JP4110009B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication device control method, and a program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in an image communication apparatus that converts a captured image signal into a digital signal and compresses the image data and records it on a storage medium, particularly in a digital still camera (hereinafter referred to as “digital camera”), etc. In addition to the photographed image, a lot of additional information such as a thumbnail image for browsing, a photographing time, a photographing device name, photographing condition information such as an aperture and a shutter speed is associated as attached data.
[0003]
In recent years, position information data as information for specifying a shooting location has been newly associated as one of attached information.
[0004]
Connection of these communication devices to the imaging device due to the spread of mobile phones with data communication functions other than voice and the development of communication devices that have become smaller and lighter by specializing in data communication. Imaging devices with built-in functions or communication functions themselves have been developed, and it is possible to acquire additional information in addition to information that can be acquired by the imaging device itself using these communication functions. There is a background.
[0005]
As the acquisition source of the position information, direct position information data from GPS, area information based on a base station ID obtained by communication with a radio base station connected to a public network, and the like can be considered. In a general portable information device that does not include an imaging device, a method of acquiring map data and the like of a peripheral region around the current location based on such information has already been put into practical use.
[0006]
It is conceivable to associate the positional information data acquired using these with the captured image data of the imaging apparatus.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above conventional example, it is premised that communication with a GPS or a wireless base station is possible at a location where the imaging device performs imaging, and position information is associated with captured image data in an area outside the communication range. There is a problem that it is impossible.
[0008]
  The present invention relates to position information of a communication device.The problem when you cannot getFor the purpose.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to the present invention, in a communication device, map data acquisition means for acquiring map data from the outside, position information acquisition means for acquiring position information, and the position information acquisition means cannot acquire information on a position where the communication device exists. In this case, the storage means for storing the position on the map data already acquired by the map data acquisition means as alternative position information, and the map data for re-acquisition of the map data based on the alternative position information stored by the storage means A communication apparatus having a reacquisition means.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus 100 with a communication function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0011]
The imaging device with a communication function 100 includes an image capturing unit 10, a captured image recording unit 20, a communication unit 30, a map image recording unit 40, an image display unit 50, a control unit 60, and a user input unit 70. Have.
[0012]
Image data acquired by the image capturing unit 10 is stored in the captured image recording unit 20. In addition, the communication unit 30 can be wirelessly connected to the public network, and various additional data and other data associated with the captured image can be acquired from the public network as necessary.
[0013]
The map image recording unit 40 is an area for storing map image data acquired from the public network separately from the captured image, and the image display unit 50 captures an image currently captured by the image capturing unit 10 or a past image. Then, data stored in the captured image recording unit 20, map image data stored in the map image recording unit 40, and the like are displayed.
[0014]
Based on an instruction from the user input unit 70, the control unit 60 performs basic operations such as whether to take a picture, view a recorded image, or perform a public network connection using the communication unit 30. In addition to the control, the operation control of the entire device is performed such as associating additional information such as shooting date and time with the captured image data at the time of image capturing, and acquiring additional information by connecting to the public network.
[0015]
For convenience, the captured image recording unit 20 and the map image recording unit 40 are configured as separate blocks, but this is not necessary. That is, when actually configured, the captured image recording unit 20 and the map image recording unit 40 may be mixed on the same memory by dividing the area on the same memory or individually managing addresses. .
[0016]
Although the additional information recording unit is not particularly shown in FIG. 1, in addition to managing the same file as the image data, the additional information recording unit is stored in a separate storage area as a separate file and associated with the image data. May be managed.
[0017]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an initialization procedure when the imaging device with communication function 100 is turned on to update the map image data.
[0018]
After the power is turned on, it is determined whether or not the public network can be connected by the communication function (S1). If the connection to the public network is possible, the current position information is acquired (S2). If the acquired current location is different from the previously acquired location information data (S3), the recorded current location information is updated (S4), and a map image around the new current location is acquired from the map database on the public network, The map image data is updated (S5), and the updating operation is terminated (S6).
[0019]
When the connection with the public network is impossible (S1), or when the obtained current location information is the same as the previously acquired information (S3), the update operation is terminated without performing the image update operation. .
[0020]
The above update procedure can be performed not only when the power is turned on, but also at an arbitrary time according to an instruction (S7) from the user. After completion of the update, in accordance with an instruction from the user input unit, the mode shifts to an image shooting mode, an image browsing mode, and the like. However, since it is out of the subject of the present invention, the description thereof is omitted here.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for associating position information at the time of shooting in the imaging apparatus 100 with a communication function.
