JP2012147167A - Imaging device, information processing terminal including the imaging device, method for controlling the imaging device, and program for realizing the method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera capable of intuitively imparting an attribute.SOLUTION: A series of processing to be performed by a digital camera includes: a step (S210) for displaying an image on a display, based on data held in a RAM; a step (S220) for detecting a touch operation on the display; a step (S230) for specifying the place of the touch operation; a step (S240) for determining an imaging condition, based on the specified place; a step (S250) for displaying the determined imaging condition by superimposition on the image being displayed; a step (S260) for performing imaging under the determined imaging condition, based on the absence of the touch operation; and a step (S270) for associating a determined preservation period with an image obtained by the imaging, and preserving them in a storage device.

Description

  The present invention relates to control of photographing by a camera.

  Conventionally, in digital cameras, camera-equipped mobile phones, and other information terminals with cameras, you basically set the shooting operation and its attributes, such as selecting an attribute before shooting and then pressing the shooting button. The operation for doing this was performed as a separate operation.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-235448 (Patent Document 1) discloses “a camera that can exhibit excellent operability” ([Summary] [Problem]). According to the camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-235448, “the monitor image 61 is displayed on the first display unit 11 and the recorded image 62 that has been captured on the second display unit 12 is traced back from the latest one to the past. When the touch panel of the first display unit 11 is touched (B), the image at that moment is temporarily stored in the RAM or the like, and the first display unit 11 is freeze-displayed as the photographed image 63. Thereafter, when an operation for moving the captured image 63 from the first display unit 11 to the second display unit 12 is performed by the touch panel (C) and (D), the captured image 63 is confirmed as a recorded image and stored in a flash memory or the like. It is displayed as the latest recorded image 62a on the second display unit 12 (E) "([Summary] [Solution means]).

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2010-55598 (Patent Document 2) discloses an information processing apparatus that “can easily perform a shooting mode switching operation” ([Summary] [Problem]). According to the information processing apparatus, “N types of tracing operations (only four types are shown in the figure) are defined by the positional relationship at the time of contact of the two fingers f1 and f2 and the subsequent movement direction”. The first to Nth shooting modes are associated with each of the N types of tracing operations, for example, the horizontal direction with respect to the touch screen 18 and the direction in which the two fingers f1 and f2 approach each other. The tracing operation P1 is defined, and the first shooting mode is associated with the tracing operation P1. When the CPU detects the tracing operation P1, the CPU switches to the first shooting mode. Summary] [Solutions]).

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-100877 (Patent Document 3) discloses an object management apparatus for “managing objects such as image objects and facilitating processing” ([Summary] [Problem]). The object management apparatus is configured to display “an arbitrary object (for example, an image object) on a display unit and display an operation icon on the display unit; a display state of the object in response to a selection operation of the operation icon; And / or an information generating means for generating control information whose attributes can be changed, and an associating means for associating the control information generated by the information generating means with the object. Control information that can change the attribute is associated with the object, and the display state and / or attribute of the object can be easily changed ”([Solution] in [Summary]).

JP 2007-235448 A JP 2010-55598 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-100877

  However, according to the disclosure of Patent Document 1, a touch area is used only for selection of a storage destination. For this reason, it is not possible to intuitively assign attributes to photos.

  According to the disclosures of Patent Documents 2 and 3, since the operation for photographing and the operation for assigning attributes are separate, a seamless operation of intuitively assigning attributes to a photograph can be realized. Can not.

  Therefore, there is a need for a technique for intuitively assigning attributes to photographs.

  According to one embodiment, an imaging device is provided. The photographing apparatus stores photographing means for photographing a subject, a touch panel display capable of displaying an image and receiving an instruction input, and one or more attributes associated with an image acquired by the photographing means. Storage means, and control means for controlling the photographing apparatus. The control means displays one or more attributes on the touch panel display, selects one attribute from the one or more attribute information based on a drag operation on the touch panel display, and executes an image photographing operation on the photographing means. The image picked up by the photographing means and one selected attribute are associated with each other and stored in the storage means.

  Preferably, the photographing apparatus further includes a recognition unit for recognizing an image acquired by the photographing unit, and a database having a plurality of attributes. The recognition means recognizes the photographed image. The control means is configured to search for an attribute from the database based on the recognition result of the image and to display the searched attribute on the touch panel display.

  Preferably, the storage unit stores a trajectory corresponding to a drag operation on the touch panel display and an attribute associated with the trajectory.

  The control means is configured to detect a trajectory corresponding to the drag operation based on a drag operation on the touch panel display, and to display an attribute associated with the detected trajectory on the touch panel display.

  Preferably, the photographing unit includes a plurality of cameras. The control means is configured to instruct each of the plurality of cameras to shoot and to associate the selected attribute with each image from each camera.

  Preferably, the touch panel display includes a forming unit for forming a parallax barrier. The control means is configured to output each image data from each camera to the touch panel display as image data for three-dimensional display.

  Preferably, the control means includes management means for managing each image according to an attribute associated with the image.

  According to another embodiment, an information processing terminal including any of the imaging devices described above is provided.

  According to another embodiment, a method for controlling an imaging device is provided. An imaging device includes a camera for capturing a subject, a touch panel display capable of displaying an image and receiving an instruction input, and a memory for storing one or more attributes associated with an image acquired by the camera And a controller for controlling the camera. The method includes: a touch panel display displaying one or more attributes; a controller selecting one attribute from one or more attribute information based on a drag operation on the touch panel display; and a camera Capturing an image, and a controller associating the image captured by the camera with the selected one attribute and storing it in memory.

  According to another embodiment, a program for realizing a method for controlling an imaging apparatus is provided. An imaging device includes a camera for capturing a subject, a touch panel display capable of displaying an image and receiving an instruction input, and a memory for storing one or more attributes associated with an image acquired by the camera And a processor for controlling the camera. The program causes the processor to display one or more attributes on the touch panel display, to select one attribute from the one or more attribute information based on a drag operation on the touch panel display, and to the camera. A step of photographing an image and a step of associating the image photographed by the camera with the selected one attribute and storing them in the memory are executed.

  In the present embodiment, the image is not limited to a still image and may be a moving image.

