)) ÷ (mapE0-mapE1) + uiX1 = ((0-2000) × (142.32-142.45)) ÷ (142.25-142.45) + 2000 = 700… (14 )
shotY = ((uiY0-uiY1) × (shotN-mapN1)) ÷ (mapN0-mapN1) + uiY1 = ((0-1500) × (43.33-43.25)) ÷ (43.45-43.25) + 1500 = 900… (15 )
The shooting location is calculated by the method described above. When the results of Expressions (14) and (15) are obtained, the position of 700 pixels in the X-axis direction and 900 pixels in the Y-axis direction from the origin 701 is obtained as the image B shooting location.

  Next, the process in step S607 will be described using a specific example. The shooting location of the image C is 43.4 degrees latitude, 142.3 degrees longitude to 43.3 degrees latitude, and 142.4 degrees longitude. The value of each of the above variables is shown in equation (16). The other values are the same as in equation (13).

shotN0 = 43.4
shotE0 = 142.3
shotN1 = 43.3
shotE1 = 142.4 (16)
The results calculated by substituting the values of Equations (13) and (16) into Equations (9) to (12) are shown in Equations (17) to (20) as follows.

shotX0 = ((uiX0-uiX1) × (shotE0-mapE1)) ÷ (mapE0-mapE1) + uiX1 = ((0-2000) × (142.3-142.45)) ÷ (142.25-142.45) + 2000 = 500… (17 )
shotY0 = ((uiY0-uiY1) × (shotN0-mapN1)) ÷ (mapN0-mapN1) + uiY1 = ((0-1500) × (43.4-43.25)) ÷ (43.45-43.25) + 1500 = 375… (18 )
shotX1 = ((uiX0-uiX1) × (shotE1-mapE1)) ÷ (mapE0-mapE1) + uiX1 = ((0-2000) × (142.4-142.45)) ÷ (142.25-142.45) + 2000 = 1500… (19 )
shotY1 = ((uiY0-uiY1) × (shotN1-mapN1)) ÷ (mapN0-mapN1) + uiY1 = ((0-1500) × (43.3-43.25)) ÷ (43.45-43.25) + 1500 = 1125… (20 )
The shooting location range is calculated by the method described above. When the results of Expression (17) to Expression (20) are obtained, the X and Y coordinates from (500,375) to (1500,1125) are set as a frame for image C (frame 703 in FIG. 7).

  In this embodiment, the display example of the shooting location has been described. However, the image display device only needs to have a function of displaying the information even when the shooting date and time are displayed. For example, the range of the shooting time may be displayed as a character string as in image C in FIG.

<Variations of shooting locations>
In the above description, the latitude and longitude acquired using the GPS are used as the shooting location, but other information may be used as long as the information can identify the shooting location. For example, a shooting location acquired using a mobile phone base station or a wireless LAN access point may be used.

<Variations of image processing devices>
In the above description, the digital still camera is used as an example of the image processing apparatus. However, the image processing apparatus may be realized by a combination of a plurality of devices. For example, after a digital camera having an imaging function generates an image, the I / F 109 connects to the computer network 112 via the communication line 111 and transmits the image to the server. The attribute information abstraction process described above may be performed when distributing to a third party in the server. In that case, the abstraction timing and conditions may be set on the digital camera side, and the setting information may be sent to the server, or the personal computer may be used for setting with the same user interface as in FIG. May be sent to the server. Further, a user interface for setting abstraction timing and conditions may be provided in the server, and the abstraction may be set there.

<Variation of conversion conditions to abstract information>
In the above description, in step S307, it is determined whether or not it is the vicinity of the home. However, other conditions may be used as conditions for converting to abstract information. Here, a description will be given of a method of making a determination using information on the shooting time, shooting date, subject, transmission destination, and distribution destination.

  In step S307, it may be determined whether the shooting date / time is included in a time zone preset by the user. For example, it is assumed that the time zone preset by the user is 20:00 to 6:00. In this case, in step S307, it is determined whether or not the shooting date and time acquired from the image file is included in this time zone. If it is included, the process proceeds to step S308. As a result, the shooting location and shooting date and time of the photograph taken at night are abstracted, so that it is possible to prevent the information on the location where the person stops at night from being transmitted to the viewer, and privacy can be protected.

