JP2018007041A - Imaging apparatus, display device, and imaging and display system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of realizing much better user friendliness by easily grasping a relationship of multiple images regarding an imaging apparatus and a display device.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus comprises an imaging part and a display part and acquires first information including at least one of an azimuth angle and an elevation angle as an imaging direction of an image and at least one of an angle of view of the image and angle-of-view related information. Regarding multiple picked-up images, in a case where a second imaging direction or a partial angle of view of a second image is included within a range of a first angle of view in a first imaging direction of a first image or a threshold angle-of-view range extending outsides, the second image is related to the first image. A graphic 61 representing the first image selected based on operation of a user is displayed on a background region 50 within a display screen 401, and graphics 62 and 63 representing the second image related to the first image in a positional relationship corresponding to the imaging directions are displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for an imaging apparatus and a display apparatus, and relates to a screen display technique for a captured image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are digital cameras, smartphones, and the like as electronic devices such as an imaging apparatus having a function of capturing a plurality of images having different shooting directions and angles of view. In addition, as an electronic device such as a display device having a function of reproducing and displaying the plurality of images, there is a television receiver (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “TV”), a notebook PC, or the like. The image is a still image or a moving image. The photographing direction can be defined by, for example, an azimuth angle and an elevation angle. The angle of view represents an image range as an angle and is also referred to as a viewing angle. For example, the angle of view can be defined by a horizontal angle of view corresponding to an azimuth angle and a vertical angle of view corresponding to an elevation angle.

  Images with different angles of view include images taken at a relatively wide angle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “wide-angle images”) and images taken at a relatively narrow angle (hereinafter “narrow-angle”). May be described as “image” or the like). Examples of the wide angle include a horizontal angle of view of 120 ° and an angle of view of 180 ° or more. In the case of 180 °, it may be called a hemispherical image, and in the case of 360 °, it may be called a omnidirectional image. As an example of the narrow angle, a field angle of 50 ° or less in the horizontal field angle can be given. Hereinafter, the unit of angle is expressed in degrees (°), but it can be converted into a unit such as radians.

  JP-A-2000-92439 (Patent Document 1) is given as an example of the prior art relating to screen display of a captured image. Patent Document 1 describes the following as an electronic still camera or the like. The electronic still camera generates an image list display file that enables a list of recorded images recorded in the recording memory to be displayed on an external device when the power-off is instructed. A plurality of reduced images are displayed in a list on a list display screen displayed by image search using the file.

JP 2000-92439 A

  A user who is a photographer may take a plurality of images with different shooting directions and angles of view at the same place and date / time using an imaging device. For example, a user shoots a wide-angle image with a certain shooting direction and angle of view and a narrow-angle image with a different shooting direction and angle of view in the same park on the same day. In such a case, it can be said that the plurality of images are related image groups having a predetermined relationship with respect to location, date and time, shooting direction, angle of view, and the like.

  Conventional imaging devices and display devices have a function of displaying a plurality of images on a display screen in a list and in a parallel arrangement, for example, in the order of shooting date and time, file names, and the like. For example, in the case of Patent Document 1, a plurality of reduced images are displayed in parallel arrangement vertically and horizontally on the list display screen.

  However, with the conventional technology, it is difficult for the user to intuitively recognize a plurality of images having a predetermined relationship among all images displayed on the display screen. For example, even when a plurality of images including wide-angle images and narrow-angle images taken at the same place and date / time are mixed, it is difficult for the user to grasp the interrelationship between the images on the list display screen. . The prior art does not have a function of reproducing and displaying a plurality of related images in association with each other. The conventional technology does not have a function of displaying an image on the display screen by referring to another image related to the image. In the prior art, it takes time and effort to edit and manage a plurality of images by a user.

  That is, the related art is difficult to suitably browse a plurality of related images, and there is room for improvement in terms of usability.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can easily grasp the relationship between a plurality of images and realize better usability with respect to an imaging device and a display device.

  A typical embodiment of the present invention is an imaging apparatus or the like, and has the following configuration.

  An imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an imaging unit that captures a still image or a moving image to obtain image data; and a display unit that reproduces and displays the image on a display screen based on the image data. First information including at least one of an azimuth angle and an elevation angle as an imaging direction of the image and at least one of the angle of view of the image or the angle of view related information capable of calculating the angle of view is acquired, and the image is captured For a plurality of images, the second imaging direction or partial angle of view of the second image is included within the range of the first angle of view of the first imaging direction of the first image or the threshold angle of view extended outside thereof. If the second image is associated with the first image, the first image selected based on the user's operation or the first graphic representing the first image is displayed on the background area in the display screen. And display in the shooting direction. In the positional relationship, and it displays the second graphic representing the second image or said second image associated with the first image.

  According to a typical embodiment of the present invention, it is easy to grasp the relationship between a plurality of images regarding an imaging device and a display device, and better usability can be realized.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging display system comprised including the imaging device and display apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of management information and metadata in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating management of a relationship between a plurality of images in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a shooting direction and angle of view for a plurality of images, particularly an azimuth angle and a horizontal angle of view, in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an elevation angle and a vertical angle of view in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating angle-of-view related information in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1; 6 is a diagram illustrating transition of display modes of a display screen in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second display mode screen example in the imaging apparatus according to the modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second display mode screen example in the imaging apparatus according to the modification of the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating another image example of the second display mode screen in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another image example of the second display mode screen in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another image example of the second display mode screen in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of scrolling a second display mode screen in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of enlargement / reduction of a second display mode screen in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second display mode screen in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second display mode screen in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a fourth display mode screen example in the imaging device according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a map display mode screen in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of control processing at the time of imaging in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of control processing during reproduction display in the imaging device and display device according to the first embodiment. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first selection method in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second selection method in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third selection method in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating association conditions and the like in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second display mode screen example in the imaging apparatus according to the modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second display mode screen example in the imaging apparatus according to the modification of the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing shown about imaging | photography mode in the imaging device of Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a shooting menu screen in the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display screen of the monitor image of imaging | photography mode in the imaging device of Embodiment 3 of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a monitor image display screen in a shooting mode in an imaging apparatus according to a modification of the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of a 1st edit function with the imaging device of Embodiment 4 of this invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a display screen example of a second editing function in the imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing shown about the omnidirectional image in the imaging device of Embodiment 5 of this invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration related to an imaging unit in the imaging apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
The imaging device and display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The imaging device and the display device of Embodiment 1 have a function of displaying a plurality of images having different shooting directions and angles of view in association with each other.

[Imaging display system]
FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of an imaging display system that is a system including the imaging device and the display device according to the first embodiment. The imaging display system of FIG. 1 includes a first imaging device 1A and a second imaging device 1B that are the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment, and a first display device 2A and a second display that are the display device 2 of the first embodiment. The device 2B and the server 3 are connected via the communication network 4. The communication network 4 includes a wireless communication network and the Internet.

  The imaging device 1 is an electronic device having at least an imaging function and a display function. The display device 2 is an electronic device having at least a display function. A user who is a photographer has a first imaging device 1A and a second imaging device 1B, and a first display device 2A and a second display device 2B as electronic devices that the user owns or has authority to use. For example, the first imaging device 1A is a digital camera, the second imaging device 1B is a smartphone, the first display device 2A is a television, and the second display device 2B is a notebook PC.

  The first imaging device 1A and the second imaging device 1B have a function of holding at least image data of an image captured by the own device in a storage unit in the own device. Further, the first imaging device 1A and the second imaging device 1B may have a function of transmitting image data of an image captured by its own device to the server 3 and storing and registering it in the image data DB of the server 3. . Further, the first imaging device 1A and the second imaging device 1B have a function of transmitting image data of an image captured by the own device to the first display device 2A and the second display device 2B based on a user operation. May be.

  The first display device 2A and the second display device 2B have a function of receiving and inputting image data from the imaging device 1 or the server 3 which is an external device, and holding the image data in a storage unit in the own device. For example, the first display device 2A receives image data by communication from the first imaging device 1A and the second display device 2B. For example, the second display device 2B receives image data from the first imaging device 1A and the second imaging device 1B by communication. Further, the first display device 2A and the second display device 2B have an image data display unit. The image data display unit displays an image on the display screen based on the image data. For example, the second display device 2B has an image data editing unit. The image data editing unit edits information and content of image data based on a user operation on the display screen.

  The server 3 is, for example, a server device managed by a business operator. The server 3 stores image data from a user's device and stores it in the image data DB. Thereby, backup of image data, unified management, etc. are realized. The server 3 and the image data DB may be implemented by different devices.

[Imaging device]
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the imaging apparatus 1. The imaging device 1 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, an imaging unit 103, a display device 104, an operation input unit 105, a recording unit 106, a recording medium 107, a communication interface unit 108, a photographing direction measuring unit 111, an internal clock 112, a position A detection unit 113, a sensor group 114, a microphone 115, a speaker 116, an interface circuit unit 131, a signal processing unit 132, a memory 133, and the like are provided. These units are connected to each other via a bus or the like, and cooperate at high speed based on the control of the control unit 101.

  The control unit 101 controls the entire imaging apparatus 1. The control unit 101 includes a control circuit such as a processor, a ROM, and a RAM. The control unit 101 includes an imaging control unit 11, a display control unit 12, a touch detection unit 13, a setting unit 14, and an association unit 15 as processing units realized by processing of the control circuit.

  The control unit 101 controls each unit such as the imaging unit 103 according to the operation mode to realize imaging and display. The operation modes include an imaging mode and a playback display mode. The control unit 101 controls the imaging unit 103, the display device 104, the recording unit 106, and the like via the signal processing unit 132 and the memory 133 according to the operation mode and state.

  The control unit 101 controls settings such as a shooting direction and an angle of view of imaging based on a user input operation through the operation input unit 105 or the touch sensor 42. The control unit 101 creates metadata 22 together with the image data 23 as the image is captured through the imaging unit 103, and stores the metadata 22 and the image file 24 including the image data 23 in the storage unit 102 or the recording unit. The data is recorded on the recording medium 107. Further, the control unit 101 creates and manages management information 21 related to the image file 24.

  The storage unit 102 stores various data and information including a plurality of image files 24 and management information 21 based on the control of the control unit 101. A form in which the storage unit 102 is integrated in the control unit 101, a form in which the storage unit 102 and the recording unit 106 are integrated, or the like may be used.

  The imaging unit 103 captures an image based on the control from the imaging control unit 11. The imaging unit 103 includes a drive unit 31 and a lens unit 32. The drive unit 31 includes a drive circuit and drives the imaging element and the lens of the lens unit 32 based on drive control from the imaging control unit 11. The lens unit 32 includes an optical system including a plurality of lenses including a lens corresponding to electronic zoom or optical zoom. For example, the drive unit 31 performs a focusing operation that changes the focal length by controlling the position of the focus lens. The lens of the lens unit 32 may be a zoom lens system that is fixed without replacement and is compatible with electronic zoom, or may be an optical lens system that can be replaced by detachment.

  The imaging unit 103 includes an imaging element such as a CMOS or a CCD. Photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged on the imaging surface of the imaging element. The image pickup unit 103 photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject that is incident through the lens unit 32 and formed on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device into an image pickup signal. The imaging unit 103 includes an AD conversion circuit that converts an analog signal into a digital signal, and outputs a digitized imaging signal. The imaging unit 103 may increase the speed of autofocus by using an image sensor in which pixels for phase difference autofocus are arranged, or incorporate a memory to increase the speed of input / output of image signals. Also good. An AD conversion circuit or the like may be provided outside the imaging unit 103. The imaging method of the imaging unit 103 is not limited.

  The display device 104 is a touch panel, for example, and includes a display unit 41 and a touch sensor 42. The touch panel is a display unit and an operation input unit. The display unit 41 includes a display driver and displays a display screen for the user. The display unit 41 is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit, but may be an organic EL display unit or the like. The method of the display unit 41 and the method of the touch sensor 42 are not limited. A plurality of display devices 104 may be provided, or the display device 104 may not include the touch sensor 42. In the first embodiment, in addition to the touch panel which is the main display device 104, a display device for an imaging monitor will be described later.

  The touch sensor 42 is arranged corresponding to the area of the display screen of the display unit 41, and accepts a touch input operation on the display screen. The touch sensor 42 is, for example, a capacitance method, detects a change in capacitance due to the proximity or contact of a finger or the like as an electrical signal, and outputs a touch detection signal to the touch detection unit 13 of the control unit 101. In the touch panel, for example, a touch sensor 42 is incorporated in a liquid crystal display unit, a glass protective cover is disposed on the front side, and a backlight is disposed on the back side. The display device 104 may be controlled to be automatically in a non-display state by turning off the backlight based on a non-use state for a certain time. The touch panel may be a pressure sensitive method.

  The touch detection unit 13 detects the presence / absence of touch on the display screen, the touch position coordinates, and the like based on the touch detection signal obtained from the touch sensor 42, and also detects operations such as tap, swipe, and pinch. The user can perform various operations such as an instruction input to the imaging apparatus 1 and an operation of focusing on an arbitrary position in the display screen by a touch input operation on the display screen of the touch panel.

  The interface circuit unit 131 transfers a drive control signal from the control unit 101 to the imaging unit 103 based on the control of the control unit 101 according to the operation mode. Further, the interface circuit unit 131 outputs an imaging signal from the imaging unit 103 to the signal processing unit 132 or the memory 133 based on the control. A plurality of imaging units 103 may be connected to the interface circuit unit 131.

  The signal processing unit 132 includes an image / audio signal processing circuit and an encoding / decoding circuit, and performs various signal processing such as image signal processing, audio signal processing, encoding processing, and decoding processing under the control of the control unit 101. It has a function to perform. The signal processing of the signal processing unit 132 includes signal processing for the imaging signal from the imaging unit 103, signal processing for the image data 23, and signal processing for displaying a video on the display device 104. The signal processing unit 132 generates a video signal for recording or display by signal processing. This video signal includes a still image and a moving image of the image data 23.

  For example, the signal processing unit 132 performs signal processing such as filtering, amplification according to sensitivity setting, and white balance correction on the imaging signal. When recording the image data 23 on the recording medium 107 as the image file 24, the signal processing unit 132 performs encoding processing in a predetermined format for the original data. This encoding includes data compression. When reading out the image data 23 from the recording medium 107, the signal processing unit 132 performs a corresponding decoding process and restores the original data. The signal processing unit 132 performs signal processing for reproducing and displaying an image on the display device 104 based on the image data 23. The signal processing unit 132 performs audio signal processing on an audio input signal from the microphone 115 and an audio output signal to the speaker 116.

  The memory 133 is used as a buffer memory when the signal processing unit 132 performs signal processing, and stores each signal and data. The memory 133 is configured by, for example, a DRAM or a flash memory.

  The operation input unit 105 includes various hardware buttons that enable an input operation by the user. The user can input an instruction through the operation input unit 105 and can set angle-of-view related information and the like in the setting unit 14.

  The setting unit 14 accepts settings input by the user through the operation input unit 105 or the touch panel, and sets information related to shooting and display. The setting unit 14 can set electronic zoom magnification, focal length, angle of view, and the like related to the lens of the imaging unit 103 as setting information related to shooting. The imaging control unit 11 drives and controls the imaging unit 103 so as to automatically adjust the angle of view and the like based on the setting information of the setting unit 14.

  The recording unit 106 includes a recording / reproducing circuit and the like, and a recording medium 107 is detachably provided. The recording medium 107 is an SD card, for example. The recording unit 106 records the image file 24 including the image data 23 such as the storage unit 102 or the memory 133 on the recording medium 107 based on the control of the control unit 101. The recording unit 106 reads out the image file 24 from the recording medium 107 based on the control of the control unit 101 and stores it in the storage unit 102 or the memory 133. The user can remove the recording medium 107 and carry or replace it. The image file 24 may include audio data together with the image data 23.