According to a certain situation, an attribute can be intuitively given to a photograph.
The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the digital camera 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by CPU 100 provided in digital camera 10. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of functions realized by the digital camera 10. FIG. It is a figure showing the aspect of the touch operation in the display 170, and the display of an imaging condition. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing one aspect of data storage in ROM 160. It is a figure showing the display place of the icon showing a preservation | save period, and the display place of the icon showing resolution. It is a figure showing the color candidate displayed in order to change the color of the image currently displayed on the display 170. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by digital camera 800. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by CPU 100 of digital camera 800. When display 170 is displaying a person, it is a figure showing associating the person's name with the person concerned. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the function implement | achieved by the digital camera 1100 which concerns on this Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by digital camera 1100 to create a database. FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one aspect of data storage in the digital camera 1100. It is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes which CPU100 which implement | achieves the digital camera 1100 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment performs. It is a figure showing that the attribute provided according to starting of touch operation by a user in display 170 changes. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by digital camera 1600. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by CPU 100 in order to associate and register a shooting mode of a digital camera and a locus on display 170. It is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by the CPU 100 when the digital camera captures an image in the shooting mode associated with the specified locus. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of functions realized by digital camera 1900. It is a block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the digital camera 20 concerning this Embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of operations executed by CPU 100 provided in digital camera 20. It is a figure which displays a pull image and a zoom image. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the function implement | achieved by the digital camera 2300 which concerns on 6th Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of operations executed by CPU 100 of digital camera 20 functioning as digital camera 2300. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the function implement | achieved by the digital camera 2500 concerning 7th Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processings which CPU100 of digital camera 20 which functions as a digital camera concerning this embodiment performs. It is a flowchart showing a part of process performed when the digital camera which concerns on this Embodiment deletes the specified image.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
A digital camera 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the digital camera 10. In the following example, an embodiment of the present invention is described based on the digital camera 10, but the application of the technical idea according to the present invention is not limited to the digital camera 10. For example, the present invention is applicable to a portable information processing terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or the like, which has a camera function and a touch panel.

  The digital camera 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100, a lens 110, a diaphragm 112, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 114, a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) 116, an amplifier 118, an A / D (Analog to). Digital) converter 120, lens motor 130, iris motor 132, timing generator 134, release button 140, mode selection button 142, power button 144, RAM (Random Access Memory) 150, and image signal processing Circuit 152, YC conversion processing circuit 154, compression / decompression processing circuit 158, ROM (Read-Only Memory) 160, flash memory 162, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) driver 164, media controller 166, and display 170 And a touch sensor 172. A memory card 168 can be attached to the media controller 166.

  In one aspect, the digital camera 10 has a main body (not shown) formed in a thin, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The lens 110 is provided on the front surface of the main body. The release button 140 is provided on the upper surface of the main body or the back surface of the main body.

  The CPU 100 is electrically connected to each part of the digital camera 10 via the data bus 180. The CPU 100 drives and controls the connected units based on signals input from the release button 140, the mode selection button 142, the power button 144, and the touch sensor 172.

  When the user of the digital camera 10 sets the operation mode of the digital camera 10 to the photographing mode and presses the release button 140, the subject light imaged by the lens 110 is acquired as a photographed image. The CPU 100 writes the captured image in the memory card 168.

  In one aspect, a mode selection button 142 and a power button 144 are provided on the side surface of the main body of the digital camera 10. In addition to the above-described shooting mode, the digital camera 10 has operation modes such as a playback mode for playing back and displaying a shot image stored in the memory card 168 and a menu mode for performing various settings of the digital camera 10. Have. The user can switch between the modes by pressing the mode selection button 142. In another aspect, the user can switch on / off the power of the digital camera 10 every time the power button 144 is pressed.

  The display 170 is provided on the back surface of the main body of the digital camera 10. The display 170 is realized by a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like, but is not limited to these devices. In one aspect, the display 170 has a display screen that is approximately the same size as the back of the main body. The display 170 functions as an electronic viewfinder that displays a captured image of a subject in real time in the shooting mode. In the playback mode, the display 170 functions as a monitor for playing back and displaying the captured image stored in the memory card 168. Further, in the menu mode, the display 170 displays a setting screen for receiving an input for defining the operation of the digital camera 10.

  Further, the display 170 is provided with a panel-like touch sensor 172. When the user's hand or finger touches the display screen of the display 170, the touch sensor 172 is configured to detect the contact position. When the user grips the main body of the digital camera 10, the touch sensor 172 can also detect the grip area. The touch sensor 172 also functions as an operation unit for receiving input of various operation instructions by a touch operation on the display 170.

  The aperture 112 and the CCD 114 are arranged side by side behind the lens 110. The lens 110 is connected to the lens motor 130. The diaphragm 112 is connected to the iris motor 132. The lens motor 130 changes the zoom magnification by moving the zoom lens of the lens 110 to the wide side or the tele side in accordance with a user operation. Further, the lens motor 130 adjusts the focal point so that the photographing condition is optimized by moving the focus lens of the lens 110 according to the subject distance and zoom lens magnification based on the signal from the CPU 100. The iris motor 132 adjusts the exposure by operating the diaphragm 112.

  The subject light transmitted through the lens 110 and the diaphragm 112 forms an image on the light receiving surface of the CCD 114. On the light receiving surface of the CCD 114, a plurality of light receiving elements for accumulating charges according to the amount of received light are arranged. The CCD 114 outputs the charge accumulated in each light receiving element by imaging as an imaging signal. A timing generator (TG) 42 controlled by the CPU 100 is connected to the CCD 114. The CCD 114 is driven by a timing signal (clock pulse) input from the TG 134.

  The imaging signal acquired by the CCD 114 is input to a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) 116 and output as R, G, and B image data corresponding to the amount of charge accumulated in each light receiving element of the CCD 114. The image data output from the CDS 116 is amplified by an amplifier (AMP) 118, and the amplified data is converted into digital image data by the A / D 120. Image data output from the A / D 120 is temporarily stored in the RAM 150 which is a work memory.

  The image signal processing circuit 152 executes gradation conversion, white balance correction, γ correction processing, and other image processing based on the image data stored in the RAM 150.

  The YC conversion processing circuit 154 converts the data after image processing into a luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cr and Cb.

  In the shooting mode, the CCD 114 executes an imaging process at a predetermined frame rate. The image signal processing circuit 152 performs the image processing on the image data acquired by the imaging processing. The display 170 displays the processed captured image as the current image.

  The LCD driver 164 drives the display 170. The LCD driver 164 has an image memory, a D / A converter, and the like (not shown). The D / A converter converts the captured image temporarily stored in the image memory into, for example, an NTSC (National Television System Committee) analog signal, and outputs the converted signal to the display 170.

  In the shooting mode, when the release button 140 is pressed and a release operation is performed, the CCD 114 acquires image data (hereinafter referred to as “original image data”) having a larger number of pixels than a live image for so-called live view display. . The image signal processing circuit 152 performs the above image processing on the original image data. The compression / decompression processing circuit 158 compresses the captured image after the image processing according to a predetermined compression format (for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format). The compressed captured image is written to the memory card 168 by the media controller 166.