  In step S307, it may be determined whether or not the shooting date / time is included in a period preset by the user. For example, it is assumed that the period set in advance by the user is the period X. In this case, in step S307, it is determined whether or not the period acquired from the image file is included in the period X. If it is included, the process proceeds to step S308. Thus, if the period during travel is set as a period that is not abstracted, the viewer can know the details of the shooting location of the photograph during travel. On the other hand, for images taken in daily life, the shooting location and shooting date and time are abstracted, so that privacy can be protected.

  In step S307, it may be determined whether or not a subject preset by the user is reflected in the image in the image file. For example, it is assumed that the subject preset by the user is the subject X. In this case, in step S307, it is determined whether or not the subject information recorded in the area 200 in the image file indicates the subject X. If so, the process proceeds to step S308. As a result, when the child or friend is shown, the shooting location and the shooting date and time are abstracted, so that information for identifying an individual is reduced and privacy can be protected.

  In step S307, it may be determined whether the transmission destination of the image file is a transmission destination set in advance by the user. For example, it is assumed that the transmission destination set in advance by the user is the transmission destination X. In this case, in step S307, it is determined whether or not the transmission destination set in the setting mode is the transmission destination X. If the set transmission destination is the transmission destination X, the process proceeds to step S308. As a result, for example, when a blog viewed by an unspecified number is a destination, it can be set to be abstracted, so when sending to a blog publishing server, the shooting location and shooting date are abstracted. So you can protect your privacy. On the other hand, since it is not abstracted when transmitting to the server for the family WEB album, the viewer can know detailed information.

  In step S307, it may be determined whether the distribution destination of the image file is a distribution destination preset by the user. For example, it is assumed that the delivery destination set in advance by the user is the delivery destination X. In this case, in step S307, it is determined whether or not the set delivery destination is the delivery destination X. If the set delivery destination is delivery destination X, the process proceeds to step S308. As a result, for example, when a blog viewed by an unspecified number is a distribution destination, it can be set to be abstracted, so when sending it to a blog publishing server, abstract the shooting location and shooting date and time. So you can protect your privacy. On the other hand, since it is not abstracted when transmitting to the server for the family WEB album, the viewer can know detailed information.

<Variation of conversion timing to abstract information>
In the above description, in step S301, an example in which the CPU 101 monitors whether or not the user has pressed the transmission button 411 has been described. However, the CPU 101 may monitor whether the user has pressed the release button 400 (whether an imaging instruction has been input). In this case, if the CPU 101 detects that the release button 400 has been pressed (an imaging instruction has been input), the process proceeds to step S302. Of course, it is good also as a parameter | index whether the delivery by the server was made. This will be described in detail in the third embodiment.

<Variation of attribute information update method>
In the above description, in step S310, detailed information (information read in step S306) is deleted, and range information is recorded as an example. However, even if detailed information is not deleted, it may be in a state where it cannot be easily seen and the abstracted information can be used for browsing. For example, detailed information may be encrypted or embedded in an image using a digital watermark technique to convert it into a state that cannot be easily seen (invisible information). Alternatively, the abstraction process may be performed only on the data to be transmitted, and the original data before the abstraction process may be left in the storage medium.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the photographer's privacy can be protected, and information on the shooting location and the shooting date / time can be used for searching and displaying. Further, if the image display device is compatible, the viewer can know rough information about the shooting location and the date and time.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the shooting location and the shooting date and time are abstracted into information indicating a range. In this embodiment, the accuracy of the numerical value (numerical information) indicated by the shooting location (position information) and the shooting date / time (date / time information) is lowered and abstracted to the shooting location and shooting date / time having an effective number of digits. In the following, only differences from the first embodiment will be described, and unless otherwise noted, the same as the first embodiment.

<About the setting screen for abstraction>
A setting screen for performing setting for abstracting the shooting location and the shooting date and time will be described with reference to FIG. 8 which is a rear view of the digital still camera. 8 is the same as that shown in FIG. 4 except that the display content of the display 401 is changed to an abstraction setting screen. However, in FIG. 8, only the setting screen for abstraction is provided with a reference number, and only this will be described.

  The setting screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display 401 when the selection button 406 is pressed after the selection frame 415 is moved to the button 419 in the setting screen of FIG.