  The communication interface unit 108 includes a wireless communication interface unit. The communication interface unit 108 is connected to the communication network 4 via a wireless access point or the like based on the control of the control unit 101, and performs communication processing with an external device. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 1 communicates with the server 3, the display device 2, or the imaging device 1 other than its own device via the communication network 4, and transmits an image file 24 of its own device, or an external device The image file 24 is received from the device. At that time, the communication interface unit 108 transfers the communication data of the image file 24. The communication interface unit 108 may have a telephone network communication function, a LAN communication function, a near field communication function, and the like.

  The shooting direction measurement unit 111 includes sensors such as an electronic compass, a gyro sensor, and an acceleration sensor, measures the shooting direction of the imaging apparatus 1 using them, and outputs information on the shooting direction to the control unit 101. The photographing direction measuring unit 111 measures an azimuth angle and an elevation angle as the photographing direction. Further, the photographing direction measuring unit 111 detects the rotation angle of the image at the time of imaging based on the detection of the posture of the imaging device 1. The rotation angle of the image is represented by an angle formed by the horizontal and vertical lines of the image with respect to the horizontal and vertical directions.

  The internal clock 112 measures the current date and time. Thereby, the control unit 101 can obtain the shooting date and time. The position detector 113 includes a GPS receiver, and detects the position of the imaging device 1 using a signal from a satellite. The position detection unit 113 detects {latitude, longitude, altitude (altitude above sea level)} as position information. The elevation may be omitted. The sensor group 114 is another sensor group, for example, a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor. The microphone 115 is an audio input device, and the speaker 116 is an audio output device.

  The imaging control unit 11 captures an image by controlling the imaging unit 103 and the like at the time of imaging according to the operation mode of the imaging device 1 to obtain image data 23. The imaging control unit 11 stores the image data 23 as an image file 24 in the storage unit 102 or the like. The imaging unit 103 and the imaging control unit 11 have a function that enables imaging of both wide-angle images and narrow-angle images. The imaging control unit 11 performs zoom control regarding the optical system of the imaging unit 103. The zoom control is electronic zoom or optical zoom control. The imaging control unit 11 grasps and adjusts the electronic zoom magnification, the focal length, the angle of view, and the like regarding the lens of the imaging unit 103 based on setting information such as field angle related information of the setting unit 14.

  When the imaging unit 103 can be replaced with an optical lens with a different focal length or the like, for example, when shooting a narrow-angle image, the user switches to an optical lens with a relatively long focal length and shoots a wide-angle image. In some cases, the lens is replaced with an optical lens having a relatively short focal length. When the user replaces the lens of the imaging unit 103, the setting unit 14 may automatically detect the replacement and detect the focal length of the lens after the replacement. Alternatively, after the replacement, the user may input and set the focal length of the lens after the replacement to the setting unit 14. Then, the imaging control unit 11 acquires the updated setting information from the setting unit 14 and grasps the focal distance and the like.

  The display control unit 12 controls the display unit 41 and the like of the display device 104 to display images and information on the display screen of the display unit 41. The display control unit 12 displays folder information and images on the display screen based on the management information 21 and the image file 24. The display control unit 12 provides various screens serving as a graphical user interface for the user. The display control unit 12 controls screen switching according to the playback display mode. The display control unit 12 also provides a menu screen, a setting screen, and the like.

  The associating unit 15 performs an associating process for associating a plurality of images having a predetermined relationship in cooperation with the imaging control unit 11 and the display control unit 12. The associating unit 15 performs the associating process according to an associating method, which will be described later, at a predetermined timing and trigger, such as during imaging or playback display. The associating unit 15 performs a determination for associating a plurality of image data 23 such as the storage unit 102 as a first process in the associating process. In the determination of the first process, an image that is a candidate for association is selected based on conditions such as a shooting location according to a selection method described later. As the second process, the associating unit 15 determines a first image and a second image to be associated with each other based on the shooting direction and the angle of view in the plurality of candidate images. As a result of the determination, the associating unit 15 creates the metadata 22 or the management information 21 so as to associate the first image and the second image.

  When the image is reproduced and displayed, the display control unit 12 has a predetermined relationship based on the determination result of the associating unit 15 or the reference confirmation of the metadata 22 or the management information 21 of the associated image file 24. One image and a second image are specified. The display control unit 12 displays a plurality of images including the first image and the second image in association with each other in the display screen.

  Note that the hardware configuration of each processing unit and each function such as the control unit 101 and the signal processing unit 132 of the imaging apparatus 1 may be a form in which each processing unit and each function are implemented by a circuit such as an individual LSI. It may be implemented by a circuit such as one integrated LSI.

[Display device]
FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the display device 2. The display device 2 does not include the imaging unit 103 and a processing unit related to imaging as a configuration that is mainly different from the imaging device 1. The description of the same components as those of the imaging device 1 among the components of the display device 2 is omitted. The display device 2 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a display unit 204, an operation input unit 205, a recording unit 206, a recording medium 207, a communication interface unit 208, a sensor group, a microphone, a speaker, and the like. These units are connected to each other via a bus or the like, and cooperate at high speed based on the control of the control unit 201.

  The control unit 201 controls the entire display device 2. The control unit 201 includes a display control unit 212 and an association unit 215 as processing units realized by processing of the control circuit. The control unit 201 controls display on the display screen of the display unit 204 based on a user input operation through the operation input unit 205.

  The storage unit 202 stores various data and information including the plurality of image files 24 and the management information 21 based on the control of the control unit 201. The image file 24 and the management information 21 may be created by the own device or acquired from an external device.

  The display unit 204 includes a display driver and displays a display screen for the user. The display unit 204 may be a touch panel.

  The operation input unit 205 includes various hardware buttons that allow an input operation by the user. The operation input unit 205 may include a remote control and a remote control light receiving unit. The user can input an instruction and set a user through the operation input unit 205.

  The recording unit 206 includes a recording / reproducing circuit and the like, and a recording medium 207 is detachably provided. The recording unit 206 records the image file 24 including the image data 23 stored in the storage unit 202 on the recording medium 207 based on the control of the control unit 201. The recording unit 206 reads out the image file 24 from the recording medium 207 and stores it in the storage unit 202 based on the control of the control unit 201.

  The communication interface unit 208 is connected to the communication network 4 based on the control of the control unit 201 and performs communication processing with an external device. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the display device 2 communicates with the server 3, the imaging device 1, or the display device 2 other than its own device via the communication network 4, and transmits an image file 24 of its own device, or an external device The image file 24 is received from the device. At that time, the communication interface unit 208 transfers the communication data of the image file 24.

  The display control unit 212 controls the display unit 204 and the like to display images and information on the display screen of the display unit 204. The display control unit 212 reproduces and displays folder information and images on the display screen of the display unit 204 based on the image file 24 and the management information 21. The display control unit 212 controls screen switching according to the playback display mode.

  The associating unit 215 performs association processing for associating a plurality of images having a predetermined relationship in cooperation with the display control unit 212. The associating unit 215 can also perform associating processing on the image file 24 acquired from an external device. The association process of the association unit 215 is the same as the association process of the association unit 15.

  When the image is reproduced and displayed, the display control unit 212 has a predetermined relationship based on the determination result of the association unit 215 or the reference confirmation of the metadata 22 or the management information 21 of the associated image file 24. One image and a second image are specified. The display control unit 212 displays a plurality of images including the first image and the second image in a state associated with each other in the display screen.

  Hereinafter, the imaging apparatus 1 will be mainly described. However, functions other than the functions and operations related to imaging can be realized in the same manner with the display apparatus 2 as the main body.

[Imaging device-appearance]
FIG. 4 shows an example of the external configuration of the imaging apparatus 1. The left side of FIG. 4 shows a configuration viewed from the back side of the casing 400 of the imaging apparatus 1, and the right side shows a configuration viewed from the right side of the casing 400. The rear surface is the surface on which the display screen 401 of the display unit 41 is provided, and the front surface is the surface on which the lens 402 of the imaging unit 103 is provided.

  In the configuration of the side surface, the lens 402 of the lens unit 32 is disposed at the front center position of the housing 400. In addition, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) 403 is provided in a state of projecting upward with respect to the main housing 400, for example. The EVF 403 is one of the display devices 104.

  In the rear configuration, a rectangular display screen 401 corresponding to the touch panel described above is arranged, and information display and touch input operations are possible. The EVF 403 includes a display screen 404 and a proximity sensor 405. The EVF 403 displays an image of a subject as a monitor image based on a signal input via a lens and an image sensor at the time of shooting. The user can take a picture while checking the monitor image of the EVF 403. On the display screen 404, information such as an aperture value may be superimposed and displayed. The proximity sensor 405 detects the proximity of an object. The proximity sensor 405 includes a capacitance method, an optical method, and the like. For example, the control unit 101 determines whether the user uses the EVF 403 by detecting the presence / absence of proximity through the proximity sensor 405. The control unit 101 automatically switches between display on the display screen 401 and display of the monitor image on the display screen 404 of the EVF 403 according to the determination. In addition, not only EVF403 but the form which mounts an optical finder may be sufficient. A mode for displaying a monitor image on the display screen 401 can also be set.

  The casing 400 is provided with a mode setting dial 431, a shutter button 432, a cross key 433, a playback display mode button 434, a power button 435, and the like as the operation input unit 105. The cross key 433 includes up / down / left / right buttons and a center button, and can be used for input of selection, determination, and cancellation of information on a desired position in the display screen 401. On the display screen 401, a menu can be displayed based on a predetermined input operation.

  The mode setting dial 431 is used for setting an operation mode. The shutter button 432 is pressed during shooting. The reproduction display mode button 434 is used when reproducing and displaying on the display screen 401, and the reproduction display mode can be switched. The power button 435 is used for power on / off and the like. The user can perform various input operations such as displaying a monitor image on the display screen 401 or the display screen 404 and touching a desired position to adjust the focus.

[Imaging device-operation mode]
The outline of the operation of the shooting mode as the operation mode of the imaging apparatus 1 is as follows. When the user presses the power button 435 to turn on the power, the normal shooting mode is activated. The control unit 101 drives and controls the imaging unit 103 and the like according to the normal shooting mode. In the normal shooting mode, still images and moving images can be shot as images. At the time of shooting, the control unit 101 reads out an imaging signal from the imaging unit 103 at a predetermined cycle, performs predetermined signal processing at the signal processing unit 132 via the interface circuit unit 131, and converts it into a video signal in a display format. . The control unit 101 displays a monitor image in real time on the display screen 401 of the touch panel of the display device 104 or the display screen 404 of the EVF 403 based on the video signal. The user performs shooting as follows while confirming the monitor image on the display screen 401 or the display screen 404.

  The user sets angle-of-view related information and the like as shooting conditions in the setting unit 14 through the operation input unit 105. When shooting a still image, the user presses the shutter button 432. The imaging control unit 11 detects pressing of the shutter button 432, and determines an aperture value, a shutter speed, a focus, and the like according to the set shooting conditions. For example, the shutter button 432 is half pressed or fully pressed. The imaging control unit 11 performs control so as to set a focus or the like when in a half-pressed state and to start imaging when in a fully-pressed state.

  The still image pickup signal picked up by the image pickup unit 103 is subjected to predetermined signal processing for a still image using the signal processing unit 132 and the memory 133. For example, JPEG is applied as an encoding method at that time, but MPEG or a high-quality RAW format may be applied as another method. The image file 24 corresponding to the encoded still image data is recorded on the recording medium 107 by the recording unit 106, for example.

  When shooting a moving image, the user starts moving image shooting by pressing the moving image shooting button, and stops moving image shooting by pressing the moving image shooting button again. A moving image pickup signal is subjected to signal processing of a predetermined method for moving images. As the system, for example, MPEG such as H264 and H265, and other formats are applied. The encoded moving image data is similarly recorded on the recording medium 107, for example.

  The outline of the operation in the playback display mode is as follows. When the control unit 101 detects that the playback display mode is set by the playback display mode button 434, the control unit 101 reads the image file 24 from the recording medium 107 of the recording unit 106 and stores it in the storage unit 102. The display control unit 12 uses the signal processing unit 132 to restore the original image data from the image data 23, and generates video data for displaying an image or the like on the display screen. The display control unit 12 controls the display device 104 based on the video data and displays an image or the like on the display screen.

[Management information and image files]
FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the management information 21 and the image file 24 in the storage unit 102. The management information 21 includes image file management information and association management information. The image file management information is information managed by a known file system, and includes, for example, information such as a file name, update date / time, type, and size. The association management information is unique information created to manage the relationship between a plurality of images. The association management information includes, for example, a type identifier, a reference identifier, and a setting character string.

  The type identifier is an identifier for identifying the type of the image for each image file 24. There are two types of images, for example, wide-angle images and narrow-angle images. The reference identifier is an identifier for referring to association between a plurality of images. The reference identifier is, for example, the file name of the image file 24 of the second image to be referenced as a reference identifier for the first image when there is a first image and a second image associated therewith. Further, the file name of the image file 24 of the first image as a reference source is used as a reference identifier for the second image. The reference identifier may have an identifier of a group to which the first image and the second image belong. The set character string is a character string that can be arbitrarily set by the user based on a user operation. The user can set, for example, a character string representing a shooting location in the image when editing and managing the image. Although the setting character string is provided in the association management information, the setting character string may be provided in the metadata 22.

  The image file 24 includes metadata 22 and image data 23. The header portion of the image file 24 has metadata 22 and the body portion has image data 23. The image data 23 is still image data or moving image data, and is encoded data in the case of recording. The metadata 22 is data for managing information including various attribute values related to the image data 23. In other words, the metadata 22 is attached information and attribute information. The metadata 22 includes information items such as shooting date and time, shooting location, model, resolution, shooting direction, field angle, field angle related information, rotation angle, and thumbnail.

  The shooting date / time is, for example, year / month / day / hour / minute / second. The shooting location includes position information or a setting character string. The position information includes the position coordinates {latitude, longitude, altitude} detected by the position detection unit 113. The setting character string is a character string that represents the shooting location set by the user. The model is information that uniquely represents the type of the imaging apparatus 1. The model may include a lens type or the like. The resolution represents the resolution of the image data 23.

  The shooting direction is information including an azimuth angle (referred to as θ) and an elevation angle (referred to as φ). The angle of view is information including a horizontal angle of view (Ah) and a vertical angle of view (Av). The angle-of-view related information is information such as an electronic zoom magnification (n), a focal length (f), and the size of the imaging surface of the image sensor. The focal length f is a 35 mm equivalent focal length. The dimensions are {horizontal size sw, vertical size sh, diagonal size sd}. In the metadata 22, only one of the view angle item and the view angle related information item may be provided.

  In other words, the rotation angle is a rotation about the optical axis of the lens at the time of imaging, and is an angle representing the rotation of the image at the time of imaging. For example, the angle and direction are based on the state in which the horizontal direction of the housing 400 matches the horizontal direction of the imaging apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. In so-called horizontal shooting, the rotation angle is close to 0 degrees corresponding to the reference state. When the horizontal angle of view is larger than the vertical angle of view as the ratio of the angle of view, the image is a horizontally long image. In so-called vertical shooting, the rotation angle is close to 90 degrees with respect to the reference state.

  The thumbnail is a reduced image based on the original data of the image. The thumbnail is configured according to the resolution, type, and the like of the image, and is recorded with or without encoding. When thumbnails are created and held in advance, thumbnails can be displayed at high speed during playback display. A plurality of types of thumbnails may be created and held at different resolutions. The thumbnail may be omitted or may be managed separately from the metadata 22. The display control unit 12 may create and display thumbnails for each reproduction display.

  The metadata 22 is in a format expanded based on a predetermined format, for example, Exif (Exchangeable image file format), but is not limited thereto. Exif is a format for digital camera photos. In Exif, model and shooting condition information is embedded in image data as metadata. Image display and image editing software can refer to this metadata, and the user can edit metadata information. The metadata of the conventional Exif image file does not include information such as the angle of view. In the first embodiment, items such as angle of view and angle-of-view related information are provided as specific information items in the metadata 22 as an expanded format.

  The metadata 22 is created and managed as a header part of the image file 24, but may be created and managed as a metadata file separately from the image data file. Further, the management information 21 is not limited to managing specific information using the metadata 22, and similar information may be managed in the management information 21. In the case of a moving image, various information such as the metadata 22 may be described for each image frame at a predetermined time interval, for example. The time interval may be constant or only when the angle of view is changed.