  On the other hand, in the playback mode, the captured image recorded on the memory card 168 is read out to the RAM 150 by the media controller 166. The compression / decompression processing circuit 158 executes decompression processing of the image read to the RAM 150. The LCD driver 164 reads the decompressed data and reproduces and displays an image on the display 170 based on the data.

  When the touch sensor 172 detects contact of a user's hand or finger, the touch sensor 172 outputs a signal indicating the contact position to the CPU 100. In one aspect, the touch sensor 172 is disposed under the display screen of the display 170 in accordance with the arrangement position. In another aspect, touch sensor 172 is formed of a transparent screen and is configured to cover the display screen. In addition, as a method for detecting contact with the display 170, for example, there are a pressure-sensitive type that detects a change in pressure on a panel (not shown) of the display 170, and an electrostatic type that detects an electric signal due to static electricity. However, any method can be applied to the present embodiment.

  In one aspect, when the CPU 100 displays a captured image on the display 170, when the signal from the touch sensor 172 is not in the CPU 100, that is, when the user is not touching the display 170, the CPU 100 displays the captured image. The image is displayed on the entire display screen 170. In another aspect, when the CPU 100 detects the input of the signal output from the touch sensor 172, the CPU 100 sets a display area of the captured image so as to avoid the contact position detected by the touch sensor 172, and this display area The captured image is displayed on the screen.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the control structure of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes realized by the CPU 100 included in the digital camera 10 executing a program.

  In step S <b> 210, CPU 100 causes display 170 to display an image via LCD driver 164 based on the data held in RAM 150. In step S220, CPU 100 detects a touch operation on display 170 based on the output from touch sensor 172.

  In step S230, CPU 100 identifies the location of the touch operation on display 170 based on the signal output from touch sensor 172. In step S240, CPU 100 determines shooting conditions based on the specified location. The shooting conditions include, for example, a storage period, a shooting size, and the like. In step S250, CPU 100 causes display 170 to display the determined shooting condition so as to overlap the displayed image.

  In step S260, when CPU 100 detects the absence of the touch operation based on the output from touch sensor 172, CPU 100 transmits control signals to iris motor 132 and timing generator 134, respectively, under the determined shooting conditions. Take a picture. In step S <b> 270, CPU 100 associates the determined storage period with the image obtained by shooting, and stores it in flash memory 162 or another storage device. The storage location is predetermined by the user of the digital camera 10 before shooting, but can be changed by the user's operation.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the configuration of digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be further described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of functions realized by the digital camera 10. The digital camera 20 includes a touch detection unit 310, a touch location specifying unit 320, a shooting condition storage unit 330, a shooting condition determination unit 340, a shooting control unit 350, an imaging unit 360, a temporary storage unit 370, and an image. A storage unit 380, an image management unit 390, and a display unit 395 are provided.

  The touch detection unit 310 detects a touch operation in the display area of the display unit 395 based on an operation on the digital camera 10. The touch location specifying unit 320 specifies the location where the touch operation is performed in the display area based on the output from the touch detection unit 310.

  The shooting condition storage unit 330 holds shooting conditions set in advance as shooting conditions of the digital camera 10. The shooting condition determination unit 340 determines the shooting condition at that time based on the touch location specified by the touch location specifying unit 320 and the shooting condition stored in advance in the shooting condition storage unit 330.

  The imaging control unit 350 controls imaging by the imaging unit 360 based on the output from the touch detection unit 310 and the imaging conditions determined by the imaging condition determination unit 340. The imaging unit 360 executes an imaging operation based on the control from the imaging control unit 350 and writes image data obtained by imaging in the temporary storage unit 370. The temporary storage unit 370 temporarily holds data used for shooting by the digital camera 10 or data obtained by shooting.

  The image management unit 390 displays an image on the display unit 395 based on the data or shooting conditions held in the temporary storage unit 370 or the image data stored in the image storage unit 380 in a nonvolatile manner. The display unit 395 displays an image obtained by imaging based on the data stored in the temporary storage unit 370 or imaging conditions.

  In one aspect, the touch detection unit 310 is realized by the touch sensor 172. The touch location specifying unit 320, the shooting condition determination unit 340, the shooting control unit 350, and the image management unit 390 are realized by the CPU 100. The photographing condition storage unit 330 is realized by the ROM 160 or the flash memory 162. The imaging unit 360 is realized by the lens 110, the diaphragm 112, and the CCD 114. The temporary storage unit 370 is realized by the RAM 150. The image storage unit 380 is realized by the flash memory 162 and the memory card 168. Display unit 395 is realized by display 170.

  The operation of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of a touch operation and shooting conditions on display 170.

  Referring to FIG. 4A, display 170 displays an image drawn through lens 110. Here, when the user of the digital camera 10 performs a touch operation on the display 170, a display for selecting shooting conditions and an image storage period is shown. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4A, when the user's finger touches the center of the display 170, a circular icon is displayed. When the finger is traced in the upper right direction of the screen, as shown in the image 410, for example, An imaging condition and a storage period showing the resolution (10M) and the imaging period (2 years) are shown.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, when the user slides the finger touching the display 170 downward, as shown in the image 420, for example, the resolution remains unchanged (10M) and the storage period is The imaging conditions and storage period changed in one week are shown. When the finger touched by the user is released from the display 170 in this state, the CPU 100 determines that the resolution and the storage period are selected based on the output from the touch sensor 172, and the resolution and the storage period are determined based on the flash memory 162. Save to.

  Here, the data structure of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in ROM 160. ROM 160 includes areas 510 to 560. The area 510 stores data for specifying the location. The area 520 stores control data that defines an image storage period. The area 530 stores image data for displaying the retention period as an icon.

  In the area 540, data defining a place where the resolution of the digital camera 10 is displayed is stored. Area 550 stores data for controlling the resolution. The area 560 stores image data for displaying the resolution as an icon.

  For example, when “first row” is detected as the place and the fifth column is detected, the storage period “2 years” and the resolution “10 M” are specified as the control data.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the place where the icon representing the storage period of the image and the icon representing the resolution are displayed in digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6A, the period for storing the image is defined as different conditions for each row in the display 170. As shown in FIG. 6B, the resolution is defined for each column in the display 170. The icons shown in FIG. 4 are displayed by combining these icons.

  As described above, according to the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment, the user performs a touch operation on an icon drawn on the screen of the display 170 and performs a drag operation. Here, the storage period and the shooting size are associated with one of the two axes (vertical axis and horizontal axis) of the screen. The user changes the place touched by the finger while dragging, and the resolution and the storage period corresponding to the place are selected by the digital camera 10, and the selected resolution and the storage period are determined by the user. Provide feedback.