  A menu 801 is used to select the number of significant digits of latitude. When the user presses the decision button 406 after operating the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 805 to the menu 801, a pull-down menu is displayed. To do. The menu items to be displayed are “integer”, “first decimal place”, and “second decimal place”. When the user operates buttons 407 to 410 to select any one of these items and presses the enter button 406, the determined effective number of digits is stored as setting information in a memory such as the RAM 103 and determined. The number of significant digits is displayed on the menu 801.

  A menu 802 is used to select the number of significant digits of the longitude. When the button 407 to 410 is operated to move the selection frame 805 to the menu 802 and the enter button 406 is pressed, a pull-down menu is displayed. To do. The menu items to be displayed are “integer”, “first decimal place”, and “second decimal place”. When the user operates buttons 407 to 410 to select any one of these items and presses the enter button 406, the determined effective number of digits is stored as setting information in a memory such as the RAM 103 and determined. The number of significant digits is displayed on the menu 802.

  Note that the method for designating the number of significant digits of latitude and longitude is not limited to this, and a numerical value indicating the number of significant digits may be directly input using the input device 107. The number of significant digits is not limited to this.

  A menu 803 is used to select in which unit the shooting time is expressed. When the user presses the decision button 406 after operating the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 805 to the menu 803, a pull-down menu is displayed. Display the menu. The menu items to be displayed are “6 hours”, “3 hours”, and “60 minutes”. When the user operates buttons 407 to 410 to select one of these items and presses the enter button 406, the determined unit is stored as setting information in a memory such as the RAM 103, and the determined unit is It is displayed on the menu 803.

  When the selection frame 805 is moved to the button 804 and the determination button 406 is pressed there, the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 8 is switched to the setting screen illustrated in FIG. The various setting information set on the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 8 may be stored in a memory such as the RAM 103 at the time of switching the screen, and the timing for storing the setting information is not particularly limited. Absent. Further, the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 8 is also controlled by the CPU 101, similarly to the setting screen illustrated in FIG.

<About image control processing>
The processing performed by the digital still camera to transmit the image file is obtained by replacing steps S308 to S310 with steps S901 to S903 in FIG. 9 in the flowchart of FIG. That is, in this embodiment, when the CPU 101 determines that the conversion condition indicated by the setting information set using the menu 418 is satisfied, the CPU 101 executes the process according to the flowchart of FIG. Proceed to

  In step S901, the CPU 101 updates the latitude and longitude by deleting digits lower than the number of valid digits set in the menu 801 in the latitude and longitude that are the shooting locations read out in step S306. This makes it possible to create shooting location information that expresses latitude and longitude with the number of significant digits.

  In step S902, the CPU 101 updates the shooting date and time by quantizing the shooting date and time read in step S306 in the unit set in the menu 802 (a value smaller than the set unit is rounded down). For example, when “60 minutes” is set as a unit in the menu 802, the shooting date “9:35” is quantized as “9 o'clock”.

  In step S903, the CPU 101 updates the shooting location recorded in the area 200 to the information obtained by abstracting the shooting location by updating the shooting location updated in step S901. Similarly, the shooting date and time recorded in the area 200 is updated to the shooting date and time updated in step S902, thereby updating the shooting date and time to information abstracted. In step S903, the CPU 101 updates the area 201 by writing the number of significant digits set in the menu 801 and the unit set in the menu 802 in the area 201.

  FIG. 11 shows the region 200 and the region 201 before and after the update. In a column 1101, an area 200 (Exif_Base attribute information area) and an area 201 (Exif_MakerNote attribute information area) are described. Before the update, the latitude, longitude, and shooting date and time as the shooting location are recorded in the area 200 as described above, as indicated by 1102 in the area 200.

  In step S901, the CPU 101 updates the latitude and longitude shown in the column 1103 to the latitude and longitude having the number of significant digits (here, the first decimal place) set in the menu 801 as shown in the column 1104.

  In step S <b> 902, the CPU 101 quantizes and updates the shooting date and time shown in the column 1103 in the unit set in the menu 802 (60 minutes here) as shown in the column 1104.

  Then, the effective minimum unit “0.1” based on the effective number of digits (first decimal place in FIG. 11) set in the menu 801 for latitude is written in the area 201 as shown in a column 1104. Further, the effective minimum unit “0.1” based on the number of significant digits (first decimal place in FIG. 11) set in the menu 802 for longitude is written in the area 201 as shown in a column 1104. Further, the effective minimum unit “1” (time) in the unit (60 minutes in FIG. 11) set in the menu 802 for the shooting date and time is written in the area 201 as shown in the column 1104.