[0022]
First, when an image is taken by a user, a position information related work routine shown in FIG. 3 is started.
[0023]
In S11, the public network connection is confirmed. If possible, the current location information is acquired from the public network (S12), and the acquired location information is associated with the captured image data as additional information (S13). The captured image is saved (S14), and the process ends.
[0024]
When the public network connection is not possible (S11), the message display M1 is performed (SS22), the user is informed that the location information cannot be obtained, and whether or not the location information is recorded on the map image by the user's own search operation. Prompts you to select
[0025]
If the user determines that the input of position information is unnecessary (S23), the captured image is saved and the process ends. When the user selects position information input (S23), the map image of the peripheral area acquired in advance by the process of FIG. 2 and stored in the map image storage unit 40 is displayed (S24).
[0026]
When the user confirms the map data and the current location is outside the range of the acquired map data (S25), the representative position data of the acquired map image data is associated with the captured image as alternative position information (S26). ).
[0027]
The representative position data is, for example, position coordinate data of the center position of the map image data. When the user can identify the current location on the map data by checking the map data (S25), the user specifies the shooting position on the map image, and the coordinate data on the map image is obtained. , As alternative position information (S27, S31).
[0028]
The coordinate data on the map image counts the difference information (how many pixels vertically and horizontally) on the image file with respect to the representative position data in the map image, and the position on the image is specified by this count and the scale information of the map image. can do.
[0029]
As described above, only one position coordinate point is sufficient as the position information included in the map image, and the communication processing and the communication amount when acquiring the map image data can be reduced.
[0030]
In addition, even when only specific position coordinates such as a base station ID can be obtained from communication of a radio base station, the position of the base station in the map image can be used as the representative position, and the same effect can be obtained. Can do. Only necessary points can be obtained later from the map image database service on the public network.
[0031]
When the association is performed by the alternative position information, the message display M2 is performed (S32), the user is instructed that the current position information is the alternative information, and a position information re-acquisition routine described later is started (S33) Then, the image data is stored (S14), and the associating operation is terminated (S34).
[0032]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents of the message displays M1 and M2 during the position information related work routine in the photographing apparatus 100 with a communication function.
[0033]
The location information reacquisition routine monitors the recovery of the public network connection for location information acquisition. Whether the location information is automatically reacquired by detecting communication recovery by the user's selection in the message display M2. Alternatively, the position information is reacquired at an arbitrary timing according to the user's judgment.
[0034]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of the position information reacquisition routine in the photographing apparatus 100 with a communication function.
[0035]
When automatic reacquisition is set by the user's selection (S41), a timer is monitored (S42), and by this timer monitoring, connection with the public network is confirmed at regular intervals (S43) If this is not possible, the process returns to timer monitoring again.
[0036]
When re-acquisition is selected manually (S41), it waits until the command input from the user is confirmed (S44), and after confirming the input of the position information acquisition command (S45), the public network connection confirmation procedure (S43) )to go into.
[0037]
When the public network connection is confirmed (S43), the map database is connected (S46), and the map image data of the target point is acquired and displayed based on the alternative position information (S47). When the user confirms the position (S48) and the position is specified, the position information of the point is acquired (S49), and the alternative position information is associated with the captured image data associated with the position information data again ( S50), image data is stored (S51). If the user cannot confirm the position (S48), the display position is corrected (S52), and the process returns to step S48.
[0038]
Similarly, if there is captured image data to which alternative position information is added (S53), the process returns to the public network connection confirmation and the same procedure as described above is repeated. If there is no captured image data to which the alternative position information is added, the position information re-acquisition routine is terminated (S54).
[0039]
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus with communication function 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0040]
The imaging device with communication function 200 is a device in which a GPS receiving unit 80 is added to the imaging device with communication function 100 and a control unit 61 is provided instead of the control unit 60.
[0041]
That is, the imaging device with a communication function 200 includes an image capturing unit 10, a captured image recording unit 20, a public network communication unit 31, a map image recording unit 40, an image display unit 50, a control unit 61, and user input. Unit 70 and a GPS receiving unit 80.
[0042]
Image data acquired by the image capturing unit 10 is stored in the captured image recording unit 20. The public network communication unit 31 can be wirelessly connected to the public network, and various additional data and other data associated with the captured image can be acquired from the public network as necessary.