[Managing relationships between multiple images]
FIG. 6 shows association management related to the relationship between a plurality of images. For example, the control unit 101 manages the relationship shown in FIG. 6 in the association management information in the management information 21 shown in FIG. For the sake of explanation, the reference image is the first image, and the reference image having a relationship with the first image is the second image. In the example of FIG. 6, images G1, G2, G3, G4, etc. are included as the first image. The first image may be a wide-angle image or a narrow-angle image. The second image may be a wide-angle image or a narrow-angle image.

  The image G1 is a narrow-angle image whose type is a narrow angle, and has an azimuth angle θ1, an elevation angle φ1, a horizontal field angle Ah1, a vertical field angle Av1, and the like. As the second image associated with the image G1, images g11, g12, and g13 are included. The images g11, g12, and g13 are narrow angle images whose type is narrow angle. For example, the image g11 has an azimuth angle θ11, an elevation angle φ11, a horizontal field angle Ah11, a vertical field angle Av11, and the like. The image G1 and the images g11, g12, and g13 are associated as a plurality of images having a predetermined relationship. These images are associated as an image group belonging to the same group, for example, the first group.

  The image G2 is a wide-angle image whose type is a wide angle, and has an azimuth angle θ2, an elevation angle φ2, a horizontal field angle Ah2, a vertical field angle Av2, and the like. As the second image associated with the image G2, images g21, g22, and g23 are included. Images g21, g22, and g23 are narrow-angle images. For example, the image g21 has an azimuth angle θ21, an elevation angle φ21, a horizontal field angle Ah21, a vertical field angle Av21, and the like. These images belong to the second group.

  The image G3 is a narrow-angle image and has an azimuth angle θ3, an elevation angle φ3, a horizontal field angle Ah3, a vertical field angle Av3, and the like. As the second image associated with the image G3, there are images g31 and g32. The image g31 is a wide angle image, and the image g32 is a narrow angle image. These images belong to the third group.

  The image G4 is a wide-angle image and has an azimuth angle θ4, an elevation angle φ4, a horizontal field angle Ah4, a vertical field angle Av4, and the like. As the second image associated with the image G4, there are images g41 and g42. The image g41 is a wide angle image, and the image g42 is a narrow angle image. These images belong to the fourth group.

  For example, when the image g11 is viewed as the first image on the reference side, the image G1 is the second image on the reference side. For example, the image g11 may be the first image on the reference side, and another image may be associated with the image g11 as the second image.

  As an example of the association information, the image file name of each second image is included as a reference identifier to be given to the image file of the first image. The image file name of the first image is used as a reference identifier to be given to the image file of each second image. Moreover, it has a group identifier as a reference identifier for each associated image. By these, it is possible to refer to each other between related images.

  As one display mode, information representing the relationship between a plurality of images as shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed on the display screen. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the first image and the second image may be displayed in a tree structure, and although not shown, the nodes of the second image are connected by link lines around the nodes of the first image. May be displayed.

  In the first embodiment, a wide angle and a narrow angle related to the angle of view are distinguished as image types. The imaging apparatus 1 distinguishes the angle of view by an absolute value based on the threshold value. A threshold for the angle of view is set. The control unit 101 selects a wide-angle image as the type when the angle of view of the captured image is equal to or larger than the threshold angle of view, and a narrow-angle image when the angle of view is less than the threshold angle of view. Not limited to this, three or more types of angle of view may be provided.

[Image direction and angle]
FIG. 7 simply shows the concept of the relationship between the shooting direction and the angle of view for a wide-angle image and a narrow-angle image as a specific example of a plurality of images. FIG. 7 particularly shows the azimuth angle and the horizontal angle of view. In this example, an image 6a, an image 6b, an image 6c, and an image 6d are included. Images 6a, 6b, and 6c are narrow-angle images, and image 6d is a wide-angle image. These images are images taken by the user using the imaging device 1 at the point P0, which is the same location. Assume that the images were taken at the closest date and time in the order of image 6d, image 6a, image 6b, and image 6c, for example. The shooting date and time of each image is, for example, that the image 6d is 13:10:30 on January 5, 2016, the image 6a is 13:11:30, the image 6b is 13:14:40, and the image 6c It is 13:15:50 on the same day.

  The image 6a has an imaging range 701 corresponding to the imaging direction 7a indicated by the azimuth angle θa and the horizontal field angle Aha. The image 6b has an imaging range 702 corresponding to the imaging direction 7b indicated by the azimuth angle θb and the horizontal angle of view Ahb. The image 6c has a shooting range 703 corresponding to the shooting direction 7c indicated by the azimuth angle θc and the horizontal angle of view Ahc. The image 6d has the same shooting direction as the shooting direction 7a of the image 6a and has a shooting range 704 corresponding to the horizontal angle of view Ahd. In FIG. 7, among the image capturing directions, the image capturing direction defined by the azimuth angle θ is indicated by a one-dot chain line.

  The point P0 particularly indicates the center point of the lens 402 of the imaging unit 103. A spherical surface 600 represents a spherical surface of an omnidirectional sphere, and is a virtual spherical surface obtained by discarding points at infinity. The spherical surface 600 particularly indicates a circumferential portion corresponding to the azimuth angle θ and the XY plane. N indicates north, E indicates east, S indicates south, and W indicates west. The X direction corresponds to the east, the Y direction corresponds to the north, and the Z direction corresponds to the zenith direction. The azimuth angle θ is indicated as 0 ° with N as the reference, clockwise as the positive direction, E as + 90 °, S as + 180 °, and W as + 270 ° (−90 °).

  An imaging range 701 indicated by an arc on the spherical surface 600 indicates a portion corresponding to the horizontal field angle Aha in the image 6a, and corresponds to an area projected on the spherical surface 600 viewed from the point P0. In this example, a case where there are a mountain 611, a sky, a tower 612, a building 613, and the like as a landscape captured on an image on the spherical surface 600 is simply shown. An image 6b is an example in which the tower 612 is photographed, and an image 6c is an example in which the building 613 is photographed.

  Specific examples of values of azimuth angle θ, elevation angle φ, horizontal field angle Ah, and vertical field angle Av of each image are as follows. The azimuth angle θa, the elevation angle φa, the horizontal field angle Aha, and the vertical field angle Ava of the image 6a, the azimuth angle θb, the elevation angle φb, the horizontal field angle Ahb, and the vertical field angle Avb of the image 6c, Let φc, horizontal field angle Ahc, and vertical field angle Avc. Further, the azimuth angle θd = θa, the elevation angle φd = φa, the horizontal field angle Ahd, and the vertical field angle Avd of the image 6d.

θa = + 10 °, φa = 0 °, Aha = 21 °, Ava = 14 °
θb = + 45 °, φb = 0 °, Ahb = 21 °, Avb = 14 °
θc = −20 °, φc = −10 °, Ahc = 21 °, Avc = 14 °
θd = + 10 °, φd = 0 °, Ahd = 120 °, Avd = 80 °
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the elevation angle φ and the vertical angle of view Av, as in FIG. FIG. 8 shows an example of a narrow-angle image that is another image 6e. In FIG. 8, the X direction corresponds to the horizontal direction, and the Z direction corresponds to the vertical direction. The positive direction in the Z direction corresponds to the head and zenith direction, and the negative direction corresponds to the foot direction. The elevation angle φ is 0 ° with respect to the horizontal direction, + 90 ° in the zenith direction in the Z direction, and −90 ° in the foot direction. The azimuth angle θe, the elevation angle φe, the horizontal field angle Ave, and the vertical field angle Ahe of the image 6e are assumed. An imaging range 705 corresponding to the vertical angle of view Ave of the image 6e is shown. A shooting direction 7e of the image 6e indicates a portion corresponding to the elevation angle φe.

[Field angle and field angle related information]
FIG. 9 simply shows the view angle and the view angle related information. FIG. 9 shows a case where the setting section 14 stores the field angle and field angle related information as setting information. As the field angle of the image, {horizontal field angle Ah, vertical field angle Av} are shown. Further, a horizontal size Sh corresponding to the horizontal angle of view Ah in the image and a vertical size Sv corresponding to the vertical angle of view Av are shown. The horizontal size Sh is a size from the right end to the left end in the horizontal direction in the image frame. The vertical size Sv is a size from the upper end to the lower end in the vertical direction in the image frame. In the first embodiment, the horizontal field angle Ah and the vertical field angle Av are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one field angle including the diagonal field angle Ad may be used.

  As the angle-of-view information, the focal length f of the lens in consideration of the optical zoom, the electronic zoom magnification n, and the dimensions of the imaging surface of the imaging device {horizontal size sw, vertical size sh, diagonal size sd} are used. A model may be used instead of the dimensions. The focal length f is a 35 mm equivalent focal length.

  The angle of view can also be obtained by calculation based on the relational expression using the angle-of-view related information. When there is sufficient angle-of-view related information for calculating the angle of view, the control unit 101 may calculate the angle of view from the angle-of-view related information. The angle of view can be calculated using, for example, the dimensions of the image sensor, the focal length f, and the electronic zoom magnification n. For example, the angle of view can be calculated from a relational expression uniquely determined as an arc tangent (arctan) using information such as a 35 mm equivalent focal length or an image sensor size.

  When calculating the angle of view from the angle-of-view related information, it is as follows. The imaging control unit 11 refers to the angle-of-view related information regarding the image. The imaging control unit 11 can grasp the angle-of-view related information from the setting information of the setting unit 14 described above or information described in the metadata 22 or the management information 21. The angle of view {horizontal angle of view Ah, vertical angle of view Av, diagonal angle of view Ad} can be calculated from the following equation, for example.

Ah = 2 × arctan (sw / (2 × n × f)) (1)
Av = 2 × arctan (sh / (2 × n × f)) (2)
Ad = 2 × arctan (sd / (2 × n × f)) (3)
For example, given the electronic zoom magnification n, the focal length f, and the dimensions {horizontal size sw, vertical size sh}, the horizontal field angle Ah1 and the vertical field angle Av1 are determined. The control unit 101 describes the field angle information in the field angle item of the metadata 22 or the management information 21. In addition, since the angle of view can be calculated from the angle-of-view related information, the imaging apparatus 1 may store the angle-of-view related information instead of saving the angle of view as one of the metadata 22 and the like. . In addition, since the dimensions of the image sensor of the angle-of-view related information can be grasped from the model, the image capturing apparatus 1 may store the model instead of the dimensions of the image sensor as one of the metadata 22 and the like. Good. For example, the imaging apparatus 1 holds information representing a correspondence relationship between the model and the angle-of-view related information in advance. Alternatively, the imaging device 1 can refer to information representing the correspondence relationship from an external device through communication. The imaging device 1 can obtain angle-of-view related information from the model based on the information.

  When the image pickup apparatus 1 picks up an image, the image pickup apparatus 1 creates information including a shooting date and time, a shooting direction {azimuth angle θ, elevation angle φ}, a field angle {horizontal field angle Ah, vertical field angle Av}, and the like. The imaging control unit 11 obtains the shooting date and time using the internal clock 112. The imaging control unit 11 obtains position information {latitude, longitude, altitude} by the position detection unit 113. The imaging control unit 11 obtains the imaging direction {azimuth angle θ and elevation angle φ} by the imaging direction measurement unit 111. The imaging control unit 11 obtains an angle of view {horizontal angle of view Ah, vertical angle of view Av} by setting information or calculation of the setting unit 14. Then, the imaging apparatus 1 describes the information in corresponding items of the metadata 22 in FIG. 5 and creates the image file 24 together with the image data 23.

[Display screen-Display mode]
FIG. 10 shows a display mode of the display screen 401 of the display unit 41 and its transition. The imaging apparatus 1 has at least a first display mode, a second display mode, and a third display mode as display modes that are playback display modes. For example, the imaging apparatus 1 initially displays in the first display mode, and switches the display mode based on a user operation.

  As will be described later, the imaging device 1 associates a plurality of images based on the determination of the shooting location and the shooting date and time of the image and the determination of the shooting direction and the angle of view after shooting or during playback display. Set groups for multiple images and create association management information. When reproducing and displaying an image, the imaging apparatus 1 associates a plurality of related images of the same group in the display screen 401 based on the metadata 22 (at least photographing direction information) and association management information as follows. Display in the state.

[First display mode-first screen]
The first display mode is a mode for displaying a list of information on all images, and is a mode for displaying a folder screen. On the first screen in the first display mode, information on a plurality of images in the folder is displayed in a list in the order of, for example, file names and date / time. In this example, information such as images j1, j2, and j3 is displayed as a plurality of images in order from the top. In each image row, an image icon or thumbnail, file name, shooting date, type, and other information are displayed. In this example, the types of the images j1, j2, and j3 are narrow angles. As other information, attribute values such as the shooting direction {azimuth angle θ, elevation angle φ} and field angle {horizontal field angle Ah, vertical field angle Av} may be displayed. The user can scroll and display information that cannot be displayed on the first screen. The first screen is not limited to such a folder screen, and various known methods are possible. For example, it is possible to use a screen that displays thumbnails of a plurality of images arranged in parallel in a predetermined direction or two-dimensionally such as vertically and horizontally.

  On the first screen, the user selects and operates a desired first image, for example, image j1. The image j1 is assumed to correspond to the image G1 in FIG. 6 and the image 6a in FIG. When there is a second image associated with the selected first image, the imaging device 1 makes a transition to the second screen in the second display mode. For example, it is assumed that the images j1, j3, and the like are associated with the image j1. Assume that the images j2, j3, and the like correspond to the images g11, g12 in FIG. 6 and the images 6b, 6c in FIG. It is assumed that the relationship between the images j1 to j3 corresponds to the first group in FIG.

[Second display mode-second screen (1) -thumbnail, first group]
The second display mode is a unique mode for performing association display in a plurality of images. The display control unit 12 displays the second screen based on the image file 24 and the management information 21. On the second screen in the second display mode, a predetermined background area 50 is first provided as a whole. The background area 50 is a black area or the like and can be set by the user. The background area 50 has a size that is equal to or larger than the vertical and horizontal sizes of the display screen 401, and has a sufficient size to encompass the range of angle of view of a plurality of images.

  The display control unit 12 displays a plurality of related images in association with each other on the background area 50 in the display screen 401. A center point of the display screen 401 and the background area 50 is set as a point p0. A graphic 61 representing the image j1 which is the selected first image is displayed at a point p0 on the background area 50. The center point p1 of the figure 61 is arranged at the point p0. In the first embodiment, the graphic 61 of the first image is a thumbnail. On the background area 50, around the figure 61 of the image j1, a figure 62 representing the image j2 and a figure 63 representing the image j3 are displayed as figures representing the related second image. The center point p2 of the figure 62 and the center point p3 of the figure 63 are shown. The graphic 62 and the graphic 63 of the second image are thumbnails, for example. The display position of the graphic 62 of the second image is determined according to the relationship between the shooting direction and the angle of view with respect to the display position of the graphic 61 of the first image. The display size of each thumbnail is determined to be a size corresponding to the angle of view.

  On the second screen, the display state can be changed by operations such as scrolling and enlarging / reducing according to the user operation. For example, scrolling or enlarging / reducing within a range corresponding to the background region 50 can be performed by an operation such as swiping in the second screen. When the display state is changed, the positional relationship of a plurality of images is maintained.

  On the second screen, the user selects and selects the desired first image or second image figure. The selection operation is, for example, a figure tap. In that case, the imaging apparatus 1 makes a transition to the third screen in the third display mode for displaying the selected image. In this example, the case where the figure 62 of the image j2 which is the second image is selected is shown. When a predetermined operation for returning to the first display mode is performed on the second screen, the imaging device 1 returns to the first screen in the first display mode. The predetermined operation includes, for example, a first display mode designation input, a return button press, a tap on the background area 50, and the like.