  When the user releases his / her finger, the digital camera 10 releases a shutter (not shown) at the same time, and at the same time, takes a photo with the selected resolution, and gives the selected storage period to the taken photo. Is stored in memory. In this way, an attribute can be given to the photograph by an intuitive operation.

  Note that the order of attribute selection and photography is not limited to that specified in the above-described manner. For example, the configuration may be such that the attribute is set by a drag operation after the user has taken a picture first. The photograph is not limited to a still image, and may be a moving image.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment has the function of selectively displaying color candidates in a photograph displayed on the display 170, and the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment described above. Different. The hardware configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment (FIG. 1). Therefore, those descriptions are not repeated.

  With reference to FIG. 7, the display mode of the imaging conditions in the digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing color candidates displayed in order to change the color of the image displayed on display 170.

  For example, when the user of the digital camera 10 touches a leaf portion when the display 170 displays a tree, the CPU 100 reads color information in the vicinity of the pixel where the touch is performed, and based on the result, Predetermined color selection candidates are displayed on the display 170. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, icons for accepting selection of pink, purple, orange, brown, red, and yellow are displayed as candidates for changing the color of the tree. When the user selects one of the icons displayed on the display 170 and releases the finger on the icon, the CPU 100 determines that the color touched by the finger has been selected, and the iris motor 132. The photographing operation is executed by sending control signals to the timing generator 134.

  With reference to FIG. 8, a configuration of digital camera 800 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by digital camera 800. The digital camera 800 further includes a color specifying unit 810, a shooting condition determining unit 820, and an image processing unit 830 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.

  The color specifying unit 810 specifies a color associated with the location based on the location on the display unit 395 specified by the touch location specifying unit 320.

  The shooting condition determining unit 820 determines the shooting conditions at that time based on the specific result (selected color) by the color specifying unit 810 and the shooting conditions stored in the shooting condition storage unit 330 in advance. The determined shooting condition is sent to the shooting control unit 350.

  The image processing unit 830 executes processing for changing the color of the image stored in the image storage unit 380 or the image temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 370. The image processing unit 830 displays an image on the display unit 395 based on the processed data.

  In a certain aspect, the color specifying unit 810, the shooting condition determining unit 820, and the image processing unit 830 are realized by the CPU 100.

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 9, a control structure of digital camera 800 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the hardware configuration of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes realized by a program executed by CPU 100 constituting digital camera 800. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the process same as the process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Therefore, those descriptions are not repeated.

  In step S910, CPU 100 specifies a color displayed in a pixel near the place of the touch operation detected in step S230. In step S920, CPU 100 reads color candidates associated with the specified color from a memory (for example, ROM 160, flash memory 162, etc.).

  In step S930, CPU 100 displays a plurality of icons indicating color candidates on the display (see FIG. 7). In step S <b> 940, CPU 100 detects that the touch operation on display 170 has disappeared based on the output from touch sensor 172.

  In step S950, CPU 100 captures images by sending control signals to iris motor 132 and timing generator 134, respectively, based on the color associated with the place where the touch operation has ceased and the image capturing conditions set in advance. Execute. In step S <b> 960, CPU 100 stores image data output from CCD 114 in RAM 150.

  In step S970, CPU 100 identifies an icon from which a touch operation has been detected among a plurality of icons. In step S980, CPU 100 changes the color of the image stored in RAM 150 using the color associated with the specified icon. In step S990, CPU 100 stores the changed image in memory card 168.

  As described above, according to digital camera 800 according to the present embodiment, the user touches the portion of the photograph displayed on the screen where the color to which the attribute is desired is displayed. The digital camera 800 reads the color information of the pixels in the neighboring area including the touched location in response to the touch, and uses a predetermined color as a color candidate that the user would like to give. Displayed on the display 170. When the user selects a color intended to be changed from the displayed candidates and releases his / her finger from the icon of the selected color, the digital camera 800 releases the shutter and takes a picture. In this way, the digital camera 800 can easily acquire an image in which the color desired by the user is emphasized according to the user's intuition.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The digital camera according to the present embodiment is different from the digital camera according to each of the above-described embodiments in that it has a function of associating an attribute included in a database created in advance with an image obtained by photographing. Note that the digital camera according to the present embodiment is realized using the same configuration as the hardware configuration of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG. Therefore, the description of the hardware configuration of the digital camera according to the present embodiment will not be repeated.

  With reference to FIG. 10, a technical idea according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing that when the display 170 displays a person, the person's name is associated with the person.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the display 170 displays, for example, two persons. When the user performs a touch operation on the display 170 in this state, the digital camera 10 determines that a person is displayed based on the image recognition technology, and reads a database of persons stored in the flash memory 162. . For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10A, names of Terry, Michael, and Thomas are displayed. In this state, the user touches the display 170 to select, for example, “Michael” and lifts his finger at the display of Michael. CPU 100 detects that the touch operation is no longer performed based on the output from touch sensor 172. The CPU 100 specifies a person name (Michael) specified by the place, and further performs a shooting operation by sending control signals to the iris motor 132 and the timing generator 134, respectively. The CPU 100 stores the image in the flash memory 1623 by associating the specified name (Michael) with the person image obtained by shooting.

[Function configuration]
With reference to FIG. 11, a configuration of a digital camera according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by digital camera 1100 according to the present embodiment. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the digital camera 1100 further includes a region extraction unit 1110, a feature amount calculation unit 1120, an information input unit 1130, an association unit 1140, a database 1150, and a candidate selection unit 1160. .

  The area extraction unit 1110 extracts an image area on the display unit 395 based on the output from the imaging control unit 350. For example, when the digital camera 1100 displays a person, a region corresponding to the person's face is extracted using a known face recognition technique.

  The feature amount calculation unit 1120 calculates a feature amount based on the output from the region extraction unit 1110 and the signal from the imaging unit 360. The feature amount is, for example, an eye-to-eye interval in a person's face extracted by the region extracting unit 1110, an interval between both ears, and the like, but is not limited thereto. The calculation of the feature amount is realized by a known technique.

  The information input unit 1130 receives data input for constructing a database from the outside of the digital camera 1100. The information input unit 1130 is also realized by a touch sensor 172, a memory card 168, and the like in a certain aspect.

  The associating unit 1140 associates the feature amount calculated by the feature amount calculating unit 1120 with the information received by the information input unit 1130 and stores the associated information in the database 1150. The database 1150 is performed on a nonvolatile recording medium capable of reading and writing data, such as the flash memory 162 or the memory card 168.