[0043]
The map image recording unit 40 is an area for storing map image data acquired from the public network separately from the captured image, and the image display unit 50 captures an image currently captured by the image capturing unit 10 or a past image. The display unit displays data stored in the captured image recording unit 20, map image data stored in the map image recording unit, and the like.
[0044]
The control unit 61 is operated by the user according to an instruction from the user input unit 70, such as shooting, viewing of recorded images, or public network connection using the public network communication unit 31. In addition to the basic control of the device, the operation of the entire device is controlled, for example, by associating additional information such as the shooting date and time with the captured image data at the time of image capturing, or by acquiring additional information through a public network connection.
[0045]
The GPS receiving unit 80 acquires position coordinate information from the GPS, displays the acquired position coordinate data on the image display unit 50 as necessary, and acquires the position coordinate data acquired by the control of the control unit 61. Associate as additional information of image data.
[0046]
As in the first embodiment, the captured image recording unit 20 and the map image recording unit 40 do not necessarily have to be configured in separate blocks. In actual configuration, the areas are divided on the same memory, or By individually managing addresses, the addresses may be mixed and stored on the same memory. In FIG. 6, the additional information recording unit is not particularly described. However, in addition to managing the same file as the image data, the additional information recording unit is stored as a separate file in a separate storage area, You may make it the structure which manages matching.
[0047]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for updating map image data in the imaging device with communication function 200.
[0048]
First, after turning on the power, it is determined whether GPS reception is possible (S61). If reception is impossible, it is determined whether public network connection is possible by the public network communication function (S62). The position information of the current position is acquired (S63). If the acquired current location is different from the previously acquired position information data (S64), the recorded current location information is updated (S65), and a map image around the new current location is acquired from the map database on the public network, The map image data is updated (S66).
[0049]
Since the position information acquired in this case is position information calculated from the position of the base station in communication, the accuracy is lower than the position information acquired by GPS. Can be determined based on the same criteria when comparing with position information acquired by GPS, such as by setting a range.
[0050]
If connection to the public network is impossible (S62), or if the obtained current location information is the same as the previously acquired information (S64), the update operation is terminated without performing the image update operation. By the timer monitoring (S77), after waiting for a predetermined time, the operation returns to the GPS reception confirmation operation (S61) again.
[0051]
On the other hand, when GPS reception is possible (S61), current position information from the GPS is acquired (S71), and a difference comparison with the previously acquired position information is performed (S72). If the difference value does not exceed the preset threshold value (S73), the information is not updated, and by timer monitoring (S77), after waiting for a certain time, the process returns to the GPS reception confirmation operation (S61) again.
[0052]
If the difference value exceeds the threshold value (S73), whether or not the public network can be connected is confirmed (S74). If the connection is possible, the current location and its surroundings are determined from the map image database on the public network based on the new location information. After obtaining the map image data of the area, updating the map image data (S75), updating the current location information to a new value (S76), and waiting for a predetermined time by the timer monitoring (S77), the GPS reception confirmation operation is performed. Return again. If the public network connection is impossible, the information reception is not updated, and after waiting for a predetermined time by timer monitoring, the GPS reception confirmation operation is resumed.
[0053]
In the above embodiment, the current location information is confirmed at regular intervals, and the map image data acquired as necessary is automatically updated. Therefore, the map is always near the current position even if the user is not conscious. Image data can be acquired.
[0054]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a position information association procedure at the time of shooting in the imaging device with communication function 200.
[0055]
First, when an image is taken by a user, a position information related work routine shown in FIG. 8 is started. If GPS reception is confirmed and GPS reception is possible (S81), position information of the current location is acquired from GPS (S82), and the current position information is associated with the captured image data as additional information (S83). The captured image is saved (S84), and the process is terminated (S85).
[0056]
If GPS reception is not possible (S81), the message display M1 indicates that the user cannot acquire position information (S87), and prompts the user to select whether or not to record the position information on the map image.
[0057]
When the user determines that the input of position information is unnecessary (S88), the captured image is saved (S84), and the process ends (S85).
[0058]
When the user selects position information input (S88), a map image of the peripheral area acquired in advance is displayed (S91). When the user confirms the map data (S92) and the current location is outside the range of the acquired map data (S92), the representative position data of the acquired map image data is acquired (S93), and the alternative position It associates as information (S94).