<About conversion to range information>
Each of latitude and longitude having an effective number of digits, and shooting date and time quantized in a set unit may be recorded as range information as in the first embodiment. In that case, first, it is assumed that the values of the following variables are known. Then, range information about latitude and longitude is obtained by calculating Expression (21), Expression (22), Expression (23), and Expression (24).

exifShotN: Latitude of the shooting location after abstraction
exifShotE: Longitude of shooting location after abstraction
mStepN: Minimum effective unit of latitude
mStepE: Minimum effective unit of longitude
shotN0: Latitude (degrees) at the end of the shooting location range
shotE0: Longitude (degrees) at the end of the shooting location range
shotN1: Latitude (degrees) at the end of the shooting location opposite to shotN0
shotE1: Longitude (degrees) at the end of the shooting location opposite to shotE0
shotN0 = exifShotN (21)
shotE0 = exifShotE (22)
shotN1 = exifShotN + mStepN (23)
shotE1 = exifShotE + mStepE (24)
When it is assumed that the values of the following variables are known, range information about the shooting date and time is obtained by calculating Expression (25) and Expression (26).

exifShotHour: Shooting time after abstraction (hours)
minStep: Minimum effective unit of time (hours)
shotHour0: End of shooting date and time range (hours)
shotHour1: End of the shooting date and time range opposite to shotHour0 (hours)
shotHour0 = exifShotHour (25)
shotHour1 = exifShotHour + minStep (26)
The subsequent steps are the same as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the photographer's privacy can be protected, and information on the shooting location and the shooting date / time can be used for searching and displaying. Further, if the image display device is compatible, the viewer can know rough information about the shooting location and the date and time.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the shooting location and shooting date / time in the area 200 are not deleted. Therefore, even if the image display device does not support range display, the truncated information can be used for search and display.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the image processing apparatus as a digital still camera has been described. In the present embodiment, an image processing apparatus when applied to a server will be described. In the first and second embodiments, information that is numerical values such as latitude and longitude is abstracted. However, in this embodiment, it is possible to abstract even character string information (character string information) instead of numerical values. Explain that there is. In the following, only points different from the first embodiment will be mentioned, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment will not be particularly mentioned.

<Example of server configuration>
An example of the functional configuration of the server will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The functional configuration example of the server is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 10, and other configurations can be considered as long as the same functions can be realized.

  The CPU 1001 controls the entire server using computer programs and data stored in the ROM 1002 and the RAM 1003, and executes various processes described later as performed by the server. The ROM 1002 stores a boot program, server setting data, and the like.

  The RAM 1003 has an area for temporarily storing computer programs and data loaded from the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1005 and DVDD (DVD Drive) and data received from the outside via the I / F 1009. Furthermore, the RAM 1003 also has a work area used when the CPU 1001 executes various processes. That is, the RAM 1003 can provide various areas as appropriate. The display 1004 can display the result of processing by the CPU 1001 using images, characters, and the like.

  The HDD 1005 stores an OS (Operating System) and computer programs and data for causing the CPU 1001 to execute processes to be described later as performed by the server. Also, what is described as known information is also stored in the HDD 1005. Computer programs and data stored in the HDD 1005 are appropriately loaded into the RAM 1003 under the control of the CPU 1001 and are processed by the CPU 1001.

  The DVDD 1006 reads information recorded on the DVD and outputs the read information to the HDD 1005 and the RAM 1003. Note that a CD-ROM drive, an optical (magnetic) disk drive such as MO, a tape streamer, a magnetic tape drive such as DDS, or the like may be provided instead of or in addition to the DVDD 1006.

  The input device 1007 is configured by a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and can input various instructions to the CPU 1001 by being operated by an operator of the server.

  The I / F 1009 is for connecting the server to the communication line 1011. A computer network 1012 is connected to the communication line 1011, and an external device such as a server or a personal computer is further connected to the computer network 1012. However, the server can perform data communication with an external device connected to the computer network 1012 via the I / F 1009. In the present embodiment, a server that calculates a current position using a satellite positioning system (GPS) is connected to the computer network 1012, so that the server acquires the current position from the server via the I / F 1009. Can do. Each unit described above is connected to the system bus 1010. The system bus 1010 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like.