  The candidate selection unit 1160 uses the data stored in the database 1150 to select data candidates to be associated with the image in consideration of the feature amount calculated by the feature amount calculation unit 1120.

  In one aspect, the region extraction unit 1110, the feature amount calculation unit 1120, the association unit 1140, and the candidate selection unit 1160 are realized by the CPU 100. The information input unit 1130 is realized by a touch sensor 172, buttons, and other input switches (not shown). The database 1150 is realized in the flash memory 162.

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 12, the control structure of digital camera 1100 according to the present embodiment will be described using the hardware configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by CPU 100 configuring digital camera 1100 to create a database.

  In step S1210, CPU 100 captures a subject by sending signals to iris motor 132 and timing generator 134, respectively. In step S 1220, CPU 100 calculates a feature amount from the image data stored in RAM 150.

  In step S1230, CPU 100 accepts input of information for identifying the subject based on the output from touch sensor 172. The information includes, for example, a name and an identification number (ID). In step S1240, CPU 100 associates the feature amount with the information and stores them in flash memory 162. Thereby, a database using the feature amount is created.

[data structure]
A data structure of the digital camera according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in digital camera 1100.

  The database 1150 stores, for example, a name 1310 and a feature quantity 1320. The name 1310 and the feature amount 1320 are associated with each other. The mode of the database is not particularly limited, and may be a so-called relational database or an object-oriented database.

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 14, the control structure of the digital camera according to the present embodiment will be described using the hardware configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by CPU 100 realizing digital camera 1100. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the process same as the above-mentioned process. Therefore, those descriptions are not repeated.

  In step S1410, CPU 100 extracts information on a region that is predetermined as the vicinity of the location detected in step S230. In step S1420, CPU 100 calculates the feature amount of the extracted information based on the data stored in RAM 150.

  In step S1430, CPU 100 determines whether or not the difference between the feature amount stored in flash memory 162 and the feature amount calculated in step S1420 is within a predetermined range. If the difference is within a predetermined range (YES in step S1430), CPU 100 switches control to step S1440. If not (NO in step S1430), CPU 100 switches control to step S1450.

  In step S1440, CPU 100 causes display 170 to display name candidates associated with feature amounts within a predetermined range. In step S1450, when CPU 100 detects that the touch operation has been lost based on the output from touch sensor 172, CPU 100 performs shooting by sending control signals to iris motor 132 and timing generator 134, respectively.

  In step S 1460, CPU 100 stores an image based on the data output from CCD 114 in RAM 150. In step S <b> 1470, CPU 100 stores the name candidate displayed at the location where the touch operation has been lost and the image stored in RAM 150 by associating them with flash memory 162.

  As described above, according to the digital camera 1100 according to the third embodiment, a database of attribute names corresponding to a two-dimensional image is created in advance by a user using an image recognition technique. In a state where a person and an object are displayed on the display 170 as images that can be captured, the user touches a portion where an object to which an attribute is desired to be added is displayed. In response to the touch operation, the digital camera 1100 reads pixel information included in an area near the touched location, refers to the database, and displays attribute candidates that match the object. When the user selects an intended object name from the displayed candidates and then releases the finger, the digital camera 1100 takes a picture. In this way, the user can easily shoot with the attribute associated with the subject.

<Fourth embodiment>
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The digital camera according to the present embodiment is different from the digital cameras according to the above-described embodiments in that the digital camera according to the present embodiment has a function of associating attributes with images obtained by photographing based on touch operation activation information on the display 170.

  With reference to FIG. 15, the technical concept of the digital camera according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing that attributes given according to activation of a touch operation by the user on display 170 are different.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, in one aspect, the display 170 displays a tree through the lens 110. At this time, when the user traces his / her finger from the lower left to the upper right, the display 170 displays “natural scenery” as an attribute that can be associated with the displayed image.

  As shown in FIG. 15B, when the user traces the finger while performing a touch operation from the lower right to the upper left, the display 170 displays “person” as an attribute that can be associated with the displayed image.

  Referring to FIG. 15C, when the user releases his / her finger from display 170 to select the attribute “natural scenery” displayed by the touch operation from the lower left to the upper right, CPU 100 causes touch sensor 172 to Based on the output, it is detected that the attribute (natural scenery) has been selected. The CPU 100 stores the attribute (natural scenery) detected at that time in association with the image (tree) held in the RAM 150 in the flash memory 162.

[Function configuration]
With reference to FIG. 16, a configuration of digital camera 1600 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by digital camera 1600. The digital camera 1600 includes a trajectory specifying unit 1610, an operation mode registration unit 1620, and a control data storage unit 1630 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.

  The trajectory specifying unit 1610 specifies the trajectory on the display unit 395 based on the output from the touch detection unit 310. The operation mode registration unit 1620 registers the operation mode of the digital camera 1600 based on the output from the trajectory identification unit 1610. In one aspect, the operation mode registration unit 1620 operates in a predetermined operation mode for natural scenery in order to set the natural scenery as an attribute when, for example, the touch operation locus on the display unit 395 is from lower left to upper right. Is associated with the trajectory. In another aspect, operation mode registration unit 1620 associates the attribute “person” with the trajectory when a trajectory in lower right to upper left is detected as a trajectory in display unit 395, and further shoots the person. Is associated with a previously created operating condition.

  The control data storage unit 1630 stores the trajectory, attributes, and shooting conditions associated by the operation mode registration unit 1620. The imaging control unit 350 executes imaging according to the operation mode stored in the control data storage unit 1630 based on the output from the touch detection unit 310.

  In a certain aspect, the trajectory identification unit 1610 and the operation mode registration unit 1620 are realized by the CPU 100. The control data storage unit 1630 is realized by the flash memory 162.

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, a control structure of the digital camera according to the present embodiment will be described using the hardware configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by CPU 100 realizing digital camera 1600. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the process same as the above-mentioned process. Therefore, those descriptions are not repeated.

  In step S1710, CPU 100 switches the operation mode of the digital camera to the designated shooting mode. This switching is performed, for example, in response to selection of one of the plurality of shooting modes displayed on display 170. In step S210, CPU 100 displays an image on display 170.

  In step S <b> 1730, CPU 100 detects a locus due to a touch operation on display 170. In step S1740, CPU 100 causes display 170 to display a message confirming that the shooting mode specified in step S1710 and the locus detected in step S1730 are associated with each other and saved.

  In step S1750, CPU 100 determines whether or not an instruction to store the shooting mode and the locus in association with each other is input based on the output from touch sensor 172. If the instruction is input (YES in step S1750), CPU 100 switches control to step S1760. If not (NO in step S1750), CPU 100 ends the process.