[0059]
The representative position data is, for example, position coordinate data of the center position of the map image data. When the user confirms the map data and the current location can be specified on the map data (S92), the shooting position is specified on the map image by the user's instruction (S95), and the coordinate data on the map image is Associate as alternative location information. When the association is performed by the alternative position information, the message display M2 is displayed (S96), the user is instructed that the current position information is the alternative information, and the position information reacquisition routine is started (S97). The image data is saved (S84), and the process ends (S85).
[0060]
As the message displays M1 and M2, those described in the first embodiment can be used, and the description thereof is omitted here. Regarding re-acquisition of position information after shooting, the GPS is specialized in acquiring current location information at receivable points and is inappropriate for acquiring position information at different points. The location information is reacquired through a public network connection similar to the embodiment. The procedure is the same as that shown in FIG. 5 in the first embodiment.
[0061]
According to the above embodiment, the image input means for taking an image as digital data and converting it into storable digital data, the means for saving the digitized image data in the storage medium, and the display means for displaying the image data And additional information acquisition means for acquiring related information other than image data, and data integration means for associating image data and additional information. As one of the additional information acquisition means, a public network is provided via a wireless base station. As an additional information acquired from the wireless base station, the present position of the imaging device with communication function is indicated as an additional information acquired from the wireless base station in the wireless communication device connected to the wireless communication device or the wireless communication device having the equivalent function. When acquiring location information and associating it with image data captured at the same point, it has an image data storage area that is separate from the captured image data, and is wireless Have a means of obtaining map data from a map image database provided by a telecommunications company that manages the ground station, or an equivalent map image database that is published on the public network by other service companies, and use of shooting functions, Regardless of whether it is not used, map image data of the surrounding area is acquired in advance based on position information from the base station, and when it becomes difficult to communicate with the radio base station at the time of shooting, As a substitute information of the position information obtained by the communication, the user searches for the position of the shooting point on the map image acquired in advance, and records it in association with the shot image data as the substitute position information. When the communication with the wireless base station is restored, the correct position of the corresponding position is retrieved from the map image database on the public line based on the alternative position information on the map image. Therefore, when the user recognizes that it is difficult to communicate with the radio base station at the time of shooting, the user stores the position information in advance. The current location can be confirmed and registered on the surrounding map image, and therefore, even if it is temporarily difficult to obtain location information from the radio base station, the surrounding map image can be used as an alternative. Shooting position information can be recorded as the upper position data.
[0062]
After that, when communication with the radio base station is recovered by the movement of the user, the map image database on the public line is stored on the basis of the shooting position information recorded on the peripheral map image. By inquiring, accurate position information of the shooting location can be acquired again, and position information can be formally associated as additional information of the shot image data.
[0063]
In addition to the above-mentioned additional information acquisition means, it receives position information data from GPS in addition to wireless communication means connected to the public network or connection means with a wireless communication device having an equivalent function via a wireless base station. Position information indicating the current position of the imaging device with a communication function as additional information acquired from the GPS even in the imaging device with a communication function having a GPS receiving unit or a connection unit with a GPS communication device having an equivalent function Provided by a telecommunications carrier that has an image data storage area that is separate from the captured image data and manages the wireless base station for connection to the public network. To obtain map data from a map image database or an equivalent map image database published on the public network by other service companies That is, regardless of whether or not the shooting function is used, map image data of the surrounding area is acquired from the public network side based on position information from the GPS beforehand, and communication with the GPS is difficult at the time of shooting. If it becomes, as a substitute information of the position information obtained by communication with the GPS, the user searches for the position of the shooting point on the map image acquired in advance and associates it with the shot image data as the substitute position information. When the communication with GPS is restored and the communication with the GPS is restored, the accurate position information of the corresponding position is re-examined from the map image database on the public line based on the alternative position information on the map image. Similarly, by having a means for acquiring and replacing the above-mentioned alternative position information, a surrounding map can be used as an alternative means even in situations where it is difficult to temporarily acquire position information from the GPS. As the position data on the image, it is possible to insert the shooting position information.
[0064]
After that, when communication with the GPS is restored due to the movement of the user, the recording is performed by examining the difference value on the map image between the current position acquired from the GPS and the recorded shooting position. The position information of the taken shooting position can be added later. Also, if communication with the radio base station is established, accurate location information of the shooting location can be obtained by inquiring the map image database on the public line based on the shooting location information recorded on the surrounding map image. Can be obtained again, and positional information can be formally associated as additional information of the captured image data.