  In this way, on the second screen, a plurality of related images are displayed in a thumbnail state so that the relationship including the mutual positional relationship, shooting direction, angle of view, etc. can be seen at a glance. The user can intuitively grasp the relationship between a plurality of images and can easily refer to the second image from the first image. In addition, although the center points, center lines, and the like illustrated in the description are not displayed, they may be displayed on the screen as browsing auxiliary information.

[Third display mode-Third screen]
The third display mode is a mode for performing detailed display regarding a narrow-angle image or a wide-angle image that is a designated single image. In this example, the image j2 which is a narrow-angle image is enlarged and displayed on the third screen. A single wide-angle image can be displayed as well. Initially, a display is performed in a state where a center point p2 corresponding to the shooting direction (θ, φ) of the target image j2 is arranged at the center point p0 of the display screen 401. When the entire image cannot be displayed on the display screen 401, the display control unit 12 may display a part of the image, that is, a part of the angle of view, or reduce the entire image to fit. It may be displayed. On the third screen, the display state can be changed by scrolling, enlarging / reducing, or the like according to a user operation. In the case of displaying a wide-angle image, if the entire wide-angle image cannot be displayed, a part of the wide-angle image is first displayed with the shooting direction of the wide-angle image aligned with the point p0, and then displayed according to scrolling or the like. The state is changed. Similarly, when the figure 61 of the image j1, which is the first image, is selected on the second screen, the imaging device 1 displays only the image j1 in detail on the third screen.

  When a predetermined operation is performed on the third screen, for example, a second display mode designation input, a return button is pressed, or an image area is tapped, the imaging apparatus 1 returns to the second screen in the second display mode. Note that this is not limited to the transition from the second display mode to the third display mode. An operation mode in which the first display mode is changed directly to the third display mode by a predetermined operation without passing through the second display mode is also possible, and the operation mode can be selected according to user settings and the like.

[Second display mode-second screen (2) -mark]
FIG. 11 shows another display example of the second screen in the second display mode as a modification. In the second screen, the graphic 61 of the first image is also a thumbnail, and a predetermined mark is used as a graphic representing the second image. The mark particularly indicates a balloon shape. The mark is variable based on user settings. For example, a mark 72 representing the image j2 is displayed at the center point p2, and a mark 73 representing the image j3 is displayed at the center point p3. When the user selects a mark, an image corresponding to the mark is displayed on the third screen in the third display mode. Alternatively, a thumbnail or the like may be displayed at the position according to the mark selection operation. The display position of each mark is determined according to the image capturing direction (azimuth angle θ, elevation angle φ). In this manner of displaying the mark, the screen display content becomes simple.

[Second display mode-second screen (3) -transparent frame]
FIG. 12 shows another display example of the second screen in the second display mode as a modification. In the second screen, the graphic 61 of the first image is also a thumbnail, and a transparent frame is used as a graphic representing the second image. The transparent frame has four sides of a rectangle displayed with lines and colors, the inside of which is a transparent region, and the background region 50 is displayed as it is. For example, a transparent frame 82 representing the image j2 is displayed at the center point p2, and a transparent frame 83 representing the image j3 is displayed at the center point p3. When the user performs a selection operation on the transparent frame, an image corresponding to the transparent frame is displayed on the third screen in the third display mode. Alternatively, a thumbnail or the like may be displayed at the position according to the selection operation of the transparent frame. The display position of the transmissive frame is determined according to the shooting direction of the image, and the display size of the transmissive frame is determined according to the angle of view of the image.

  When enlargement / reduction or the like is performed on the second screen, the display control unit 12 updates the display size of the thumbnail and the transparent frame so as to correspond to the display state after the change. Thus, in the form of displaying thumbnails and transparent frames, it is easy to grasp the relationship between the angle of view in a plurality of images.

  Further, in FIG. 12, an example relating to the rotation angle of the second image is indicated by a transmission frame 84 representing a narrow-angle image at the point p4. This narrow-angle image has an angle α with respect to the x direction as a rotation angle.

  In addition, the display control unit 12 comes to the center of the display screen 401 as a new first image in response to a predetermined operation on the graphic of the second image, for example, a double tap, in the second screen. The display state may be switched as described above, or a new second image may be referred to and displayed.

[Second display mode-second screen (4) -second group]
FIG. 13 shows another plurality of images as another display example of the second screen. In this example, the image j5 that is the first image selected on the first screen is a wide-angle image. The second image associated with the first image has images j6 and j7 and is a narrow-angle image. The relationship between the plurality of images in this example corresponds to the second group in FIG.

  A thumbnail that is a graphic 65 representing the image j5 is displayed such that the center point p5 corresponding to the shooting direction of the image j5 is arranged at the center point p0 on the background area 50. The display size of the thumbnail of the figure 65 is determined according to the angle of view of the wide-angle image. In this example, a case where the entire thumbnail of the figure 65 fits within the display screen 401 and the background area 50 is shown. If the entire thumbnail of the figure 65 does not fit, a part of the thumbnail corresponding to a part of the angle of view of the wide-angle image is displayed. The entire thumbnail of the figure 65 can be displayed according to scrolling or the like.

  On the figure 65, a transparent frame 86 that is a graphic representing the image j6 is displayed so as to overlap with the center point p6, and a transparent frame 87 that is a graphic representing the image j7 is displayed so as to overlap with the center point p7. Yes. Thus, even when the first image is wide-angle and the second image is narrow-angle, the relationship between the plurality of images can be grasped on the second screen.

[Second display mode-second screen (5) -third group]
FIG. 14 shows the case of another image as another display example of the second screen. In this example, the image j1, which is the first image selected on the first screen, is a narrow-angle image. As the second image associated with the first image, there are images j8 and j9, and the image j8 is a wide-angle image. The relationship between the plurality of images in this example corresponds to the third group in FIG.

  A thumbnail which is a graphic 61 representing the image j1 is displayed at the center point p0 on the background area 50. On the background area 50, a transparent frame 88, which is a graphic representing the image j8, is displayed at the center point p8. A transparent frame 89 that is a graphic representing the image j9 is displayed at the center point p9. In this example, the transparent frame 88 of the image j8 extends outside the thumbnail of the image j1. The transparent frame 88 of the image j8 shows a case where a part of the transparent frame 88 does not fit within the display screen 401 and is displayed on the background area 50. Another part of the transparent frame 88 can be displayed according to scrolling or the like. Thus, even when the first image has a narrow angle and the second image has a wide angle, the relationship between the plurality of images can be grasped on the second screen.

[Second display mode-second screen (6) -fourth group]
FIG. 15 shows the case of another image as another display example of the second screen. In this example, the image j5 that is the first image selected on the first screen is a wide-angle image. As the second image associated with the first image, there are images j8 and j9, and the image j8 is a wide-angle image. The relationship between the plurality of images in this example corresponds to the fourth group in FIG.

  A thumbnail that is a graphic 65 representing the image j5 is displayed at the center point p0 on the background area 50. On the background area 50, a transparent frame 88, which is a graphic representing the image j8, is displayed at the center point p8. In this example, the thumbnail of the image j5 and the transparent frame 88 of the image j8 partially overlap. The transparent frame 88 of the image j8 shows a case where a part of the transparent frame 88 does not fit within the display screen 401 and is displayed on the background area 50. Thus, even when both the first image and the second image are wide-angle, the relationship between the plurality of images can be grasped on the second screen.

[Second display mode-second screen (7) -scroll]
FIG. 16 shows a scroll example as another display example of the second screen in the second display mode. In this second screen, the background region 50 has a width in the x direction corresponding to a range of 360 ° as the azimuth angle θ and the horizontal field angle Ah. In the display screen 401, a portion corresponding to a part of the field angle range of the background region 50 is displayed, and the display state can be changed by scrolling in the x direction or the like. On the background region 50, a plurality of images are arranged at positions corresponding to the shooting direction and the angle of view. First, the graphic 61 of the first image is displayed at the point p0. The right end of the background region 50 in FIG. 16 corresponds to θ = 180 °, the left end corresponds to −180 °, and the left and right ends may be connected so as to loop the display. The display screen 401b shows an example after scrolling in the x direction. Thereby, on the display screen 401b, a graphic of an image included in a part of the background area 50, for example, the graphic 161 is displayed.

[Second display mode-second screen (8) -enlargement / reduction]
FIG. 17 shows an example of enlargement / reduction as another display example of the second screen in the second display mode. The upper side of FIG. 17 shows a state before enlargement, and the lower side shows a state after enlargement. In the upper second screen, a thumbnail is displayed as a graphic 1701 of the image r1, which is the first image, at the center point p0 on the background area 50. Examples of the second image associated with the first image include images r2, r3, and r4. The image r2 is a wide-angle image having the same shooting direction as the image r1, and a transmission frame is disposed as a graphic 1702 at the point p0. The image r3 is a narrow-angle image whose shooting direction is close to that of the image r1, and a figure 1703 is arranged at the center point pr3. Since the portion where the image r3 overlaps the thumbnail of the first image becomes larger, the graphic 1703 of the image r3 is used as a transparent frame. At the center point pr4, a transmission frame is arranged as a graphic 1704 of the image r4. The display size of each figure is determined based on the angle of view and the enlargement / reduction ratio.

  From the above state, a desired portion is enlarged and displayed according to the user's operation such as pinch. A portion to be enlarged is indicated by a frame 1700. In the lower second screen, a frame 1700 portion is displayed on the entire display screen 401. Each image is enlarged and displayed while maintaining the relationship such as the angle of view. The graphic 1701 of the image r1 is displayed as an enlarged image 1701b instead of a thumbnail by enlargement. The enlarged image 1701b is generated based on the original image data 23 or the thumbnail of the image r1, and is generated using the original image data 23 in the case of high definition display.

[Second display mode-second screen (9)-spherical background]
FIG. 18 shows another display example of the second screen in the second display mode of the first embodiment. In the second screen, a circular area corresponding to the spherical surface of the hemisphere is provided as a background area 50 in the display screen 401 instead of a rectangle. A plurality of related images are displayed in the circular background area 50 of the second screen. As an example of a plurality of images having a relationship, images J1 to J5 are included. A circular center point of the background region 50 is defined as a point O. At the point O, first, a thumbnail is displayed as a graphic 601 representing the first image, for example, the image J1. Point O corresponds to the shooting direction (azimuth angle θ, elevation angle φ) of the first image. A point at an arbitrary position on the spherical surface of the hemisphere in the background region 50 can be represented by (azimuth angle θ, elevation angle φ). In this example, the case where the point O is (θ = 0 °, φ = 0 °) is shown. Further, although orientation information for viewing assistance is displayed at the circular upper end, lower end, left end, and right end of the background area 50, it may be omitted. In this example, as the azimuth information, an azimuth angle that changes according to the viewpoint direction in the spherical surface is displayed. The upper end point is (0 °, 90 °), the lower end point is (0 °, -90 °), the right end point is (90 °, 0 °), and the left end point is (0 °, -90 °). Correspond.

  The imaging apparatus 1 calculates, for each image in a plurality of related images, a projected image area projected on the spherical surface of the background area 50 from the shooting position according to the viewpoint direction based on information such as the shooting direction and the angle of view. Generated as a graphic representing the image. In this example, images J2 to J5 are included as second images associated with the image J1, and figures 602 to 605 representing the second images are shown. The figures 602 to 605 are, for example, thumbnails, but may be the above-described transparent frame or mark.

  The user can view the spherical surface of the omnidirectional sphere from an arbitrary viewpoint direction according to the operation on the second screen. The imaging device 1 changes the display state of a plurality of images in the hemisphere in the background region 50 in real time by known image processing in accordance with the viewpoint change operation. The viewpoint changing operation may be scrolling by swiping or the like in the background area 50, or may be an up / down / left / right scroll button operation outside the background area 50 or a similar hardware button operation. Further, the image of the background area 50 can be enlarged or reduced in accordance with an operation such as pinching. On this second screen, the user can view the relationship between a plurality of images in a state where the spherical surface of the celestial sphere in the background region 50 is viewed in a desired line-of-sight direction.

  In the upper left of the display screen 401, information indicating that the current display mode is the second display mode and that the center first image is the image J1 is displayed. In the lower left of the display screen 401, an item for switching the display of the second image, which is a related image, is provided. When this item is in the on state, the first image and the second image are displayed as shown, and in the off state, the second image is not displayed and only the first image is displayed. In the lower right of the display screen 401, a return button and a display mode switching button are provided. The return button can return to the original state of the first screen, and the display mode can be changed by selecting the display mode with the display mode switching button. This second screen can also be displayed in detail on the third screen in the third display mode in response to a single image selection operation, and returns to the original state of the second screen in response to a predetermined operation on the third screen. be able to.

  Specific examples of shooting directions and angles of view of the images J1 to J5 are as follows. The image J1 has (θ, φ) = (0 °, 0 °), {horizontal field angle Ah, vertical field angle Av} = {74 °, 53 °}. Similarly, the image J2 is (0 °, 40 °), {14 °, 7 °}. The image J3 is (45 °, 0 °), {54 °, 38 °}. The image J4 is (340 °, −30 °), {27 °, 40 °}. The image J5 is (310 °, 20 °), {17 °, 11 °}. The image J1 is an image photographed in the north direction in FIG. 7 and in the horizontal direction in FIG. The image J4 is an image taken vertically (rotation angle = 90 °).

  The display size of thumbnails and transparent frames of each image displayed on the background area 50 is determined based on a predetermined relational expression such as a size proportional to the angle of view based on the angle of view information of the image. However, as the focal length increases and the angle of view decreases, the thumbnail size also decreases. For this reason, a minimum value may be set in advance for the display size of a thumbnail or the like, and the display size may be determined to be equal to or greater than the minimum value.

  Note that the figure of the projected image displayed on the hemispherical surface of the background region 50 is not exactly a rectangle, but a figure having distortion according to the radial direction, that is, a figure having a circular arc in the circumferential direction. In this example, the figure of the projected image is simply illustrated as a rectangle. The figure of the projected image may be a rectangular display as in this example, or may be a display of a figure having distortion accurately. The processing method for displaying a graphic with distortion is as follows. The display control unit 12 reads the thumbnails in the image data 23 or the metadata 22 of the target image into the memory 133 when generating a graphic to be displayed on the hemisphere of the background region 50. Based on the image data or thumbnail, the display control unit 12 uses the signal processing unit 132 to generate a projection image on the hemisphere by known image processing. The display control unit 12 displays a transparent frame corresponding to the projected image or the outer frame line. The processing method when the figure of the projected image is simply displayed as a rectangle is as follows. The display control unit 12 omits the projection image generation process, and determines the position coordinates of the center point for displaying the graphic of the image on the hemispherical surface of the background region 50 based on the shooting direction (θ, φ) of the image. To calculate. The display control unit 12 pastes and displays a thumbnail or a transparent frame of the image at the calculated center point.

  FIG. 19 shows a display state when the viewpoint direction is the zenith direction as another display example of the second screen having the circular background region 50. As examples of a plurality of images having a relationship, there are images K1, K2, and K3. For example, in the image K1, the azimuth angle θ in the shooting direction is 0 °, the image K2 is θ = 90 °, and the image K3 is θ = 225 °. On the second screen, the thumbnail of the first image selected at first is arranged and displayed at a position corresponding to, for example, θ = 0 ° facing north. When the image K2 is selected as the first image, the azimuth angle θ is set to −90 while maintaining the relationship between the angles of view of the plurality of images so that the upper end of the circular background region 50 is θ = 90 °. ° Displayed in a rotated state. In this display state, it is easy to recognize the relationship between the azimuth angles θ of a plurality of images.

  Note that the configurations of the plurality of display examples described above may be appropriately combined, or may be transitioned between the plurality of display examples. For example, the scroll display example of the second screen in the second display mode in FIG. 16 and the enlargement / reduction display example in FIG. 17 can be applied to an arbitrary screen of the second screen and the third screen. Further, by performing a reduction display operation on the second screen, the display gradually changes from the narrow-angle range display to the wide-angle range display state, and continuously displays the omnidirectional background on the second screen in FIG. You may make it make it change to a state. Conversely, the display state of the omnidirectional background of FIG. 19 may be gradually changed to the display state of the wide-angle range according to the enlargement display operation.