  In step S1760, CPU 100 associates the designated shooting mode with the detected locus and saves them in flash memory 162. In step S1770, CPU 100 determines whether or not to switch to another shooting mode. This determination is made based on a signal from mode selection button 142 or an output from touch sensor 172, for example. If CPU 100 determines to switch to another shooting mode (YES in step S1770), it returns control to step S1710. If not (NO in step S1770), CPU 100 ends the process.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by CPU 100 when the digital camera performs shooting in the shooting mode associated with the specified locus.

  In step S210, CPU 100 displays an image on display 170. In step S1810, CPU 100 detects that touch operations on display 170 have been continuously performed. In step S1820, CPU 100 identifies the locus of the touch operation on display 170 based on the output from touch sensor 172.

  In step S1830, CPU 100 determines whether or not the difference between the locus stored in flash memory 162 and the locus identified in step S1820 is within a predetermined range. If the difference is in a predetermined range (YES in step S1830), CPU 100 switches control to step S1840. If not (NO in step S1830), CPU 100 returns control to step S210.

  In step S1840, CPU 100 identifies an attribute associated with the trajectory that satisfies the determination criterion in step S1830. The attribute includes, for example, a natural landscape, a person, etc. as a shooting mode.

  In step S1850, when CPU 100 detects that there is no touch operation on display 170 based on the output from touch sensor 172, it performs shooting in the shooting mode specified in step S1840.

  In step S1860, CPU 100 temporarily holds an image based on the data output from CCD 114 in RAM 150, and further saves it in flash memory 162 according to the save input.

  As described above, according to digital camera 1600 according to the present embodiment, trajectory information on display 170 and attributes to be assigned in association with the trajectory are created in advance as a database. When the user wants to give a certain attribute to the image displayed on the display 170, the user touches the display 170 so as to draw a trajectory corresponding to the attribute. The digital camera 1600 searches the database based on the trajectory drawn by the touch operation and displays on the display 170 the candidate names of attributes that the user wants to assign as attributes associated with the trajectory. If the displayed attribute is correct, the user releases the display 170 to perform shooting. In this way, attributes can be easily associated with images.

Note that the first to fourth embodiments may be combined.
<Fifth embodiment>
The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The digital camera according to the present embodiment is different from the digital cameras according to the above-described embodiments in that it has a function of generating an image for three-dimensional display.

[Function configuration]
With reference to FIG. 19, a configuration of digital camera 1900 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by digital camera 1900. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the digital camera according to the above-described embodiment. Therefore, those descriptions are not repeated.

  The digital camera 1900 further includes a camera interval changing unit 1910, a first imaging unit 1920, a second imaging unit 1930, and a parallax image generating unit 1940 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.

  The camera interval changing unit 1910 changes the operating conditions of the first imaging unit 1920 and the second imaging unit 1930 based on the output from the imaging control unit 350. For example, in one aspect, the camera interval changing unit 1910 switches the lens interval between the first imaging unit 1920 and the second imaging unit 1930 using an actuator (for example, a motor). This switching interval is defined as, for example, several steps in advance.

  The first imaging unit 1920 captures an image based on a signal from the imaging control unit 350. The second imaging unit 1930 performs imaging based on a signal from the imaging control unit 350.

  The parallax image generation unit 1940 generates a parallax image using the image sent from the first imaging unit 1920 and the image sent from the second imaging unit 1930.

[Hardware configuration]
With reference to FIG. 20, a hardware configuration of the digital camera according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of digital camera 20 according to the present embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 20 further includes a lens 111, a diaphragm 113, a CCD 115, a CDS 117, an amplifier 118, an A / D converter 121, and a lens motor 131. And an iris motor 133 and a timing generator 135.

  The lens 111 has a function similar to that of the lens 110. The diaphragm 113 has a function similar to that of the diaphragm 112. The CCD 115 has the same function as that of the CCD 114. The CDS 117 has the same function as that of the CDS 11116. The amplifier 119 has a function similar to that of the amplifier 118. The A / D converter 121 has the same function as that of the A / D converter 120. The lens motor 131 has the same function as that of the lens motor 130. The iris motor 133 has the same function as that of the iris motor 132. The timing generator 135 has the same function as that of the timing generator 134.

  In one aspect, the camera interval changing unit 1910 is realized by the CPU 100 and the lens motors 130 and 131. The first imaging unit 1920 is realized by the lens 110, the diaphragm 112, and the CCD 114. The second imaging unit 1930 is realized by the lens 111, the diaphragm 113, and the CCD 115. The parallax image generation unit 1940 is realized by the CPU 100.

[Control structure]
A control structure of the digital camera 20 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of operations executed by CPU 100 included in digital camera 20.

  In step S2110, CPU 100 detects that display 170 has been touched with two fingers based on the output from touch sensor 172. In step S2120, CPU 100 detects a pinch-in or pinch-out operation based on the output from touch sensor 172, and changes the distance between the lenses of the two cameras according to the detection result. The change of the interval is realized by driving the above-described actuator (not shown), for example. For example, a control signal for realizing a predetermined interval according to the distance between two touched points is given to the actuator. Note that “pinch-in” refers to reducing an object on the screen with two fingers touching the display 170. Pinch out refers to enlarging an object on the screen with two fingers touching the display 170.

  In step S 2130, CPU 100 detects that two fingers are separated from display 170 based on the output from touch sensor 172. In step S2140, CPU 100 adjusts the zoom and aperture by sending control signals to iris motors 132 and 133 and timing generators 134 and 135, respectively, based on the detection result, and executes shooting.

  In step S 2150, CPU 100 reads the attribute from flash memory 162. In step S2160, CPU 100 stores the attribute selected from the read attribute in the memory card 168 by associating the image obtained by photographing.

  As described above, according to the digital camera 20 according to the present embodiment, a parallax image is created in shooting for a 3D image. At this time, since the appropriate camera interval varies depending on the distance to the object to be photographed, it is required to adjust the camera settings (position, orientation, zoom, etc.) in order to obtain an optimal 3D effect.

  According to the digital camera 20, the interval between the two sets of imaging devices (CCDs 114 and 115) can be changed. Therefore, as described above, when the user performs a pinch-out operation or a pinch-in operation on the display 170, the setting of the photographing device of the digital camera 20 is changed. Since the digital camera 20 displays the through image as the imaging result after the change on the display 170 in real time, the setting change is promptly fed back to the user. When the user stops the pinch-in operation or the pinch-out operation at a place where a desired 3D effect can be obtained and releases the finger, the digital camera 20 performs shooting. Thereby, setting for photographing is easily realized.