[0065]
In addition, when acquiring map image data of the surrounding area based on position information from the base station in advance, further acquiring position coordinate data corresponding to the map image data at the same time, On the acquired map image, the means for specifying the position information in such a manner that the user searches for the position of the shooting point, and the position information corresponding to the determined position on the map image data, By having a means for associating and recording as additional information, even in shooting when communication with the radio base station is difficult, the position at that point can be obtained by performing a position search on the map image data acquired in advance. Information data can be acquired directly, and positional information data can be associated with captured image data as additional information without being aware of temporary communication interruption with the wireless base station. .
[0066]
Furthermore, by having the function of automatically updating the map image data of the peripheral area acquired in advance at regular intervals, the user is bothered by the update operation of the map image in preparation for a temporary communication failure. It is always possible to associate the position information with the captured image data without being performed.
[0067]
Furthermore, it has means for storing the display range of the map image data of the peripheral area acquired in advance and means for periodically acquiring the current location information of the imaging device with communication function. When the user stays within a certain range for a long time by having a function to automatically update the map image data when reaching a specific area within the display range of the stored map image Since the map image can be updated only when the user is likely to be out of the map image area acquired in advance without the map image being updated, the communication procedure associated with the update of the map image data is improved. Thus, communication costs can be saved and power consumption can be reduced.
[0068]
In addition, each said Example can be grasped | ascertained as the following embodiment.
[0069]
[Embodiment 1] Image input means for taking an image as digital data and converting it into storable digital data, means for saving digitized image data in a storage medium, display means for displaying image data, It has additional information acquisition means for acquiring related information other than image data, and data integration means for associating image data with additional information. As one of the additional information acquisition means, it is connected to a public network via a radio base station. In an imaging device with a communication function having a connection means with a wireless communication means or a wireless communication device having an equivalent function,
As additional information acquired from the wireless base station, position information indicating the current position of the imaging device with communication function is acquired, and image data stored in a region different from the captured image data is stored when associating with the image data captured at the same point Means for acquiring map data from a map image database provided by a communication company having a region and managing a radio base station, or an equivalent map image database published on a public network by another service company;
Regardless of whether or not the shooting function is used, map image data of the surrounding area is acquired based on location information from the base station in advance, and communication with the wireless base station becomes difficult during shooting As a substitute image for the position information obtained by communication with the base station, the user searches for and associates the position of the shooting point on the map image acquired in advance. Means for recording in association with data;
When the communication with the radio base station is recovered, based on the alternative position information on the map image, the correct position information of the corresponding position is obtained again from the map image database on the public line, and the alternative position information and Means to replace;
An imaging apparatus with a communication function, comprising:
[0070]
[Embodiment 2] Image input means for taking an image as digital data and converting it into storable digital data, means for saving digitized image data in a storage medium, display means for displaying image data, It has additional information acquisition means for acquiring related information other than image data, and data integration means for associating image data with additional information. As one of the additional information acquisition means, it is connected to a public network via a radio base station. In an imaging device with a communication function having a connection means with a wireless communication means or a wireless communication device having an equivalent function,
As additional information acquired from the wireless base station, position information indicating the current position of the imaging device with communication function is acquired, and image data stored in a region different from the captured image data is stored when associating with the image data captured at the same point Means for acquiring map data from a map image database provided by a communication company having a region and managing a radio base station, or an equivalent map image database published on a public network by another service company;
Regardless of whether the shooting function is used or not, when acquiring the location information data corresponding to the map image data of the surrounding area and the map image data based on the location information from the base station in advance and shooting the image Means for specifying position information in such a manner that a user searches for a position of a shooting point on a map image acquired in advance;
Means for recording position information corresponding to the position on the specified map image data in association with additional information of the photographed image data;
An imaging apparatus with a communication function, comprising:
[0071]
[Embodiment 3] Image input means for taking an image as digital data and converting it into storable digital data, means for saving digitized image data in a storage medium, display means for displaying image data, Wireless communication connected to a public network via a wireless base station as the additional information acquisition means, having additional information acquisition means for acquiring related information other than image data and data integration means for associating image data with additional information Or communication means having a connection means with a wireless communication device having an equivalent function and a GPS reception means for receiving positional information data from GPS or a connection means with a GPS communication device having an equivalent function In the device