<Setting screen for abstraction setting of shooting location>
In the present embodiment, the digital still camera causes the display 401 to display a setting screen illustrated in FIG. 15 in the setting mode. The setting screen illustrated in FIG. 15 is obtained by adding a menu 1501 to the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 4, and is otherwise the same as the setting screen illustrated in FIG. However, the menu 1501 will be described below.

  When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame to the menu 1501 and presses the enter button there, a pull-down menu is displayed. The items in this menu are “change to place name up to country”, “change to place name up to prefecture”, and “change to place name up to city”. That is, the menu 1501 is used to specify how much the place name representing the shooting location of the captured image is expressed (how much detail is to be set).

  When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame to the position of the desired item and presses the enter button 406 there, the CPU 101 sets the desired item according to the conversion condition to the abstracted information. Information is stored in a memory such as the RAM 103. Further, the CPU 101 displays the desired item on the menu 1501 as a character string. In FIG. 15, “Change to place name up to city” is selected as a desired item, so “Change to place name up to city” is displayed as a character string on the menu 1501.

  Note that the various setting information set on the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 15 may be stored in a memory such as the RAM 103 when switching to another operation mode, and the storage timing is particularly limited. Not what you want.

  An image file including various setting information set in this way is transmitted from the digital still camera to the server according to the present embodiment. Of course, this image file also includes setting information set using the menu 1501.

<About image control processing>
Processing performed by the server when the server distributes the image file received from the digital still camera will be described with reference to FIG. 12 showing a flowchart of the processing. The process according to the flowchart of FIG. 12 is performed by the CPU 1001 as described above. In FIG. 12, the same step numbers as those in FIG. In the following, it is assumed that the conversion timing to the abstracted information is “at the time of distribution”.

  In step S1201, if the CPU 1001 receives a message indicating that the transmission button 411 has been pressed from the digital still camera, the process proceeds to step S1202. On the other hand, if it has not been received, this process ends. When the transmission button 411 is pressed, an image file is transmitted from the digital still camera.

  In step S1202, the CPU 1001 refers to the distribution completion flag in the area 201 in each image file transmitted from the digital still camera. Only the image file whose distribution flag is FALSE is loaded (extracted) into the RAM 1003.

  In step S303, the CPU 1001 initializes the counter n to 0. In step S304, the CPU 1001 compares the value of the counter n with the total number of image files loaded in the RAM 103 in step S1202. As a result of this size comparison, if (value of counter n) <(total number of image files loaded into RAM 103 in step S1202), the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if (the value of the counter n) ≧ (total number of image files loaded into the RAM 103 in step S1202), this processing ends.

  In step S305, the CPU 1001 refers to “setting information for specifying whether the check box 416 is ON or OFF” in the image file extracted in step S1202. If the referenced setting information indicates that the check box 416 is ON, the process proceeds to step S306, and if the setting information indicates OFF, the process proceeds to step S1206.

  In this case, in step S1206, the CPU 1001 distributes the undelivered image file among the image files loaded in the RAM 1003 in step S1202 to the outside via the I / F 1009.

  In step S306, the CPU 1001 selects one of the image files loaded in the RAM 1003 in step S1202 whose distribution flag is FALSE. Of the information recorded in the area 200 in the selected image file, information indicating the shooting location and shooting date of the image is read out.

  In step S307, the CPU 1001 determines whether the conversion condition indicated by the setting information set using the menu 418 is satisfied. For example, it is assumed that the latitude and longitude of the digital still camera user's home are registered in advance in a memory such as the RAM 1003 and “when the home is around” is selected in the menu 418. In this case, in step S307, the distance between the position (home position) indicated by the latitude and longitude of the home and the shooting location read in step S306 is calculated. If the calculated distance is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the object is “around the home”. Of course, this determination method is not limited to this.

  If it is determined that the conversion condition indicated by the setting information set using the menu 418 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1203. If it is determined that the conversion condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1206.

  In this case, in step S1206, the CPU 1001 distributes the image file selected in step S306 to the outside via the I / F 1009.