  The present embodiment can also be applied to the first to fourth embodiments described above. In this case, for example, by registering which embodiment the setting is to be performed first, and rearranging the processing steps so that shooting is not performed until the setting according to the other embodiment is performed. Two or more embodiments may be combined.

<Sixth Embodiment>
The sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The digital camera according to the present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments in that it has a function of setting each magnification of the plurality of cameras to a different value.

  With reference to FIG. 22, the technical idea according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 shows a pull image and a zoom image.

  As shown in FIG. 22A, for example, the display 170 displays two persons. Here, an operation on the person 2110 will be described. As shown in FIG. 22B, the user of the digital camera touches the image of the person 2110 with two fingers. When the user widens the interval between two fingers, the image of the person 2110 is enlarged and displayed as an image 2230 as shown in FIG. At this time, the region 2220 can be displayed in front of other regions.

  With reference to FIG. 23, a configuration of the digital camera according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of functions realized by a digital camera 2300 according to the sixth embodiment. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the digital camera 2300 includes a captured image imaging unit 2320, a zoom imaging unit 2330, a switching unit 2340, and a magnification changing unit 2310.

  The magnification changing unit 2310 changes the magnification of the image displayed on the display unit 395 based on the output from the touch detection unit 310. For example, the magnification changing unit 2310 changes the magnification according to a change in the interval between two fingers (that is, two points) touched on the display unit 395 in a certain situation.

  The captured image imaging unit 2320 captures an image for a pulled image according to the magnification set by the magnification changing unit 2310.

  The zoom imaging unit 2330 switches the lens magnification in accordance with the magnification determined by the magnification changing unit 2310 and captures a zoom image.

  The switching unit 2340 selects an image to be displayed on the display unit 395 based on the output from the touch detection unit 310, the output from the dragged image capturing unit 2320, and the output from the zoom image capturing unit 2330. The image selected by the switching unit 2340 is stored in the temporary storage unit 370.

  In one aspect, the pulled image capturing unit 2320 is realized by the lens 110, the diaphragm 112, and the CCD 114. The zoom imaging unit 2330 is realized by the lens 111, the diaphragm 113, and the CCD 115. The switching unit 2340 is realized by the CPU 100.

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 24, a control structure of the digital camera according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of operations executed by CPU 100 realizing digital camera 2300.

  In step S2410, CPU 100 causes display 170 to display a preview image from the camera for the pull image. In step S2420, CPU 100 changes the magnification of the pull image based on the user's operation. In step S2110, CPU 100 detects that two fingers are touched on display 170 based on the output from touch sensor 172.

  In step S2430, in response to the detection, CPU 100 selects a zoom image camera as an image input source, and displays a preview image from zoom image camera on display 170. In step S2440, CPU 100 switches zoom-in / zoom-out according to the interval between two fingers on display 170. In step S2450, CPU 100 detects that the user has removed his / her finger from display 170 based on the output from touch sensor 172.

  As described above, the digital camera 2300 according to the present embodiment has a mechanism capable of setting magnifications to different values, and can capture a pull image and a zoom image by a seamless operation. For example, first, the display 170 displays a preview image from the pulling image capturing unit 2320. The user adjusts the magnification of the pull image while viewing the display 170. Next, the user touches the center of a point to be photographed as a zoom image with two fingers. When the pinch-out operation is performed in this state, the digital camera 2300 switches the image on the display 170 to a preview from the zoom imaging unit 2330. Since the magnification of the zoom imaging unit 2330 can be changed according to the distance between two points, the user can perform a pinch-in operation or a pinch-out operation while looking at the preview screen, thereby setting the desired magnification. Can be adjusted. When the user lifts his / her finger, the shutter of the pulling image capturing unit 2320 and the zoom image capturing unit 2330 is lowered, and the photographing operation is realized. As described above, since zoom adjustment is realized with two fingers, the user can realize shooting intuitively.

<Seventh embodiment>
The seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The digital camera according to the present embodiment is different from the digital camera according to each of the above-described embodiments in that it has a function of managing images according to management conditions set in advance.

  With reference to FIG. 25, the configuration of the digital camera according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by digital camera 2500 according to the present embodiment. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the structure similar to the structure with which the digital camera concerning each above-mentioned embodiment is provided. Therefore, those descriptions will not be repeated.

  The digital camera 2500 includes an attribute acquisition unit 2510, an association unit 2520, and an image management unit 2530 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. The image management unit 2530 includes a deletion unit 2540.

  The attribute acquisition unit 2510 acquires attribute information used by the digital camera 2500 based on an input given from the outside of the digital camera 2500.

  The associating unit 2520 associates the image stored in the temporary storage unit 370 with the attribute acquired by the attribute acquisition unit 2510, and stores the image and the attribute in the image storage unit 380.

  The image management unit 2530 implements processing for managing images stored in the image storage unit 380. The processing may include, for example, deletion of image data, display of a message asking whether deletion is necessary, or the like.

  The deletion unit 2540 deletes the image determined to be deleted by the image management unit 2530. In addition, in a certain situation, the deletion unit 2540 displays a message on the display unit 395 for confirming whether or not the deletion is accepted before deleting the image. In another aspect, deletion unit 2540 may store the image to be deleted stored in image storage unit 380 as a backup in a removable recording medium such as memory card 168.

  In one aspect, the attribute acquisition unit 2510 is realized by the touch sensor 172 and the CPU 100. The association unit 2520 and the image management unit 2530 are realized by the CPU 100.

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 26, a control structure of the digital camera according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by CPU 100 of digital camera 20 realizing digital camera 2500.

  In step S2610, CPU 100 detects a touch operation on display 170 based on the output from touch sensor 172. In step S2620, CPU 100 executes photographing by sending control signals to iris motors 132 and 133 and timing generators 134 and 135 in response to the detection.

  In step S 2630, CPU 100 stores the image sent from CCDs 114 and 115 in RAM 150. In step S2640, CPU 100 detects switching to the attribute information addition mode based on the output from touch sensor 172. In other aspects, this selection may be based on an output from mode selection button 142.

  In step S2650, CPU 100 accepts an attribute input based on the output from touch sensor 172. In one aspect, the attribute may include user information, a storage period, a storage size, a resolution, and the like. The user information includes the user name and other information. The storage period may be a period selected from a predetermined one by default, or may be a period input by the user. In step S2660, CPU 100 associates the input attribute with the image, and stores the attribute and the image in flash memory 162.

[Delete processing]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed when the digital camera according to the present embodiment deletes the specified image.