As additional information acquired from the GPS, when acquiring position information indicating the current position of the imaging device with communication function and associating it with image data captured at the same point, an image data storage area different from the captured image data is set. A means of acquiring map data from a map image database provided by a telecommunications carrier that manages a wireless base station that is connected to the public network or an equivalent map image database that is published on the public network by another service operator When;
Regardless of whether or not the shooting function is used, map image data of the surrounding area is acquired from the public network side based on position information from the GPS in advance, and communication with the GPS becomes difficult at the time of shooting. In this case, as substitute information for position information obtained by communication with GPS, the user searches for and associates the position of the shooting point on a map image acquired in advance, and associates with the shot image data as substitute position information. And means for recording;
Means that, when communication with the GPS is recovered, based on the alternative position information on the map image, obtains the correct position information of the corresponding position from the map image database on the public line and replaces it with the alternative position information. When;
An imaging apparatus with a communication function, comprising:
[0072]
[Embodiment 4] Image input means for taking an image as digital data and converting it into storable digital data, means for saving digitized image data in a storage medium, display means for displaying image data, Wireless communication for connecting to a public network via a wireless base station as the additional information acquisition means, having additional information acquisition means for acquiring related information other than image data, and data integration means for associating image data with additional information Or communication means having a connection means with a wireless communication device having an equivalent function and a GPS reception means for receiving position information data from GPS or a connection means with a GPS reception device having an equivalent function In the device
As additional information acquired from the GPS, when acquiring position information indicating the current position of the imaging device with communication function and associating it with image data captured at the same point, an image data storage area different from the captured image data is set. A means of acquiring map data from a map image database provided by a telecommunications carrier that manages a wireless base station that is connected to the public network or an equivalent map image database that is published on the public network by another service operator When;
Regardless of the use or non-use of the shooting function, based on the position information from the GPS in advance, to acquire the map image data of the surrounding area and the position information data corresponding to the map image data, when shooting the image, Means for specifying position information in such a manner that a user searches for a position of a shooting point on a map image acquired in advance;
Means for associating and recording position information corresponding to the determined position on the map image data as additional information of the photographed image data;
An imaging apparatus with a communication function, comprising:
[0073]
[Embodiment 5] In any one of Embodiments 1 to 4,
An image pickup apparatus with a communication function, wherein map image data of a peripheral area acquired in advance is updated at regular intervals.
[0074]
[Embodiment 6] In any one of Embodiments 1 to 4,
Means for storing a display range of map image data of a peripheral area acquired in advance;
Means for periodically obtaining current location information of the imaging device with communication function;
And having the current location of the imaging device with a communication function reach a specific area within the display range of the stored map image, the map image data is automatically updated. .
[0075]
  According to the above-described embodiment, even when the shooting location of the imaging apparatus is out of the communication range where communication with the GPS or the wireless base station is not possible, the alternative position information can be associated with the imaging data.
[0076]
  Further, according to the above embodiment, when the valid position information can be acquired, the alternative position information can be replaced with the valid position information.
【The invention's effect】
  According to the present invention, even when it is not possible to acquire information on the position where the communication device exists, map data relating to the position that could not be acquired is acquired again based on the alternative position information on the already acquired map data. be able to. Therefore, for example, position information that could not be acquired can be registered from map data that has been acquired anew.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an imaging apparatus with a communication function 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an initialization procedure when power is turned on to update map image data in the imaging apparatus with a communication function 100.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for associating position information at the time of shooting in the imaging apparatus with a communication function 100.
4 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents of message displays M1 and M2 during a position information association work routine in the photographing apparatus with communication function 100. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of a position information re-acquisition routine in the photographing apparatus with a communication function 100.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a photographing apparatus with communication function 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for updating map image data in the imaging apparatus with a communication function 200;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for associating position information at the time of shooting in the imaging apparatus with communication function 200;
[Explanation of symbols]
100, 200 ... Imaging device with communication function,
10 ... communication shooting part,
20 ... The shot image recording unit,
30 ... communication section,
40 ... Map image recording unit,
50 ... image display part,
60, 61 ... control unit,
70: User input section,
80: GPS receiver.