  In step S1203, the CPU 1001 accesses, via the I / F 1009, a server that manages the latitude and longitude and the place name information at the latitude and longitude in association with each other. The CPU 1001 downloads the place name information corresponding to the latitude and longitude recorded in the selected image file selected in step S306 from the server to a memory such as the RAM 1003. At the time of this download, as illustrated in FIG. 13, information having different accuracy is downloaded as character string information, such as country name, prefecture, city, ward, place name and address below the ward, town and village. The accuracy of country and prefecture information is lower, and the more accurate the information up to the address, the higher the accuracy. This is because it is difficult to specify the location only by the information of the country or prefecture, and it is easy to specify the location if the information is up to the address.

  In step S1204, the CPU 1001 employs the place name information up to the detailed level designated in the menu 1501 from the place name information acquired in step S1203. In FIG. 15, “change to place name up to city” is set, so a character string of the place name up to city is adopted.

  In step S1205, the CPU 1001 deletes the shooting location in the area 200 in the selected image file, and arranges the character strings adopted in step S1204 in the area 201 and registers them in the area 201.

  FIG. 14 shows the areas 200 and 201 before and after the update. In a column 1401, an area 200 (Exif_Base attribute information area) and an area 201 (Exif_MakerNote attribute information area) are described. Prior to the update, the latitude and longitude as the shooting location are recorded in the area 200 as indicated by 1402 and 1403 as described above.

  In step S1205, the CPU 1001 first deletes the latitude and longitude in the area 200 as indicated by 1403 and 1404. Next, as shown in 1404, the CPU 1001 employs place name information “Tokyo” and “Ota Ward” up to the detailed level specified by the menu 1501 among the place name information acquired in step S 1203. Then, “Tokyo Ota Ward” in which the adopted character strings are arranged is registered in the area 201.

  In this case, in step S1206, the CPU 1001 distributes the image file in which the area 200 and the area 201 are updated in step S1205 to the outside via the I / F 1009.

  In step S1207, the CPU 1001 rewrites the distributed flag in the image file distributed in step S1206 to TRUE. In step S313, the CPU 1001 increments the value of the counter n by one. And the process after step S304 is repeated.

  In the above description, the place names and addresses below the country, prefecture, city, ward, and ward / town / town are received separately. However, after receiving all the detailed place names, they may be separated by keywords. Good. For example, if a keyword for a prefecture is given in the place name, the previous character string is determined as a prefecture. Similarly, if a city is given, the previous character string is determined as a city. And you may isolate | separate.

<Variations of image processing devices>
In the above description, the server is used as an example of the image processing apparatus. However, the image processing apparatus may be realized by a combination of a plurality of devices. The digital still camera may directly communicate with a server having a function of searching for a place name from latitude and longitude, and after receiving detailed place name information, the user may select the accuracy of the place name. Then, the attribute information abstraction processing may be performed by the digital still camera, or after the transmission to the server, the attribute information abstraction processing may be performed on the server side. In addition, if the digital still camera itself has a function of searching for a place name from latitude and longitude, it is not necessary to communicate with a server to obtain place name information.

<Variations of shooting locations>
In the above description, an example has been described in which latitude and longitude are converted into information with lower accuracy for specifying a location. However, if a detailed shooting location is originally recorded in the region 200 or 201, the shooting location may be converted into information with lower accuracy for specifying the location.

  At that time, if there are other detailed shooting locations such as latitude and longitude, they are deleted (partially deleted) or abstracted as in the first or second embodiment. If converted to information, information about privacy can be protected.

<Variation of abstraction setting of shooting location>
In the above description, the level of accuracy for specifying the location is specified using the menu 1501. However, the shooting location at each level is displayed using other setting screens, and the user can select it. May be.

  For example, the conversion destination character string may be specified using the setting screen illustrated in FIG. The setting screen illustrated in FIG. 16 is displayed on the display 401 when the selection button 406 is pressed after the selection frame 415 is moved to the button 419 in the setting screen of FIG. However, in the following description, the setting is performed on the digital still camera side, but may be performed on the server side.

  When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 1606 to the radio button 1601 and presses the enter button 406 there, the character string having the highest accuracy for specifying the location is selected (selection instruction).

  When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 1606 to the radio button 1602 and presses the enter button 406 there, the character string having the second highest accuracy for specifying the location is selected.

  When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 1606 to the radio button 1603 and presses the enter button 406 there, a character string having the third highest accuracy for specifying the location is selected.