  In step S2710, CPU 100 detects the execution of the image management mode based on the output from touch sensor 172. In step S2720, CPU 100 reads the attribute associated with the image into the work area of RAM 150.

  In step S2730, CPU 100 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed from the shooting date and time. If the predetermined period has elapsed (YES in step S2730), CPU 100 switches control to step S2740. If not (NO in step S2730), CPU 100 ends the control.

  In step S2740, CPU 100 displays a message to delete the image on display 170. In step S2750, CPU 100 determines whether or not deletion OK has been input based on a signal output in response to an operation given to display 170. If deletion OK is input (YES in step S2750), CPU 100 switches control to step S2760. If not (NO in step S2750), CPU 100 switches control to step S2770.

  In step S2760, CPU 100 deletes the image from flash memory 162. In step S2770, CPU 100 determines whether another image to be deleted is stored. This determination is realized by the number of image files specified based on the determination result in step S2730, for example. If another image is stored (YES in step S2770), CPU 100 returns the control to step S2720. If not (NO in step S2770), CPU 100 ends the process.

  As described above, according to the digital camera 2500 according to the present embodiment, when the added attribute is information on the digital camera 2500 itself, the digital camera 2500 manages the photos according to the attribute. For example, when the storage period of the photo elapses, the CPU 100 deletes the photo or backs up to a memory card. In this way, the management of the photos is intuitively realized, so that the management becomes easy.

[Summary]
According to the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the user performs a touch operation to start shooting, an appropriate operation is performed based on the location where the touch operation is performed, the distance dragged from the direction, the direction, and the speed. It is possible to shoot at the same time as mapping various attributes.

  Then, the user performs a drag operation from the place where the user performed the touch operation, and at the same time releases the finger, the digital camera releases the shutter. The digital camera gives the storage period and resolution information of the acquired image (still image, moving image) to the image according to the distance and direction in which the drag operation is performed.

  Based on the color information of the pixels near the place where the touch operation is performed, the digital camera displays color attribute information candidates that the user wants to give to the photograph on the display 170. When the user drags to a specific color candidate area and releases his / her finger, the digital camera executes a shooting operation and assigns a color based on the color candidate to the image as attribute information.

  When the digital camera has a function capable of recognizing an object, the digital camera recognizes a subject existing at a location touched by the user, and displays attribute candidates on the display 170 based on the recognition result. When the user performs a drag operation in the candidate area and releases the finger, the digital camera executes a shooting operation and assigns the attribute to the image.

  In another aspect, the digital camera recognizes who is performing the operation using the shape of the trajectory dragged by the user or time information as a feature amount. When the user releases his / her hand, the digital camera executes a shooting operation and adds the shape or feature amount of the trajectory to the image.

  In yet another aspect, the digital camera recognizes what is being photographed using the position and time information of the trajectory dragged by the user as feature amounts. When the user lifts his / her finger, the digital camera executes a shooting operation and assigns an attribute to the image.

  When the digital camera has a function of capturing a parallax image, the digital camera adjusts the positions of the two cameras in response to the user pinching out or pinching in. When the user lifts his / her finger from the display 170, the digital camera captures a parallax image at the adjusted camera position.

  If the digital camera can take pictures with different magnifications, in response to the user touching the display 170 with two fingers, the digital camera shifts to a shooting mode with two cameras. When the user performs a pinch-in or pinch-out and releases his / her finger from the display 170, the digital camera is centered on the point where the pinch-in or pinch-out operation is started, with a magnification corresponding to the distance between the two points. Set the magnification and execute the shooting operation.

  The technical idea according to the present invention can be applied to a portable information processing terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, and the like, and a terminal having a camera function and a touch panel.

  10, 20, 800, 1100, 1600, 1900, 2300, 2500 Digital camera, 110, 111 Lens, 112, 113 Aperture, 114, 115 CCD, 116, 117 CDS, 118, 119 Amplifier, 120, 121 A / D conversion , 130, 131 lens motor, 132, 133 iris motor, 134, 135 timing generator, 180 data bus.

Claims (9)

A photographing device,
Photographing means for photographing the subject;
A touch panel display capable of displaying images and accepting instruction inputs;
Storage means for storing one or more attributes associated with the image acquired by the imaging means;
Control means for controlling the imaging device,
The control means includes
Displaying the one or more attributes on the touch panel display;
Based on a drag operation on the touch panel display, one attribute is selected from the one or more attribute information,
Causing the photographing means to perform a photographing operation of an image;
An imaging apparatus configured to associate an image captured by the imaging unit with the selected one attribute and store the image in the storage unit. The imaging device
Recognizing means for recognizing an image acquired by the photographing means;
A database having a plurality of attributes,
The recognition means recognizes the captured image;
The control means includes
Based on the recognition result of the image, retrieve the attribute from the database,
The imaging device according to claim 1, configured to display the searched attribute on the touch panel display. The storage means stores a trajectory corresponding to a drag operation on the touch panel display and an attribute associated with the trajectory.
The control means includes
Based on a drag operation on the touch panel display, a trajectory corresponding to the drag operation is detected,
The imaging device according to claim 1, configured to display an attribute associated with the detected locus on the touch panel display. The photographing means includes a plurality of cameras,
The control means includes
Instructing each of the plurality of cameras to shoot,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing apparatus is configured to associate a selected attribute with each image from each of the cameras. The touch panel display includes a forming means for forming a parallax barrier,
5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to output each image data from each camera to the touch panel display as image data for three-dimensional display.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a management unit for managing each image according to an attribute associated with the image.   An information processing terminal including the photographing apparatus according to claim 1. A method for controlling a photographing apparatus, wherein the photographing apparatus includes a camera for photographing a subject, a touch panel display capable of displaying an image and receiving an instruction input, and an image acquired by the camera. A memory for storing one or more attributes associated with the controller and a controller for controlling the camera;
The method
The touch-panel display displaying the one or more attributes;
The controller selecting one attribute from the one or more attribute information based on a drag operation on the touch panel display;
The camera taking an image;
A method for controlling a photographing device, comprising: the controller associating an image photographed by the camera with the selected one attribute and storing it in the memory. A program for realizing a method for controlling a photographing device, wherein the photographing device includes a camera for photographing a subject, a touch panel display capable of displaying an image and receiving an instruction input, A memory for storing one or more attributes associated with an image acquired by the camera; and a processor for controlling the camera;
The program is stored in the processor.
Displaying the one or more attributes on the touch panel display;
Selecting one attribute from the one or more attribute information based on a drag operation on the touch panel display;
Causing the camera to take an image;
A program for executing the step of associating an image photographed by the camera with the selected one attribute and storing it in the memory.

Images