  Further, in the second screen of FIG. 16, an image that is not displayed in the screen can be displayed in the screen by scrolling, but the following may be used instead. The direction of the imaging device 1 or the display device 2 is detected by operating the photographing direction measuring unit 111 and the like even in the display mode. Accordingly, the image is displayed so that the display state matches the direction of the device and the image capturing direction according to the direction of the device. In other words, scrolling is automatically performed to match the orientation of the device.

[Fourth display mode-Fourth screen]
FIG. 20 shows a fourth screen in the fourth display mode as a modification. The fourth display mode is a modification of the first display mode. For example, when the fourth display mode is designated by a predetermined operation such as a display mode switching button on the second screen in FIG. 18 or the like, the fourth screen is displayed. This fourth screen displays a list of a plurality of related images, for example, thumbnails of images J1 to J5, in a vertical and horizontal arrangement. For example, the thumbnail of the image J1 is displayed on the upper left, and the thumbnail of the image J2 is displayed on the right. In the first screen described above, information on all the images is displayed in a list regardless of the relationship between the images. On the fourth screen, only a plurality of images having the same group relationship are displayed in a list. Transition from the fourth screen to the first screen, the second screen, the third screen, or the like can be made according to a user operation.

  Further, when a wide-angle image and a narrow-angle image are mixed on the first screen or the fourth screen, the thumbnail of the wide-angle image and the thumbnail of the narrow-angle image may be displayed vertically and horizontally. At this time, the display size of the thumbnail may be a different display size determined according to the angle of view of the image. For example, if the horizontal angle of the wide-angle image is a large panoramic image of 180 ° or more, the thumbnail of the wide-angle image is displayed in one line, and the thumbnails of a plurality of narrow-angle images are displayed in parallel in the lower line. May be. The number of images arranged in parallel is variable such as 2, 3, 4, etc. in one direction.

[Map display mode]
FIG. 21 shows a display screen when a map display mode is provided as one of the display modes as a modification. The imaging apparatus 1 acquires map information from the outside through the communication network 4 or uses map information stored in advance inside. The imaging apparatus 1 displays map information in the background area 50 in the display screen 401 as a screen corresponding to the map display mode. The imaging device 1 displays a graphic representing each target image on the map of the background region 50 based on the position information of the metadata 22 of the first image and the second image that are target images. For example, at the center point p0, a thumbnail is displayed as a graphic 611 representing the image m1, which is the first image whose position is the shooting point. The figure 611 may be a transmission frame or a mark. Further, at each point near the point p0, a graphic representing the second image photographed at that position is displayed as a mark, for example. For example, a mark 612 representing the image m2, which is the second image, is displayed at the point pm2. These multiple images are associated images that are within a predetermined distance range. On this screen, it is possible to switch to a screen of another display mode according to a predetermined operation of the user. Further, when a graphic at a desired position is selected and operated on this screen, it may be displayed in detail on the third screen in the third display mode, or a thumbnail may be displayed at that position.

Association method
As the association method, there are a first method and a second method with respect to timing of associating. The first method is a method for performing association at the time of imaging, and the second method is a method for performing association at the time of reproduction display. In the first embodiment, the imaging device 1 uses the first method, and the display device 2 uses the second method.

  In the first method, the imaging device 1 performs association processing using the association unit 15 immediately after capturing an image, and as a result, the association information is described in the metadata 22 or the management information 21. When reproducing and displaying the image, the imaging apparatus 1 can grasp the relationship between the plurality of images from the reference to the association information of the metadata 22 or the management information 21 and displays the relationship on the display screen in the second display mode.

  In the second method, when the display device 2 reproduces and displays on the display screen based on the image file 24, the display device 2 performs association processing using the association unit 15, and as a result, displays on the display screen in the second display mode. In the second method, the display device 2 may omit the description of the association information in the metadata 22 and the management information 21 by performing the association process for each reproduction display. Alternatively, in the second method, the display device 2 performs association processing at the first reproduction / display of an image, describes the association information in the metadata 22 and the management information 21, and then reproduces the image for the second and subsequent times. At the time of display, the association process may be omitted with reference to the association information.

  In the imaging apparatus 1 according to another embodiment, the second method may be employed. Which of the association methods is adopted may be fixed in terms of mounting, or may be selected and set in accordance with user settings.

[Processing flow (1)]
22 and 23 show processing flows of the imaging device 1 and the display device 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 22 shows a flow of control processing when an image is picked up by the image pickup apparatus 1. FIG. 22 includes steps S101 to S106. The same processing is repeated every time an image is captured. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order of a step.

  (S101) The control unit 101 sets an angle of view and the like for the setting unit 14 based on a user operation. The imaging control unit 11 grasps the angle of view and the like based on the setting information of the setting unit 14.

  (S102) Based on the user operation, the imaging control unit 11 controls the imaging unit 103 to capture an image, obtains image data 23, and stores the image data 23 in the storage unit 102. The imaging control unit 11 describes the angle of view or the angle-of-view related information in the metadata 22 or the management information 21 of the image file 24.

  (S103) Branching is performed according to the first method in which association is performed during imaging or the second method in which association is performed during playback display. In the case of the first method, the process proceeds to S104, and in the case of the second method, the process proceeds to S106. That is, the imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment proceeds to S104 in order to employ the first method, and proceeds to S106 when the second system is employed in the imaging apparatus 1 of the other embodiments.

  (S104) The associating unit 15 performs a predetermined associating process. Thus, a plurality of images including the first image and the second image are associated.

  (S105) The associating unit 15 creates association information as a result of the associating process, and describes it in the metadata 22 of the image file 24 or the management information 21. The imaging control unit 11 stores the image file 24 in the storage unit 102 and records it in the recording medium 107 of the recording unit 106.

  (S106) Since the imaging control unit 11 does not perform association at this time, the imaging control unit 11 creates metadata 22 and management information 21 that do not include association information. The control unit 101 stores the image file 24 in the storage unit 102 and records it on the recording medium 107 of the recording unit 106.

[Processing flow (2)]
FIG. 23 shows a flow of control processing at the time of reproducing and displaying an image in the imaging device 1 or the display device 2. The control in FIG. 23 corresponds to the control for changing the display mode as shown in FIG. FIG. 23 includes steps S201 to S209. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order of a step. Hereinafter, the case where the imaging device 1 is the main body will be described, but the same applies to the case where the display device 2 is the main body.

  (S201) Based on the user operation, the control unit 101 causes the display control unit 12 to display the first screen in the first display mode on the display screen 401 of the display unit 41 of the display device 104 as shown in FIG. The display control unit 12 accepts selection of an image in the first screen in response to a user input operation. Let the selected image be the first image on the reference side.

  (S202) The display control unit 12 performs branching depending on whether the first method or the second method. In the case of the second method, the process proceeds to S203, and in the case of the first method, the process proceeds to S205. That is, in the case of the imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the process proceeds to S205 because it is the first system, and in the case of the display apparatus 2, the process proceeds to S203 because it is the second system.

  (S203) The display control unit 12 uses the associating unit 15 to associate a plurality of images immediately before reproduction display.

  (S204) If there is a second image associated with the first image as a result of S203, the display control unit 12 reads the image data 23 of the second image.

  (S205) In the case of the first method, association processing has already been performed. The display control unit 12 confirms the association with reference to the association information in the metadata 22 or the management information 21 of the image file 24 of the first image. The display control unit 12 reads the image data 23 of the second image associated with the first image.

  (S206) The display control unit 12 displays a plurality of images including the first image and the second image in the second display mode on the display screen using the image data 23 obtained as a result of S204 or S205. That is, the display control unit 12 displays the graphic of the first image at the center position on the background region 50 and displays the graphic of the second image around it as in the example of the second screen of FIG. The display control unit 12 accepts selection of the first image in the second screen, the graphic of the second image, and the like according to a user input operation. For example, in the case of browsing only the first image or the browsing of only the second image, a corresponding graphic selection operation is performed. When returning to the first screen, a predetermined operation is performed.

  (S207) The display control unit 12 performs branching depending on whether the first image or the graphic of the second image is selected on the second screen in the second display mode or an operation such as returning is performed. If the first image or the second image is selected, the process proceeds to S208. In the case of other operations such as pressing the back button, specifying the first display mode, tapping the background area 50, etc., the process returns to S201.

  (S208) The display control unit 12 displays the image in detail on the third screen in the third display mode, using the image data 23 of the image corresponding to the graphic selected in S207. The display control unit 12 receives a user input operation on the third screen. For example, when returning to the second screen, the return button is pressed, the second display mode is specified, the image area is tapped, and the like.

  (S209) When there is an operation such as returning on the third screen in the third display mode, the display control unit 12 returns to S206 as indicated by A1, and when there is no operation, the display control unit 12 switches to the third display mode in S208. Continue to display. In addition, you may make it return to the 1st screen of 1st display mode from 3rd display mode according to predetermined | prescribed operation.

[Association process (1)]
The associating unit 15 associates a plurality of images. The association process includes a first process and a second process. The first process is a process for selecting an image as a candidate for association based on a selection condition of a predetermined selection method. Examples of the predetermined selection method include a first selection method, a second selection method, a third selection method, and the like described below. In the first embodiment, the first method is used. In the modification, the second selection method or the third selection method is used. Note that which selection method is adopted may be a fixed form in terms of mounting or a form that can be variably selected by user settings.

[First selection method-shooting location]
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the first selection method. The first selection method uses a condition related to the shooting location as a selection condition. In the first selection method, images that are determined to have roughly the same shooting location are selected as candidates. In the first selection method, position information {latitude, longitude, altitude} by the position detection unit 113 is used to determine the shooting location. When associating, the associating unit 15 refers to the position information {latitude, longitude} described in the shooting location item of the metadata 22 at the time of imaging, for example. {Latitude, Longitude} is represented by {LA, LO}.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the associating unit 15 takes a position 241 representing the shooting location of the first image as a center point in a space, for example, an XY plane, with the first image as a reference. The first image is an image k1, and each image that is the second image is an image k2 to k4. The position 241 is represented by {LA1, LO1}. The position range 240 corresponds to a threshold value of the condition, and indicates a circular area having a predetermined radial distance with the position 241 as the center point. The radius distance that defines the position range 240 may be a fixed set value in design or a set value that can be changed by user setting. The position range 240 is not limited to a circle.

  The associating unit 15 compares the position of each image, which is the second image, with the position 241 of the first image. In this example, a case where a position 242 {LA2, LO2} of an image k2, a position 243 {LA3, LO3} of an image k3, and a position 244 {LA4, LO4} of an image k4 are shown around the first image. The associating unit 15 searches for an image included in the position range 240 with respect to the position 241 of the first image. In this example, the position range 240 includes the position 242 of the image k2 and the position 243 of the image k3, and does not include the position 244 of the image k4. The associating unit 15 determines that the second image whose position is included in the position range 240 is an image captured at the same photographing location as that of the first image, and selects it as an association candidate. As an example of the same photographing location, there is a case where a user photographs each direction of 360 ° while circling a circle along a handrail at a certain observation deck.

  The means for determining the same shooting location is not limited to a method using GPS position information, but a method using position information of a near field communication interface such as BlueTooth (registered trademark), or position information such as an indoor positioning system is used. A method or the like is also applicable. For example, equipment corresponding to the short-range communication interface is installed in a facility or the like, and the imaging device 1 acquires position information through communication with the equipment. Thereby, the position grasping with high accuracy is possible.

[Second selection method-shooting date and time]
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the second selection method. The second selection method uses a condition related to the shooting date and time as a selection condition. In the second selection method, images that are determined to have substantially the same shooting date and time are selected as candidates. In association, the associating unit 15 refers to, for example, the shooting date (year / month / day / hour / minute / second) described in the shooting date / time item of the metadata 22.

  The associating unit 15 takes a time point t1 representing the shooting date and time of the first image with respect to the first image in the time series of shooting date and time. In this example, it is assumed that the time point t1 is the date and time DT3. The date / time range 250 corresponds to a threshold value of the condition, and indicates a range by a predetermined time including the time t1 as a central point and before and after. The time for defining the date and time range 250 may be a fixed set value by design or a set value that can be varied by user setting. The date and time range 250 can be set, for example, 1 day (24 hours), 1 hour, 5 minutes, or the like.

  The associating unit 15 searches for the second image included in the predetermined date and time range 250 with respect to the time t1 of the shooting date and time of the first image. The associating unit 15 compares the shooting date and time of each image as the second image with respect to the time t1 of the shooting date and time of the first image. In this example, there is shown a case where there is a time t2 of the photographing date and time of the image k2, a time t3 of the image k3, and a time t4 of the image k4 in the vicinity of the time t1. In this example, the date / time range 250 includes the time point t2 of the image k2 and the time point t3 of the image k3, and does not include the time point t4 of the image k4. The control unit 101 determines that the second image whose time point is included in the date / time range 250 is an image captured at approximately the same shooting date / time as the first image, and selects it as an association candidate.

[Third selection method-setting character string]
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the third selection method. The third selection method uses a condition relating to a set character string that can be arbitrarily set by the user as a selection condition. In the third selection method, images that are determined to have substantially the same set character string are selected as candidates. When associating, the associating unit 15 refers to, for example, a character string set as a setting character string of association management information after imaging.

  FIG. 26 shows an example of a list display of information of a plurality of images on the first screen in the first display mode. In this example, for each image, a file name, shooting date / time, tag, type, and the like are displayed as information. The “tag” item corresponds to a setting character string. The user can arbitrarily set a character string in the “tag” item during editing. In this example, the user sets a character string indicating the shooting location in the “tag” item. For example, the images k1, k2, and k3 are images taken in the same park, and the character string “A park” is set. The images k4 and k5 are images taken at the same observatory, and the character string “B observatory” is set. The “type” item displays “wide angle” or “narrow angle” as the type of angle of view of the image.

  The associating unit 15 refers to the set character string of the “tag” item of the first image on the basis of the first image selected by the user, for example, the image k1. The associating unit 15 compares the set character string of the first image with reference to the set character string of each image that is another second image, and has, for example, an image having a set character string that includes the same character string. Search for. For example, the set character strings of the images k1, k2, and k3 are the same. The associating unit 15 determines that these images are images taken at the same shooting location and selects them as candidates for association.

  As a modification, the control unit 101 may automatically set a character string representing a shooting location at the time of imaging or the like without depending on a user operation. For example, the control unit 101 may determine a character string representing a shooting location based on the position information {latitude, longitude}. The control unit 101 may set a character string in the “file name” item of the image.

  The above selection methods can also be applied in combination. For example, the condition of the shooting location of the first selection method and the shooting date condition of the second selection method may be combined. As the condition, for example, “up to the past one year at the same shooting location” can be designated.

[Fourth Selection Method—Subject Type]
As another selection method, the following fourth selection method is also possible. The imaging apparatus 1 determines the type of subject by image recognition processing. Examples of the types of subjects include landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and the like. The type of subject that can be determined depends on the accuracy of the image recognition process. The imaging apparatus 1 estimates a plurality of images having the same subject type as a related group according to the determined subject type, and selects them as candidates.

  Further, the imaging apparatus 1 may use the determined subject type as a reference for determining the relationship between a plurality of images. The imaging device 1 adjusts, for example, a position range that is a threshold value of the first selection method according to the type of the subject. For example, when the type of subject is landscape, the influence of image change is small even if the focal length is large and the difference in the position of the shooting point is large. Therefore, in this case, the position range is set to be relatively large. Thereby, an image group included in the large position range is associated. When the type of the subject is a person, if the focal length is small and the difference in the position of the photographing point is large, the influence on the image change is large. Therefore, in this case, the position range is set to be relatively small.

  Similarly, the imaging apparatus 1 may adjust a threshold value such as a position range according to the determination of the distance from the subject and the difference in the shooting mode. For example, when the shooting mode is set to a macro mode or the like suitable for landscape shooting, the position range that is a threshold value is relatively increased.