  When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 1606 to the radio button 1604 and presses the enter button 406 there, a character string having the fourth highest accuracy for specifying the location is selected.

  When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame 1606 to the radio button 1605 and presses the enter button 406 there, the character string having the lowest accuracy for specifying the location is selected.

  Note that only one of the radio buttons 1601 to 1605 can be selected. By using this setting screen, it is possible to convert from a latitude / longitude or a detailed shooting location to a shooting location corresponding to any one of the radio buttons 1601 to 1605.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, abstraction can be performed without using numerical information. In addition to protecting the photographer's privacy, the viewer can know the approximate place name of the shooting location. In addition, the place name information can be used for display and search.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, an image processing apparatus as a digital still camera will be described as in the first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, the photographer of the captured image is abstracted as character string information. In the following, only points different from the first embodiment will be mentioned, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment will not be particularly mentioned.

<About the setting screen for abstraction>
A setting screen for performing settings for abstracting the photographer will be described with reference to FIG. 17 which is a rear view of the digital still camera. The setting screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display 401 when the selection button 406 is pressed after the selection frame 415 is moved to the button 419 in the setting screen of FIG.

  An edit box 1705 is for inputting a photographer's nickname. An edit box 1706 is for inputting a group name to which the photographer belongs. An edit box 1707 is for inputting a company name or school name to which the photographer belongs. An edit box 1708 is used to input the family name (surname) of the photographer.

  When the user operates the buttons 407 to 410 to select any edit box and then presses the enter button 406, a character can be input into the selected edit box. The method for inputting characters is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the user can select a character displayed in the area 1709 using the buttons 407 to 410, and when the user presses the enter button 1710 after the selection, the selected character is additionally displayed in the selected edit box. The Of course, the method of inputting characters is not limited to this.

  Only one of the radio buttons 1701 to 1704 can be selected, and the user can select the desired radio button by operating the buttons 407 to 410 to move the selection frame to the desired radio button. Can do. FIG. 17 shows a state where the radio button 1701 is selected. When one of the radio buttons 1701 to 1704 is selected and the determination button 406 is pressed there, the character string input in the edit box corresponding to the selected radio button is set as an abstraction target. An edit box 1705 corresponds to the radio button 1701. An edit box 1706 corresponds to the radio button 1702. An edit box 1707 corresponds to the radio button 1703. An edit box 1708 corresponds to the radio button 1704.

  When the user operates buttons 407 to 410 to select button 1711 and presses determination button 406, the contents set on the setting screen of FIG. 17 are stored in a memory such as RAM 103. Furthermore, the screen displayed on the display 401 is switched from the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 17 to the setting screen illustrated in FIG.

  Information set on the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 17 and recorded in a memory such as the RAM 103 will be described with reference to FIG. Items 1801 corresponding to the edit boxes 1705 to 1708 are listed, and character strings 1802 input to the edit boxes 1705 to 1708 are listed. In each item, whether the corresponding radio button is in a selected state (ON) or a non-selected state (OFF) is listed as a selected state 1803. FIG. 18A shows an example in which the radio button 1701 corresponding to the character string “Hana” input as the nickname is in a selected state, and the other radio buttons are in a non-selected state.

<About image control processing>
The processing performed by the digital still camera according to the present embodiment is obtained by replacing steps S308 to S310 with steps S1901 and S1902 in FIG. 18B in the flowchart of FIG. That is, in this embodiment, when the CPU 101 determines that the conversion condition indicated by the setting information set using the menu 418 is satisfied, the CPU 101 executes the process according to the flowchart of FIG. Advances to step S311.

  In step S1901, the CPU 101 reads information having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 18A from a memory such as the RAM 103. Then, the CPU 101 sets the character string 1802 of the item 1801 whose selection state 1803 is ON as a target to be replaced with a character string representing the photographer in the area 200.

  In step S1902, the CPU 101 replaces the character string representing the photographer in the area 200 with the character string set in step S1901. If the same character string representing the photographer recorded in the area 200 is also recorded in the area 201, the CPU 101 sets the character string representing the photographer in the area 201 as a step. Replace with the character string set in S1901.