Claims (11)

In an imaging device with a communication function ,
Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data from a public network ;
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information where the imaging device with a communication function exists via the public network ;
When the location information obtaining means for communication out of range of a wireless base station can not obtain the information of the position where there is the communication function with an imaging device not to connect to the public network, the map data acquisition means the PSTN Storage means for storing the position on the map data acquired via the as substitute position information for temporarily storing instead of the position information stored in association with the imaged data ;
After the position information acquisition unit can acquire the position information of the imaging device with communication function, the map data is converted to the map data via the public network based on the alternative position information stored by the storage unit. Map data re-acquisition means for causing the acquisition means to re-acquire ;
Has, the storage means, and to store the position specified by the user on the map data acquired on the basis of the map data reacquisition means substitute position information, by replacing the above substitute position information communication Functional imaging device . In an imaging device with a communication function ,
Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data from a public network;
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information where the imaging device with a communication function exists by GPS;
Acquired by the map data acquisition means via the public network when the position information acquisition means cannot receive GPS because it is out of the GPS communication range and cannot acquire information on the position where the imaging device with communication function exists. Storage means for storing the position on the completed map data as substitute position information for temporarily storing instead of the position information stored in association with the imaged data;
After the position information acquisition unit can acquire the position information of the imaging device with communication function, the map data is converted to the map data via the public network based on the alternative position information stored by the storage unit. Map data re-acquisition means for causing the acquisition means to re-acquire;
And the storage means stores the position specified by the user on the map data acquired by the map data re-acquisition means based on the alternative position information in place of the alternative position information. Functional imaging device. In claim 1 or claim 2 ,
The position information acquisition means has a display means for displaying the map data already acquired by the map data acquisition means when the information on the position where the imaging device with communication function exists cannot be acquired;
The imaging device with a communication function, wherein the storage unit is a unit that stores a position designated by a user on the map data displayed by the display unit as the alternative position information. In any one of Claims 1-3 ,
The position information acquisition means is means for acquiring position information determined based on the map data acquired by the map data re-acquisition means as the position information that could not be acquired . Imaging device . In any one of Claims 1-4 ,
The location information obtaining means, in response to the imaging process, the communication function with an imaging device characterized in that it is a means to attempt to acquire the location information of the communication function with an imaging device. In any one of Claims 1-5 ,
The imaging device with a communication function, wherein the storage unit is a unit that stores the positional information acquired by the positional information acquisition unit and the captured data in association with each other. In any one of Claims 1-6 ,
The imaging apparatus with communication function , wherein the map data acquisition means is means for acquiring map data around the imaging apparatus with communication function . In claim 2 ,
Other position information acquisition means for acquiring position information by a method different from the position information acquisition means,
The other location information obtaining means, according to the acquired status of the position information by the position information acquisition unit, a communication function with an imaging device, characterized in that the means for acquiring location information of the communication function with an imaging device. In claim 8 ,
The map data acquisition unit is configured to perform communication according to a difference between the position information acquired by the other position information acquisition unit and the position information previously acquired by the position information acquisition unit or the other position information acquisition unit. An imaging apparatus with a communication function, which is means for acquiring map data around the imaging apparatus with a function . In the control method of the imaging device with communication function ,
A map data acquisition process for acquiring map data from a public network ;
A position information acquisition step of acquiring position information where the imaging device with a communication function exists via the public network ;
In the location information acquisition step, when the imaging device with communication function cannot be connected to the public network because it is out of the communication range of the wireless base station, and the location information of the imaging device with communication function cannot be acquired , the map A storage step of storing the position on the map data acquired through the public network in the data acquisition step as substitute location information temporarily stored instead of the location information stored in association with the captured data ;
After the image capturing apparatus with communication function can acquire the position information of the image capturing apparatus with communication function, the map data is reacquired through the public network based on the alternative position information stored in the storing step. A map data reacquisition step to perform;
Has, the map position specified by the user on the acquired map data on the basis of the data re-acquisition process in an alternate location, the communication function with an imaging device and to store in replacing the said substitute position information Control method. In the control method of the imaging device with communication function,
A map data acquisition process for acquiring map data from a public network;
A position information acquisition step of acquiring position information where the imaging device with a communication function exists by GPS;
When the image capturing device with communication function cannot receive GPS because it is out of the GPS communication range and cannot acquire information on the position where the image capturing device with communication function exists, the map data acquisition process via the public network A storage step of storing the acquired position on the map data as substitute position information temporarily stored instead of the position information stored in association with the captured data;
After the image capturing apparatus with communication function can acquire the position information of the image capturing apparatus with communication function, the map data is reacquired through the public network based on the alternative position information stored in the storing step. The map data reacquisition process
And a position specified by the user on the map data acquired based on the alternative position information in the map data re-acquisition step and stored in place of the alternative position information. Control method.

Images