[Association process (2)]
The second process in the associating process of the associating unit 15 is as follows. In the second process, the image selected as the candidate in the first process is determined to be associated using information on the shooting direction and the angle of view, and is associated according to the determination result. The associating unit 15 refers to the shooting direction and angle of view information in the metadata 22 or the management information 21 of each image file 24. As the first condition, the associating unit 15 sets the shooting direction (azimuth angle θ, elevation angle φ) of the candidate image within the range of the angle of view {horizontal angle of view Ah, vertical angle of view Av} of the first image as a reference. Determine whether it is included. The associating unit 15 determines an image satisfying the first condition as an image to be associated. Further, as a second condition, the associating unit 15 sets candidate candidates within a predetermined field angle range that is extended outside the range of the field angle {horizontal field angle Ah, vertical field angle Av} of the first image serving as a reference. It may be determined whether or not the image capturing direction (azimuth angle θ, elevation angle φ) is included. The associating unit 15 determines an image satisfying the second condition as an image to be associated. In the second process of association, the first condition or the second condition is applied.

  An example satisfying the first condition is as follows. As an example of the first image, an image 6d which is a wide-angle image in FIG. The horizontal angle of view Ahd of the image 6d is 120 °, and the imaging range 704 of the horizontal angle of view Ahd has a right end position of 70 ° and a left end position of −50 °. The shooting range 704 includes an azimuth angle θb = 45 ° in the shooting direction 7b of the image 6b and an azimuth angle θc = −20 ° in the shooting direction 7c of the image 6c. Although not shown, the vertical angle of view Avd of the image 6d includes the elevation angle φb in the shooting direction 7b of the image 6b and the elevation angle φc in the shooting direction 7c of the image 6c. Accordingly, the first condition is satisfied, and the image 6d is associated with the image 6b and the image 6c.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of the first condition, the second condition, and the like when determining the relationship between a plurality of images. In the entire background area 50 in the display screen 401, the horizontal direction in the screen corresponding to the azimuth angle θ is the x direction, and the vertical direction in the screen corresponding to the elevation angle φ is the y direction. The horizontal width of the display screen 401 in the x direction is W, and the vertical width in the y direction is H. A center point p0 of the display screen 401 is represented by position coordinates (x0, y0). It is assumed that the background area 50 having the same size or more is set on the entire display screen 401.

  As an example, the first image that is a reference is an image q1 that is a first narrow-angle image. A point corresponding to the shooting direction (θ, φ) of the image q1 is set as a center point p1. In this example, (θ, φ) at the center point p1 is (0 °, 0 °). The graphic 271 representing the image q1 is arranged such that the center point p1 is aligned with the point p0. The figure 271 is rectangular here, and is indicated by a solid line frame. The horizontal field angle Ah1 of the image q1 is 21 °, and the vertical field angle Av1 is 14 °. The graphic 271 of the image q1 has a horizontal size Sh1 corresponding to the horizontal angle of view Ah1, and a vertical size Sv1 corresponding to the vertical angle of view Av1. The right end of the figure 271 in the x direction is indicated by a position x11 and the left end is indicated by a position x12. The azimuth angle θ is 10.5 ° and −10.5 °, respectively. The y direction upper end of the figure 271 is indicated by a position y11, and the lower end is indicated by a position y12. The elevation angle φ is 7 ° and −7 °, respectively.

  As the second image, an image q2 that is a second narrow-angle image is taken as an example. A point corresponding to the shooting direction (θ, φ) of the image q2 is set as a center point p2. In this example, (θ, φ) at the center point p2 is (16 °, −6 °). A graphic 272 representing the image q2 is arranged at the center point p2, and is also indicated by a solid line frame. The horizontal field angle Ah2 and the vertical field angle Av2 of the image q2 are set to 21 ° and 14 ° similarly to the image q1. The graphic 272 of the image q2 has a horizontal size Sh2 corresponding to the horizontal field angle Ah2, and a vertical size Sv2 corresponding to the vertical field angle Av2. The right end of the figure 272 in the x direction is indicated by a position x21, and the left end is indicated by a position x22. The azimuth angle θ is 26.5 ° and 5.5 °, respectively. The y-direction upper end of the figure 272 is indicated by a position y21, and the lower end is indicated by a position y22. The elevation angle φ is 1 ° and −13 °, respectively.

  An example of the first condition is that the shooting direction (θ, φ) of the image q2 is included in the range of the horizontal field angle Ah1 and the vertical field angle Av1 centering on the shooting direction of the image q1. In other words, the center point p2 of the image q2 is included in the range of the horizontal size and the vertical size of the image q1. In particular, it is assumed that both the azimuth angle θ and the elevation angle φ need to satisfy the conditions. In this example, the azimuth angle θ = 16 ° of the image q2 is outside the range (−10.5 ° to 10.5 °) of the horizontal field angle Ah1 of the image q1, and the elevation angle φ = −6 ° is vertical. It is within the range (−7 ° to 7 °) of the angle of view Av1. Therefore, the image q2 does not satisfy the first condition.

  For the second condition, an extended threshold range 273 is set outside the range of the horizontal field angle Ah1 and the vertical field angle Av1 centering on the shooting direction of the image q1, which is the first image. The threshold range 273 is indicated by a broken line frame. The threshold range 273 may be a fixed set value on mounting or a user set value. The threshold range 273 may be particularly adapted to the size of the background area 50. In particular, the threshold range 273 may be a range obtained by a predetermined calculation formula based on the angle of view of the first image, for example, a range obtained by adding a predetermined angle of view, or a range multiplied by a predetermined rate. Good. In this example, the threshold range 273 is a range that is three times larger than the range of the angle of view of the first image, and the horizontal angle of view Aht = 63 ° and the vertical angle of view Avt = 42 °. In the threshold range 273, the right end in the x direction is the position x31, the left end is the position x32, and the azimuth angle θ is 31.5 ° and −31.5 °. The upper end of the threshold range 273 in the y direction is the position y31, the lower end is the position y32, and the elevation angle φ is 21 ° and −21 °.

  As an example of the second condition, the imaging direction (θ, φ) of the image q2 is included in the threshold range 273 based on the angle of view of the image q1. In particular, it is assumed that both the azimuth angle θ and the elevation angle φ need to satisfy the conditions. In this example, the azimuth angle θ = 16 ° of the image q2 is within the horizontal field angle Aht of the threshold range 273, and the elevation angle φ = −6 ° is within the vertical field angle Abt. Therefore, the image q2 satisfies the second condition. Thus, when the second condition is used, the image q2 is associated with the image q1.

  Other conditions are also possible: As a third condition, it is assumed that a part of the view angle range of the second image overlaps the view angle range of the first image. As a fourth condition, it is assumed that a part of the angle of view range of the second image overlaps the threshold range outside the angle of view range of the first image. For example, a part of the view angle range of the image q2 overlaps the view angle range of the image q1. In other words, the left end position x22 of the image q2 is located to the left of the right end position x11 of the image q1. Therefore, the image q2 is associated with the image q1.

  As a fifth condition, a difference value between an angle (θ or φ) in the shooting direction of the first image and a corresponding angle (θ or φ) in the shooting direction of the second image is within a predetermined threshold angle. To do. In other words, the distance between the position coordinates of the center point of the first image and the center point of the second image is calculated, and the distance is within a predetermined threshold distance. For example, the difference value dθ of the azimuth angle θ between the center point p1 of the image q1 and the center point p2 of the image q2 is 16 °, and the difference value dφ of the elevation angle φ is −6 °. Let the threshold angle be (dθt, dφt). If dθ ≦ dθt, or if dφ ≦ dφt, the condition is satisfied.

  Even when the first image is a wide-angle image or when the second image is a wide-angle image, it is possible to determine the association by similarly applying the above-described conditions. In particular, the first condition may be applied when the first image is a wide-angle image, and the second condition may be applied when the first image is a narrow-angle image. As described above, a mode in which conditions are selected according to the type of image or a mode in which a plurality of conditions are combined may be used.

[Video]
In the above description, the case of a still image has been mainly described. However, the present invention is basically applicable to a case of a moving image. When shooting a moving image, the imaging control unit 11 acquires the moving image data 23 by changing the electronic zoom magnification and the angle of view in a continuous shooting mode. The imaging control unit 11 describes information such as the electronic zoom magnification and the angle of view corresponding to the time point in the metadata 22 or the management information 21 for the moving image file 24.

  When the display control unit 12 reproduces and displays a moving image on the second screen in the second display mode, the shooting date and time described in the metadata 22 and the like, position information, and a shooting direction that changes according to the time, etc. The display position of the figure is determined based on the above. The display position may be, for example, one fixed display position according to the shooting direction of the first image frame constituting the moving image, or may be a display position determined from statistical values of a plurality of image frames. The display position may be a display position corresponding to the shooting direction that changes according to the image frame.

[Effects]
As described above, according to the imaging device 1 and the display device 2 of Embodiment 1, it is easy to grasp the relationship between a plurality of images including wide-angle images and narrow-angle images, and better usability can be realized. On the display screen, for example, a related narrow-angle image is automatically superimposed and displayed near the wide-angle image, so the user can easily recognize and intuitively recognize a plurality of related images, It can be viewed suitably. The user can easily grasp the relationship between the wide-angle image and the narrow-angle image. The user can quickly refer to the related second image while viewing the first image. The user can preferably browse a large number of images while switching the display mode.

  The following is given as a modification of the first embodiment. As a modification, the relationship between the angles of view may be relatively determined with respect to the type of image. That is, the imaging device 1 or the display device 2 refers to the angle of view in a plurality of images, and among them, an image having the maximum angle of view is a wide-angle image, and an image other than the wide-angle image is a narrow-angle image. To do.

[Modification (1)-Second Screen]
FIG. 28 shows an example of the second screen in the second display mode in the imaging apparatus 1 according to the modification of the first embodiment. The display screen 401 includes a main area 281 and areas other than the main area 281, in this example, a right-side area 282 and a lower-side area 283. In the main area 281, a thumbnail is displayed as a graphic 284 of the first image at the center position on the background area, and a graphic of the second image associated therewith is displayed. As the graphics of the first image and the second image, different graphics may be displayed according to differences in image type, shooting date and time, and the like. In this example, circular, diamond, and star marks are shown as figures. As the image type, for example, a type corresponding to the difference in the angle of view may be set based on the user setting. In addition, the graphic may be displayed with information. In this example, an identification number is assigned to the mark. A mark with an identification number of 1 is displayed together with the thumbnail of the first image. A mark having an identification number of 2 or less is displayed as a graphic of the second image. Moreover, the attribute value based on the metadata 22 or the management information 21 may be displayed as information on the graphic, or only the attribute value may be displayed.

  In the area 282 on the right side, information on all the associated images, such as marks and attribute values, are displayed in parallel. In the area 281, as a display state based on the user operation, a part of the image graphic is displayed and another image graphic is not displayed. In the area 282, information on an image not displayed in the area 281 is also displayed. When an image figure is selected in the area 281 or the area 282, the display mode may be changed to the third display mode. In the lower right area, a thumbnail of the last selected image is displayed as a preview.

  In the lower region 283, display mode information and attribute value information of the first image are displayed. In addition, an operation button for switching between displaying and hiding the mark in the second display mode is provided. The mark is displayed in the on state, and the mark is hidden in the off state. In addition, a return button or the like for returning to the first display mode is provided.

  In addition, in the second screen, when a plurality of related second images are densely present in the same position and the same area on the background area, individual figures are displayed in an overlapping manner. Instead, one representative mark is displayed. In this example, the representative mark is a star. When the user selects a representative mark, information on a plurality of second images associated with the position of the representative mark is displayed. At that time, for example, a pop-up area 285 is displayed, and information about a plurality of second images is displayed in the pop-up area 285. When the user performs a selection operation on the desired second image in the pop-up area 285, the mode is shifted to the third display mode in which the selected second image is displayed in detail.

  As another method, information on a plurality of second images associated with the representative mark may be displayed on the right side area 282 or the like. Further, in accordance with selection of the representative mark, a plurality of associated second images may be sequentially displayed in a predetermined area, that is, displayed as a slide show. For example, when there are a plurality of images taken at the same place and in the same shooting direction at different shooting dates and times, these images can be associated with each other and continuously reproduced and displayed. Further, in accordance with the selection operation of the representative mark, an area where a plurality of second images are densely displayed may be enlarged so that a graphic state of the plurality of second images can be distinguished.

[Modification (2)-Tilt operation]
As a modification, an inclination angle representing the inclination and rotation of the housing of the imaging device 1 is detected using a sensor of the imaging direction measurement unit 111 or the like. The imaging device 1 controls display mode switching, scrolling of a plurality of images in the second screen, and the like according to the detected state of the tilt angle. It is possible to switch between a display mode in which this function is valid and an invalid display mode in accordance with a predetermined operation. Normally, in the invalid display mode, the display content of the second screen is fixed and displayed regardless of the tilt angle of the imaging device 1. The display state can be changed by scrolling or enlarging / reducing according to the predetermined operation described above.

  FIG. 29 shows a state in which the display screen 401 of the housing 400 of the imaging apparatus 1 is arranged on the XZ plane in an effective display mode. With respect to the directions of the housing 400 and the display screen 401, an operation of tilting with respect to the y axis and its tilt angle 291 and an operation of tilting with respect to the x axis and its tilt angle 292 are shown. As an example of the second screen, an example similar to the second screen of FIG. 10 is shown. On the background area 50 of the second screen, a graphic 61 of the first image is displayed at the center, and a graphic 62 of the second image is displayed in the vicinity.

  In this state, an operation of tilting the housing 400 is performed as a user operation. For example, an operation of tilting in the right positive direction with respect to the y-axis is performed. The imaging device 1 detects the tilt angle 291 at that time, and changes the display state in the second screen by scrolling to the right according to the tilt angle 291. Thereby, each image is moved leftward in the second screen, and information on the right outside the screen is displayed in the screen. In this display mode, the user can easily change the display state by only tilting operation, and can view a plurality of images with less effort. Similarly, the enlargement / reduction may be controlled according to the tilt operation.

[Modification (3) -External Device Linkage]
The imaging device 1 and the display device 2 may store the image file 24 in an external device, or may read and reproduce the image file 24 from an external device. The imaging device 1 and the display device 2 may perform association processing for the image file 24 to be transmitted to an external device, and may transmit the image file 24 including the association information to the external device. In addition, the imaging device 1 and the display device 2 may perform association processing for the image file 24 received from an external device, and reproduce and display the image file 24 in a state of being associated based on the association information. That is, as an association method other than the first method and the second method described above, a method of performing association before transmitting the image file 24 to an external device, or a method of performing association after receiving the image file 24 from an external device. May be adopted. Further, when transmitting a plurality of image files 24 to an external device, the imaging device 1 and the display device 2 may describe angle-of-view information and association information as metadata 22 for each image file 24. It may be provided by being described in a management file different from the image file 24.

  For example, in the system of FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 1 performs an association process on a plurality of captured images before transmitting them to the server 3, creates an image file 24 including an angle of view and association information, and creates a communication network 4. To the server 3 and stored in the image data DB. The imaging device 1 or the display device 2 accesses the server 3 through the communication network 4 and acquires the image file 24 from the image data DB of the server 3. In this case, a plurality of image files 24 can be acquired collectively by specifying, for example, a shooting date and time, a shooting location, etc. as a search condition. The imaging device 1 or the display device 2 reproduces and displays the acquired image data 23 of the plurality of image files 24 in an associated state based on the reference of the association information.

  In addition, for example, the imaging device 1 transmits the image file 24 including the angle of view and not including the association information to the server 3 and saving the image data DB in the image data DB without performing association processing for the plurality of captured images. The imaging device 1 or the display device 2 accesses the server 3 through the communication network 4 and acquires the image file 24 from the image data DB of the server 3. The imaging device 1 or the display device 2 performs association processing on the acquired plurality of image files 24, and reproduces and displays them in an associated state based on the angle of view and the association information.

  Further, the server 3 may perform association processing for a plurality of image data 23 in the image data DB. The server 3 performs the association process and stores it as an image file 24 including association information. The imaging device 1 or the display device 2 reproduces and displays the plurality of image files 24 acquired from the server 3 based on the association information reference.