<Variation of abstraction method>
In this embodiment, the character string representing the photographer is abstracted by replacing it with the character string set using the setting screen of FIG. However, this abstraction process may be performed without user operation. For example, abstraction may be performed by generating an initial from the photographer's name (person name) and replacing the photographer's name with this initial. Of course, if a computer program for creating a nickname from the photographer's name is stored in the digital still camera in advance, the CPU 101 executes this computer program to perform an abstraction process for the photographer's name. Also good.

<Variations for abstraction>
In this embodiment, the name of the photographer is abstracted, but the name of the subject may be abstracted in the same manner. If the face of the subject can be recognized by the face recognition technology and the name of the subject can be specified, the name of the subject can be abstracted in the same manner as described above.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to abstract the photographer name and the subject name. Then, in order to protect the photographer's privacy, the viewer can know rough information about the photographer's name and the subject's name. In addition, the name information can be used for display and search.

  Each embodiment and each variation described above may be combined as appropriate, and various variations may be considered based on the above description, such as changing only information used with the same processing content.

(Other examples)
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (16)

Acquisition means for acquiring image data and attribute information recorded in association with the image data;
Determining means for determining whether to generate low-precision attribute information with a lower accuracy than the attribute information acquired by the acquiring means;
When the determination unit determines to perform the generation, a generation unit that generates the low-accuracy attribute information with the reduced accuracy;
When the determination unit determines not to perform the generation, the attribute information and image data acquired by the acquisition unit are output. When the determination unit determines to perform the generation, the generation unit An image processing apparatus comprising: output means for outputting low-precision attribute information generated by the image data and the image data. When handling numerical information as the attribute information,
The generation unit generates, as the low-accuracy attribute information, a numerical value obtained by rounding down digits lower than a preset effective digit number from a numerical value represented by the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit, or the acquisition unit Generating range information including a numerical value represented by the acquired attribute information, or generating information representing a numerical value obtained by quantizing the numerical value represented by the attribute information acquired by the acquiring unit in a preset unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. When handling character string information as the attribute information,
The generation unit generates, as the low-precision attribute information, character string information obtained by deleting a part of the character string information acquired by the acquisition unit, or the character string information acquired by the acquisition unit is less accurate. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is converted into other character string information.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute information is position information, date / time information, or information for identifying an individual.   5. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit performs the determination when transmitting image data to an external device, or performs the determination when generating an image file from the image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   When the attribute information includes position information and the position indicated by the position information acquired by the acquisition unit is included in a predetermined position, the determination unit determines to generate low-precision attribute information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus.   If the attribute information includes date and time information and the date and time indicated by the date and time information acquired by the acquisition unit is included in a predetermined date and time range, the determination unit determines to generate low-precision attribute information The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the image data includes a specific subject, the determination unit determines to generate low-precision attribute information.   The determination unit determines to generate low-accuracy attribute information when image data is transmitted to an external device and the transmission destination of the image data is a specified transmission destination. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   When the attribute information is character string information representing a place name, the generation means accepts a detail level indicating how much the place name is expressed from the user, and the low-precision representing the place name with the received detail level The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein attribute information is generated.   When the attribute information is character string information representing a person's name, the generation unit generates low-precision attribute information by replacing the character string information with character string information specified by a user. Item 11. The image processing apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 10.   When the acquisition unit acquires the image data and the attribute information from an image file, the output unit deletes the attribute information from the image file, and uses the low-precision attribute information generated by the generation unit as the image file. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image file is output after being stored in the image processing apparatus.   When the acquisition unit acquires the image data and the attribute information from the image file, the attribute information in the image file is converted into invisible information, and the low-precision attribute information generated by the generation unit is converted to the image file. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image file is output after being stored in the image processing apparatus. An image processing method performed by an image processing apparatus,
An acquisition step in which the acquisition unit of the image processing apparatus acquires image data and attribute information recorded in association with the image data;
A determination step of determining whether or not the determination unit of the image processing device generates low-accuracy attribute information with a lower accuracy than the attribute information acquired in the acquisition step;
When the generation unit of the image processing apparatus determines to perform the generation in the determination step, a generation step of generating low-accuracy attribute information with reduced accuracy;
When the output unit of the image processing apparatus determines that the generation is not performed in the determination step, the attribute information and the image data acquired in the acquisition step are output, and the generation is performed in the determination step. An image processing method comprising: an output step of outputting the low-precision attribute information generated in the generation step and the image data when the determination is made.   A computer program for causing a computer to function as each unit included in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 15.

Images