  In addition, for example, the imaging device 1 performs association processing for a plurality of captured images, and transmits an image file 24 including an angle of view and association information to the display device 2. The display device 2 acquires the image file 24, and reproduces and displays the image data 23 of the acquired image file 24 in an associated state based on the reference of the association information.

  Further, for example, the imaging apparatus 1 transmits the image file 24 including the angle of view and not including the association information to the display apparatus 2 without performing association for the plurality of captured images. The display device 2 acquires the image file 24, performs association processing on the image data 23 of the acquired image file 24, and reproduces and displays the image data 24 in an associated state based on the association information.

  Further, the imaging device 1 and the display device 2 may read each image file 24 from a plurality of devices of the same user, and manage them by integrating them. For example, the first imaging device 1A and the second imaging device 1B in FIG. 1 each transmit the image file 24 of the captured image to the first display device 2A without associating. The first display device 2A performs association processing on these image files 24, and reproduces and displays them in the associated state.

  According to this modification, an association display function can be realized in a system in which a plurality of devices cooperate, and the user can realize association and storage of a large number of images.

(Embodiment 2)
The imaging device and display device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, portions of the configuration of the second embodiment that are different from the configuration of the first embodiment will be described. In the imaging apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, a specific shooting mode for associating a plurality of images is provided.

[Shooting mode]
The imaging device 1 according to the second embodiment has, as shooting modes, a first shooting mode that is a normal shooting mode and a second shooting mode that is a group shooting mode for performing association. The imaging device 1 switches the shooting mode based on a user input operation or a user setting. The user performs a predetermined operation for switching between the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode at an arbitrary timing through the operation input unit 105 or the like. The predetermined operation may be, for example, pressing of a mode switching button.

  FIG. 30 shows switching of shooting modes on the time axis in the imaging apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. The imaging apparatus 1 is initially in the state of the first shooting mode, and does not perform association processing for individual images captured in the first shooting mode. For example, the image captured at time t11 is not associated, and the association information is not described in the metadata 22 or the like.

  The user performs an operation of switching from the first shooting mode to the second shooting mode at a desired timing, for example, at time T2. In the state of the second shooting mode, the imaging device 1 automatically associates individual images captured during that period as a group. For example, images are captured at time points t1 to t4 in the second shooting mode. The control unit 101 uses the associating unit 15 to perform associating processing on these images and describes the associating information in the metadata 22 or the management information 21. In this example, the images at time points t1 to t4 are associated as one group. A group identifier is described in the image file 24 or management information 21 of those images. The group identifier may be a character string using the start date / time and end date / time of the period of the second shooting mode.

  The user performs an operation of switching from the second shooting mode to the first shooting mode at a desired timing, for example, at time T4. The imaging device 1 does not associate individual images captured in the first imaging mode, for example, images captured at time t12. The control unit 101 may execute the association process when returning to the first imaging mode. At the time of reproduction display, the display control unit 12 confirms the association based on the reference of the group identifier or the like in the image file 24 or the management information 21 and displays the association.

[Menu screen]
FIG. 31 shows a menu screen related to the shooting mode as an example of the display screen of the imaging apparatus 1. This menu screen is displayed, for example, when the center button of the cross key 433 in FIG. 4 is pressed. This menu screen has a shooting menu 311, a playback menu 312, and a setting menu 313. The shooting menu 311 has setting items related to the shooting mode, the playback menu 312 has setting items related to the playback display mode, and the setting menu 313 has setting items of the setting mode. Each setting item in each mode can be set by the user. For example, the shooting menu 311 includes group shooting 314, size, image quality, focus mode, camera shake correction, and the like as setting items. Size, image quality, etc. are known setting items.

  The user selects a group shooting 314 setting item of the shooting menu 311 in response to an operation such as tapping on the menu screen, and selects the ON button, whereby the group shooting mode is set as the shooting mode. When the off button is selected, the group shooting mode is canceled. The group shooting mode may be turned on / off with a dedicated hardware button. The imaging apparatus 1 may automatically switch the group shooting mode to the off state when the power is turned off in the group shooting mode on state. In addition, the imaging apparatus 1 may automatically switch the group shooting mode to the off state when a predetermined time has elapsed from when the group shooting mode is turned on or when an image is shot in the shooting mode. Good.

[Effects]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the user can easily associate a plurality of images by switching the shooting mode based on his / her own judgment. The second embodiment corresponds to an embodiment in which the determination regarding the shooting date and time of the second selection method is automated using a specific shooting mode.

(Embodiment 3)
An imaging device and a display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, a different part from the structure of Embodiment 1 in the structure of Embodiment 3 is demonstrated. The imaging apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment has a function of displaying a captured image in association with the monitor image displayed on the display screen in the shooting mode. This function realizes an assist function that supports a photographing operation including determination of a photographing direction by the user. Particularly, in the third embodiment, the group photographing mode of the second embodiment is used in combination. During the group shooting mode as the shooting mode, the captured image is displayed in association with the second image while displaying the monitor image.

[Shooting monitor]
FIG. 32 shows the display screen 404 of the EVF 403 shown in FIG. 4 in the first monitor method in the third embodiment. The display control unit 12 displays a monitor image in the shooting mode and an associated image on the display screen 404. In the first monitor method, the monitor image is regarded as the background region 50 and the first image, and the graphic of the second image is displayed on the monitor image. The imaging apparatus 1 displays a monitor image 411 corresponding to the shooting direction and the angle of view during shooting in association with the entire background area 50 of the display screen 404. The center point p0 of the display screen 404 coincides with the center point of the monitor image 411.

  The user starts shooting in the group shooting mode. The imaging apparatus 1 is set to the group shooting mode according to a predetermined operation. Similar to the second embodiment, the imaging apparatus 1 associates images captured in the group imaging mode as a group, and stores information on the associated second image in the storage unit 102 or the like.

  The display control unit 12 determines the second image associated with the monitor image 411 as the first image. In particular, the second image that has been shot during the group shooting mode is associated. The display control unit 12 determines conditions regarding the shooting direction and the angle of view in the monitor image and the second image, and determines whether the second image is to be displayed. Conditions similar to those in the first embodiment can be applied. For example, using the first condition, the display control unit 12 determines the second image as a display target when the shooting direction (θ, φ) of the second image is included in the field angle range of the monitor image 411. To do.

  The display control unit 12 superimposes and displays a graphic representing the second image to be displayed in the region of the monitor image 411. In this example, it is a mark as a figure. At the point ps1, there is a shooting direction of the image s1, which is the second image, and a mark 321 representing the image s1 is displayed. At the point ps2, there is a shooting direction of the image s2, which is the second image, and a mark 322 representing the image s2 is displayed. The user can easily recognize the presence / absence and position of a captured image within the angle of view of the monitor image by the mark in the monitor image 411. Based on the recognition, the user can determine a suitable shooting direction, angle of view, and the like of a newly shot image.

  FIG. 33 shows an example of a display screen of the second monitor method as a modification. In the second monitor method, the monitor image 412 is displayed as the first image in the background area 50 of the display screen 404, and the graphic of the second image is displayed in and around the monitor image 412. A monitor image 412 having a size smaller than that of the display screen 404 is displayed at the center point p 0 of the display screen 404. The size of the monitor image 412 may be changed according to a state such as an angle of view. Similarly, the display control unit 12 determines the association and conditions of the second image with respect to the monitor image 412, and displays the graphic of the second image. When the display control unit 12 uses, for example, the second condition and a part of the shooting direction or the angle of view of the second image is included in the threshold range extended outside the angle of view of the monitor image 412, The second image is a display target. In this example, there is a shooting direction of the image s3 as the second image at the point ps3, and a transmission frame 331 representing the image s3 is displayed. In addition, an image s4 that is a second image is present at a point (not shown) on the background area 50 outside the display screen 404, and a part of a transparent frame 332 representing the image s4 is displayed in the display screen 404. The image s4 is a wide angle image. The user can easily recognize the presence / absence, position, and angle of view of the captured image near the angle of view of the monitor image 412 by the transmission frame near the monitor image 412, and select a suitable shooting direction and angle of view of the new image. Can be determined.

  Also, after determining the shooting direction and the like in the display state of the monitor image 412 as shown in FIG. 33, when performing shooting, the monitor image is displayed on the entire display screen 404 as shown in FIG. 32 based on a predetermined input operation. You may make it change to the state which displays 411. Further, the display and non-display of the graphic of the second image may be switched according to a predetermined input operation. Further, whether or not to perform the association display on the monitor image as described above can be changed according to the user setting. A display mode switching button or the like may be provided in the monitor image display screen.

  In addition, a re-shooting instruction may be enabled by selecting a figure representing a captured second image displayed in association with the monitor image on the display screen 404 by a predetermined operation such as a tap or a pinch. The imaging apparatus 1 enlarges the second image instructed to be re-photographed and displays it as a new monitor image on the display screen 404, and automatically performs zoom control to adjust the focus and the like. The imaging device 1 performs imaging with the imaging direction and angle of view in that state.

[Effects]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, the assist function allows the user to easily recognize the presence / absence or position of a captured image in the monitor image. It is easy to determine a suitable shooting direction and angle of view for an image to be shot. For example, the user can select an uncaptured shooting direction and an angle of view and perform shooting.

  The following is given as a modification of the third embodiment. As a modified example, the same applies to the display screen 401 of the touch panel. Further, as a modified example, the present invention is not limited to the combined use with the group photographing mode, and it is possible to perform the association confirmation process or the like during the display of the monitor image as in the first embodiment. Further, the association between the monitor image and the second image may be a temporary association, and the association may be automatically released after the monitor image is displayed.

(Embodiment 4)
The imaging device and display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, a different part from the structure of Embodiment 1 in the structure of Embodiment 4 is demonstrated. The fourth embodiment has an image editing function. This editing function is a function that allows the user to determine the association of a plurality of images and manually set and edit them. The user can add, delete, or change an associated image on the display screen using the editing function. Further, the editing function has a function of generating a composite image by trimming.

[Edit function (1)]
FIG. 34 shows an example of the second screen in the second display mode of the imaging apparatus 1. The following shows the case of the imaging device 1 having an editing function, but the same applies to the case of the display device 2 having an editing function. According to a user operation, it is possible to switch between an on state in which editing is valid and an off state in which editing is invalid. When the imaging device 1 is in the on state, the association of the second image with the first image, the display position of the graphic of the second image, and the like can be changed based on the user input operation on the second screen in the second display mode. Set. The control unit 101 stores and manages the display position of the graphic of the second image as one of the metadata 22 or the management information 21. At the time of reproduction display, the control unit 101 refers to the information and determines the graphic display position.

  In this example, a case where a transparent frame is displayed as a graphic of the second image is shown. Initially, the imaging apparatus 1 automatically determines and displays the graphic display positions of the first image and the second image on the background area 50 as in the first embodiment. For example, a thumbnail that is the graphic 341 of the first image is displayed at the center point p0. As the second image, a transparent frame that is a figure 342a of a certain narrow-angle image is displayed at the point p2a. When the user wants to change the display position of the graphic of the second image, the user touches the graphic to move it to a desired position, for example. The control unit 101 updates the display state so as to move the display position of the graphic according to the user operation. In this example, the state of the figure 342a after the transparent frame is moved is shown as the figure 342b at the point p2b after the movement. The control unit 101 stores the moved position of the graphic of the second image as a new display position.

  In addition, the editing function includes a function of adding a second image to be associated and a function of releasing the association of the second image. In the case of addition, the user touches a desired position on the background area 50, for example, the point p3, presses the add button in the pop-up area, and selects the second image to be added. The control unit 101 displays a graphic relating to the selected second image at the position, stores the display position, and associates the first image with the second image.

  In the case of cancellation, the user selects the graphic of the second image displayed on the background area 50 and designates cancellation. For example, the user touches the graphic 344 at the point p4 and presses the release button in the pop-up area. The control unit 101 cancels the association between the second image and the first image for which cancellation is specified, and erases the display of the graphic.

[Edit function (2)]
Furthermore, the editing function has a function of generating a composite image by trimming. With this function, it is possible to generate a panoramic image having a larger angle of view than the original image, an image having a smaller angle of view than the original image, and the like. First, as in the first embodiment, the imaging apparatus 1 obtains an image file 24 of a plurality of captured images. The imaging apparatus 1 displays a plurality of images in association with each other on the second screen in the second display mode described above, and turns on the trimming function of the editing function according to a user operation. The switching can be performed by a display mode switching button, a mode selection by a reproduction menu, or the like.

  The upper side of FIG. 35 is a display example of the second screen when the trimming function of the editing function is on, and four images v1, v2, v3, and v4 are displayed. A thumbnail that is a graphic 351 representing the image v1 is displayed so that the center point pv1 of the image v1 that is the first image is arranged at the center point p0 of the background region 50. Around the thumbnail of the image v1, there is a thumbnail that is the graphic 352 of the image v2 that is the second image at the point pv2, a thumbnail that is the graphic 353 of the image v3 at the point pv3, and a thumbnail that is the graphic 354 of the image v4 at the point pv4. It is displayed.

  In this example, the thumbnails of the images have overlapping portions, and the border lines of the overlapping portions are indicated by broken lines. For the overlapping portion, the thumbnail portion of the upper image is displayed according to the upper and lower arrangement of the plurality of images. For example, the first image is displayed on the uppermost layer and the second image is displayed on the lower layer. The plurality of second images are arranged in the upper and lower layers, for example, in an order according to the shooting date and time or an order designated by the user. The vertical arrangement relationship of a plurality of images can be changed according to an image selection operation or the like. In this example, images v1, v2, v3, v4 are arranged in order from the upper layer. In this state, desired scrolling or enlargement / reduction is performed in accordance with a user operation. For example, it is assumed that the whole is moved by scrolling so that the point pv1 of the image v1 comes to the point pv1b.

  The lower side of FIG. 35 shows the second screen after the display state is changed. In the second screen, a trimming frame 350 is displayed on the background area 50 in a layer higher than the plurality of images. The trimming frame 350 can be changed in position, vertical and horizontal size, rotation angle, and the like according to a user operation, for example, an operation of touching and dragging. The user places the trimming frame 350 in a desired state at a desired position on the image. In this state, image trimming can be executed by a predetermined operation. The predetermined operation is, for example, pressing a shutter button, inputting trimming execution designation, or the like. Accordingly, the imaging apparatus 1 newly generates image data of a trimmed image including the angle of view range of the image included in the trimming frame 350 and stores it in the storage unit 102 or the like.

  When performing trimming, when the trimming frame 350 includes each angle of view range over a plurality of images at the time of performing trimming, the imaging device 1 combines the angle of view ranges of the plurality of images. One trimming image is generated. When generating the trimmed image, the imaging apparatus 1 reads the image data 23 corresponding to each image (v1, v2, v3) into the memory 133, and synthesizes the image data 23 by stitching processing or the like that is known image processing. Thereby, a composite image corresponding to the trimming frame 350 is obtained. In this example, a panoramic image having a horizontal angle of view corresponding to the horizontal size of the trimming frame 350 is obtained as a composite image. The present invention is not limited to the above example, and an image obtained by extracting a desired field angle range from the field angle range of the wide angle image can be generated by trimming.

[Effects]
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the editing function allows the user to freely edit the association display of the plurality of images in the second display mode so that the user can easily see or grasp the image. It is. Conventionally, for example, when it is desired to generate a panoramic image, an operation such as shooting while panning the camera is required. On the other hand, according to the fourth embodiment, the editing function allows the user to easily obtain a desired panoramic image and an image with a desired angle of view while checking a plurality of images after shooting.

(Embodiment 5)
The imaging apparatus and display apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, portions of the configuration of the fifth embodiment that are different from the configuration of the first embodiment will be described. The imaging device 1 according to Embodiment 5 has a function of capturing an omnidirectional image as a wide-angle image, and has a function of displaying the wide-angle image in association with the first image or the second image.

[Spherical image]
In this specification, as shown in FIG. 7 and the like, a virtual spherical surface 600 set with the position of the imaging device and the user who is the photographer as the center point is referred to as an omnidirectional sphere. In this specification, the omnidirectional image is an image having 360 ° as an angle of view of at least one of a horizontal angle of view and a vertical angle of view.

  FIG. 36 shows the omnidirectional image in the fifth embodiment with a horizontal angle of view. The spherical surface 600 corresponding to the omnidirectional sphere has a first wide-angle image 6A, a second wide-angle image 6B, and a narrow-angle image 6C. The first wide-angle image 6A is a wide-angle image having a shooting range 361 of 180 ° in a horizontal angle of view as viewed from the front camera side of the imaging apparatus 1 in the front shooting direction (for example, northward). The second wide-angle image 6B is a wide-angle image having a shooting range 362 of 180 ° in the horizontal angle of view as viewed from the rear camera side in the rear shooting direction (for example, southward). The narrow-angle image 6C is a narrow-angle image having a photographing range 363 with a horizontal field angle Ah in a desired photographing direction (for example, northward) from the front camera side. By combining the first wide-angle image 6A and the second wide-angle image 6B, an omnidirectional image that is a wide-angle image having a shooting range of 360 ° at a horizontal angle of view is formed. Although not shown, the same applies to the vertical angle of view Av. For example, the first wide-angle image 6A has a shooting range of 180 ° at the vertical angle of view.

[Imaging device]
FIG. 37 shows a configuration of a part related to the imaging unit 103 in the imaging apparatus 1. The imaging apparatus 1 includes a first imaging unit 103A, a second imaging unit 103B, and a third imaging unit 103C as the imaging unit 103, and these are connected to the interface circuit unit 131.

  The first imaging unit 103A is an imaging unit corresponding to the front camera, and includes a drive unit 31a and a lens unit 32a. The lens unit 32a includes a first lens as a super-wide-angle lens that can capture the first wide-angle image 6A in the imaging range (ie, hemisphere) of 180 ° with the front horizontal and vertical angles of view. The second imaging unit 103B is an imaging unit corresponding to the rear camera, and includes a drive unit 31b and a lens unit 32b. The lens unit 32b includes a second lens as a super-wide-angle lens that can capture the second wide-angle image 6B in the imaging range of 180 ° (that is, a hemisphere) with the horizontal and vertical angle of view on the back.

  The third imaging unit 103C has the same configuration as that of the imaging unit 103 of Embodiment 1, and includes a drive unit 31c and a lens unit 32c. The lens unit 32c includes a third lens that can capture a narrow-angle image 6C at a set angle of view (for example, a general angle of view of about 50 degrees) of less than 180 ° in the horizontal and vertical directions of the front surface. . The angle of view when the image capturing unit 103C captures an image can be set based on a user operation within a predetermined range of angle of view. For example, assume that a narrow-angle image 6C having a horizontal angle of view Ah of 50 ° is captured.

  The control unit 101 includes an omnidirectional imaging control unit 11A and an imaging control unit 11B. The omnidirectional imaging control unit 11A drives and controls the first imaging unit 103A and the second imaging unit 103B to capture an omnidirectional image. The omnidirectional imaging control unit 11A controls to capture the first wide-angle image 6A from the first imaging unit 103A and the second wide-angle image 6B from the second imaging unit 103B at the same timing. The omnidirectional imaging control unit 11A inputs and synthesizes the first wide-angle image 6A and the second wide-angle image 6B through the signal processing unit 132 and the like, thereby synthesizing the omnidirectional image having a 360 ° field angle range. Image. In addition, about the structure of the imaging part 103, the control part 101, etc. which contain the optical system which can image an omnidirectional image in this way, it is realizable using a well-known technique.

  The omnidirectional imaging control unit 11A stores the image data 23 of the captured omnidirectional image in the storage unit 102 as an image file 24 together with the metadata 22 including information such as the angle of view as in the first embodiment. To do. The imaging control unit 11B stores the image data 23 of the captured narrow-angle image in the storage unit 102 as the image file 24 together with the metadata 22 including information such as the angle of view as in the first embodiment.

  In the shooting mode of the imaging apparatus 1, it is possible to take an image using any imaging unit under the control of the control unit 101. Based on the control from the control unit 101, the first imaging unit 103A, the second imaging unit 103B, and the third imaging unit 103C can simultaneously perform imaging at one time. Further, based on control from the control unit 101, the first imaging unit 103A, the second imaging unit 103B, and the third imaging unit 103C can also perform imaging at individual timings. An omnidirectional image can be taken by simultaneous photographing and synthesis of the first imaging unit 103A and the second imaging unit 103B. Moreover, the hemisphere image by the 1st wide-angle image 6A or the 2nd wide-angle image 6B can be image | photographed by imaging | photography using one of the 1st imaging part 103A and the 2nd imaging part 103B. Further, simultaneous shooting with one of the first imaging unit 103A or the second imaging unit 103B and the third imaging unit 103C is also possible. In that case, the shooting date and time of the one wide-angle image and the narrow-angle image 6C are the same and can be automatically associated. The control unit 101 may add information such as the type representing the omnidirectional image, the hemispherical image, or the narrow-angle image 6C to the metadata 22 or the management information 21 of the captured image. The control unit 101 may give association information to the metadata 22 or the like for a plurality of images that have been taken simultaneously.

[Imaging device-appearance]
FIG. 38 shows the appearance of an implementation example of the imaging apparatus 1. In this example, the case where it is a smart phone as the imaging device 1 is shown. The left side of FIG. 38 shows the front camera side of the housing 380 of the imaging apparatus 1, and the right side shows the rear camera side. On the front camera side, a first lens 381 is provided at a predetermined position of the housing 380, and a third lens 383 is provided at a predetermined position. On the rear camera side, a second lens 382 is provided at a predetermined position on the opposite side corresponding to the position of the first lens 381 on the front camera side. On the rear camera side, a display screen 384 of the display device 104, operation buttons 385, and the like are provided.

[Second display mode-second screen]
In the fifth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first image and the second image are displayed in association with each other on the background area 50 on the second screen in the second display mode. At that time, in the fifth embodiment, an omnidirectional image or a hemispherical image can be applied as the first image or the second image. For example, when displaying using the second screen of the same format as in FIG. 18, if the first image is an omnidirectional image, it corresponds to the shooting direction of the omnidirectional image as it is in the circular background region 50. The hemispherical part to be displayed is displayed.

[Effects]
As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, when an omnidirectional image or the like is displayed as a wide-angle image, a plurality of images including a related narrow-angle image can be displayed in association with each other. Easy to grasp the relationship.

  The following is possible as a modification of the embodiment. The second imaging unit 103B on the rear camera side may be omitted, and the first imaging unit 103A may be used to capture a hemispherical image having a forward 180 ° field angle range. When the omnidirectional image is displayed on the second screen, it may be converted into a rectangular region having a horizontal angle of view of 360 ° instead of a circle as in FIG. As a modification, the omnidirectional image may be displayed in the background area 50 as a reduced circle.

  Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Some or all of the functions and the like of the present invention may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit, or may be realized by software program processing.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imaging device, 2 ... Display apparatus, 3 ... Server, 4 ... Communication network, 11 ... Imaging control part, 12 ... Display control part, 13 ... Touch detection part, 14 ... Setting part, 15 ... Association part, 21 ... Management Information, 22 ... Metadata, 23 ... Image data, 24 ... Image file, 50 ... Background area, 61, 62, 63 ... Figure, 101 ... Control unit, 102 ... Storage unit, 103 ... Imaging unit, 104 ... Display device, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 105 ... Operation input part, 106 ... Recording part, 107 ... Recording medium, 108 ... Communication interface part, 111 ... Shooting direction measurement part, 112 ... Internal clock, 113 ... Position detection part, 131 ... Interface circuit part, 132 ... Signal processing , 133 ... memory, 401 ... display screen.

Claims (22)

An imaging unit that captures a still image or a moving image to obtain image data;
A display unit that reproduces and displays the image on a display screen based on the image data;
With
Obtaining first information including at least one of an azimuth angle and an elevation angle as a shooting direction of the image, and at least one of the angle of view of the image or the angle of view related information capable of calculating the angle of view;
The second image capturing direction or part of the second image within the range of the first field angle of the first image capturing direction of the first image or the threshold field angle range extended outside the first image angle of the plurality of captured images. If the angle of view is included, associating the second image with the first image;
The first image selected based on a user operation or a first graphic representing the first image is displayed on a background area in the display screen, and the first image has a positional relationship corresponding to the shooting direction. Displaying the second image associated with the image or a second graphic representing the second image;
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The background region is a rectangular or circular region associated with a field angle range of 180 ° or more of the spherical surface of the omnidirectional sphere centered on the imaging device,
In the reproduction display, a projected image, a reduced image, or an enlarged image of the first image on the spherical surface is displayed on the background region at a position corresponding to the shooting direction of the first image, and the second image is displayed. Displaying a projected image, reduced image, or enlarged image of the second image on the spherical surface at a position corresponding to the shooting direction of the image;
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
A storage unit for storing the image data and the first information;
The angle-of-view related information includes an electronic zoom magnification, a focal length, and a size or model of an image sensor,
When the first information includes the angle-of-view related information, the angle of view is calculated from the angle-of-view related information, and the angle of view is described in the first information.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The second graphic has a reduced image of the second image, an enlarged image, a predetermined graphic including a mark, a transparent frame, or an attribute value of the second image.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The display size of the first image or the first graphic is a size corresponding to the angle of view of the first image,
The display size of the second image or the second graphic is a size corresponding to the angle of view of the second image.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
When there are a plurality of associated second images in the same area on the background area, a graphic representing the representative is displayed as the second graphic,
In response to a selection operation of a graphic representing the representative, information related to the plurality of second images associated with each other is displayed so that the second image can be selected.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
In the playback display, based on the user's operation, on the display screen,
As a first screen in the first display mode, a list of information on the plurality of images is displayed.
As the second screen in the second display mode, the first image or the first graphic selected in the first screen is displayed on the background area, and the second image or the first image associated with the first image is displayed. Displaying the second graphic;
As the third screen in the third display mode, the first image selected in the second screen or the second image is displayed in detail.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
At the time of imaging, the first information is created and stored as metadata or management information of the image data,
After the imaging, the association is performed, and when the second image is associated with the first image, association information between the first image and the second image is created and the metadata or the management information Described in
In the reproduction display, the association information is confirmed, and the first image and the second image are displayed on the display screen.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
At the time of imaging, the first information is created and stored as metadata or management information of the image data,
In the reproduction display, the association is performed, and when the second image is associated with the first image, the first image and the second image are displayed on the display screen.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
Switch between the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode,
For the image captured in the first shooting mode, the association is not performed,
The plurality of images captured in the second shooting mode are associated as a group.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
At the time of shooting, the monitor image being shot is displayed as the first image on the background area of the display screen, and the second graphic is associated with the second image associated with the first image. Display,
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
At the time of imaging, position information representing a shooting location is created and stored as metadata or management information of the image data,
In the case of the association, when the position information of the second image is included in a predetermined position range with respect to the position information of the first image, the image is selected as an association candidate image.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
At the time of imaging, information including shooting date and time is created and stored as metadata or management information of the image data,
In the case of the association, when the shooting date / time of the second image is included in a predetermined time range with respect to the shooting date / time of the first image, the image is selected as the candidate image for association.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
A character string set based on the operation of the user is created and stored as metadata or management information of the image data at the time of the imaging or the reproduction display,
In the case of the association, when the character string of the second image includes the same character string with respect to the character string of the first image, the image is selected as a candidate image for the association.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
At the time of the imaging or the reproduction display, the subject type of the image is determined by image recognition processing,
In the association, when the subject type of the second image includes the same subject type with respect to the subject type of the first image, the image is selected as the association candidate image.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The display position of the second image or the second graphic on the display screen at the time of the reproduction display is stored as one of metadata or management information items of the image data,
During the reproduction display, the display position of the second image or the second graphic on the background area is changed based on the user's operation on the display screen, and the selected display position on the background area is changed. Adding the association of the second image and releasing the association of the second image at the selected display position on the background area;
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
During the playback display, a trimming frame is arranged on the first image and the second image on the background area based on the user's operation on the display screen, and is included in the trimming frame. An image obtained by combining the image angle-of-view range is generated and saved as the image data.
Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The imaging unit can capture a wide-angle image having an angle of view of 180 ° or more and 360 ° or less,
At least one of the first image or the second image is the wide-angle image;
Imaging device. An input unit for inputting and holding image data of a still image or a moving image captured by an external imaging device;
A display unit that reproduces and displays the image on a display screen based on the image data;
With
Obtaining first information including at least one of an azimuth angle and an elevation angle as a shooting direction of the image, and at least one of the angle of view of the image or the angle of view related information capable of calculating the angle of view;
The second image capturing direction or part of the second image within the range of the first field angle of the first image capturing direction of the first image or the threshold field angle range extended outside the first image angle of the plurality of captured images. If the angle of view is included, associating the second image with the first image;
The first image selected based on a user operation or a first graphic representing the first image is displayed on a background area in the display screen, and the first image has a positional relationship corresponding to the shooting direction. Displaying the second image associated with the image or a second graphic representing the second image;
Display device. An imaging display system in which an imaging device and a display device are connected,
The imaging device
An imaging unit that captures a still image or a moving image to obtain image data,
Obtaining first information including at least one of an azimuth angle and an elevation angle as a shooting direction of the image, and at least one of the angle of view of the image or the angle of view related information capable of calculating the angle of view;
The second image capturing direction or part of the second image within the range of the first field angle of the first image capturing direction of the first image or the threshold field angle range extended outside the first image angle of the plurality of captured images. If the angle of view is included, associating the second image with the first image;
Transmitting the image file including the image data of the first image and the second image to which the association has been performed, to the display device;
The display device
An input unit for inputting and holding the image file including the image data captured by the imaging device;
A display unit that reproduces and displays the image on a display screen based on the image data;
With
The first image selected based on a user operation or a first graphic representing the first image is displayed on a background area in the display screen, and the first image has a positional relationship corresponding to the shooting direction. Displaying the second image associated with the image or a second graphic representing the second image;
Imaging display system. An imaging display system in which an imaging device and a display device are connected,
The imaging device
An imaging unit that captures a still image or a moving image to obtain image data,
First information including at least one of an azimuth angle and an elevation angle as a shooting direction of the image, and at least one of the angle of view of the image or the angle of view related information capable of calculating the angle of view, the image data, An image file including
The display device
An input unit configured to input and hold the image file including the first information and the image data captured by the imaging device;
A display unit that reproduces and displays the image on a display screen based on the image data;
With
The display device
The second image capturing direction or part of the second image within the range of the first field angle of the first image capturing direction of the first image or the threshold field angle range extended outside the first image angle of the plurality of captured images. If the angle of view is included, associating the second image with the first image;
The first image selected based on a user operation or a first graphic representing the first image is displayed on a background area in the display screen, and the first image has a positional relationship corresponding to the shooting direction. Displaying the second image associated with the image or a second graphic representing the second image;
Imaging display system. An imaging display system in which an imaging device, a server device, and a display device are connected,
The imaging device
An imaging unit that captures a still image or a moving image to obtain image data,
First information including at least one of an azimuth angle and an elevation angle as a shooting direction of the image, and at least one of the angle of view of the image or the angle of view related information capable of calculating the angle of view, the image data, An image file including
The server device
The image file received from the imaging device is accumulated in a DB,
The second image capturing direction of the second image is within the range of the first field angle of the first image capturing direction of the first image or the threshold field angle range extended to the outside of the plurality of images captured by the image capturing device. Alternatively, when a partial angle of view is included, the second image is associated with the first image, and the image file including the image data of the first image and the second image with which the association is performed , Store in the DB,
The display device
An input unit for acquiring and holding the image file from the server device;
A display unit that reproduces and displays the image on a display screen based on the image data;
With
The first image selected based on a user operation or a first graphic representing the first image is displayed on a background area in the display screen, and the first image has a positional relationship corresponding to the shooting direction. Displaying the second image associated with the image or a second graphic representing the second image;
Imaging display system.