JP4341219B2 - Display image files - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for displaying an image file.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, it has become common to take pictures using a digital still camera (DSC) and store image data representing the pictures in a computer. Also, album generation software for generating an album file for displaying image data arranged in a computer is commercially available. When an album file is generated using such software, it is necessary for the user to manually organize images to be accommodated in the album. On the other hand, means for reducing the management burden of image files as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has also been devised.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-101894 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as the number of image data increases, such conventional technology alone is insufficient to reduce the excessive burden placed on the user for organizing and displaying image data. Therefore, a technique capable of organizing and displaying image data semi-automatically has been desired.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for reducing the burden on the user when displaying a plurality of image data.
[0006]
[Means for solving the problems and their functions and effects]
In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the present invention provides an image display control for displaying a plurality of image files that store image data and position information indicating a geographical position where the image data is captured. An image file acquisition unit that acquires the image file, a read unit that reads the position information from the acquired image file, and a geographical name corresponding to each of a plurality of geographical regions Are stored in association with each other, and each of the plurality of regions includes a storage unit that stores a region range that is allowed to overlap, and a region that includes the read position information with reference to the storage unit And a place name acquisition means for acquiring a place name associated with the searched area, and according to the acquired place name, image data in the acquired image file A similar classifying means; and a display means for displaying the classified image data together with the acquired place names in a predetermined layout, wherein the place name acquiring means searches a plurality of areas including the read position information. If one area is selected, one area is selected according to a predetermined priority according to the width of each area, and a place name associated with the selected area is acquired. The classification unit determines whether the position represented by the position information read by the reading unit is a position within a predetermined range from a pre-registered home position, and the position represented by the position information is In the case of the position within the range, the image data in the acquired image file is classified as an image taken around the home position regardless of the place name acquired by the place name acquiring unit. Do It is characterized by that.
[0007]
According to the image display control device of the present invention, , Double It is possible to reduce the burden on the user when displaying a number of image data.
[0008]
In the image display control device, The priority is set higher in a narrower area, and the place name acquisition means selects the place name having the highest priority from the plurality of place names. You may do it.
[0022]
It should be noted that the present invention can be realized in various modes, for example, an image file display control method, a display file generation method, an image display device, a computer program for realizing the functions of these methods or devices, The present invention can be realized in the form of a recording medium that records a computer program, a data signal that includes the computer program and is embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Image display system configuration:
B. Image file structure:
C. Image file display control in the first embodiment:
D. Image file display control in the second embodiment:
E. Album file generation processing in the third embodiment:
F. Variations:
[0024]
A. Image display system configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an image display system 10 as an embodiment of the present invention. The image display system 10 displays an image with a digital still camera 12 as an input device that generates an image file, a personal computer PC as an image display control device that controls display of the image file generated by the digital still camera 12, and the like. And a color printer 20 as an output device for outputting an image to a medium.
[0025]
The digital still camera 12, the personal computer PC, and the color printer 20 can be connected to each other with a cable CV. When connected by the cable CV, the digital still camera 12 or the like can transmit and receive an image file via the cable CV. Even when not connected by the cable CV, the digital still camera 12 and the like can exchange image files using the memory card MC.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the digital still camera 12 as an input device for generating image data. The digital still camera 12 is a camera that electrically records a still image by forming an image on a charge coupled device (CCD) through an optical lens.
[0027]
The digital still camera 12 includes a circuit group for generating image data, a circuit group for positioning, and a control circuit 124 for controlling them. The circuit group for generating image data includes circuits such as the optical circuit 121, the image acquisition circuit 122, and the image processing circuit 123. The circuit group for positioning includes a GPS circuit 128, a GPS antenna 129, and a mobile phone interface circuit 125. The digital still camera 12 further includes a selection / determination button 126 as a user interface, and a liquid crystal display 127 used as a preview of a captured image and a user interface.
[0028]
Each circuit for generating image data has the following functions. The optical circuit 121 converts an optical signal into an electrical signal using a CCD. The image acquisition circuit 122 controls the optical circuit 121 to acquire an image and generate image data. The image processing circuit 123 performs processing on the image data generated in this way.
[0029]
Each circuit for positioning has the following functions. A GPS (GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) antenna 129 receives radio waves from GPS satellites. The GPS circuit 128 analyzes the radio wave to acquire position information representing the geographical position of the digital still camera 12. In recent years, since the capability of the GPS positioning system has improved, position information can be acquired with an accuracy of several meters even in a central room away from the window of an office building, for example.
[0030]
The cellular phone interface circuit 125 inputs position information acquired by the cellular phone to the GPS circuit. Since location information is acquired by using a mobile phone by using a mobile phone, the location information can be acquired even in places where it is extremely difficult to receive GPS radio waves, such as an underground shopping street. As such a positioning method, for example, there is a method called gpsone (trademark) manufactured by Qualcomm.
[0031]
The shooting process (image data acquisition process) by the digital still camera 12 includes (1) update of GPS data, (2) setting of a shooting mode by the user, (3) imaging (input of image data), and (4) image processing. (5) The image files are recorded in this order.
[0032]
The GPS data is updated using a user interface such as the liquid crystal display 127 or the selection / determination button 126. When an update instruction is given by the user, the GPS circuit 128 is activated, and position information is generated according to radio waves from GPS satellites. When the position information is generated, this information is stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown) included in the image acquisition circuit 122 and “GPS_OK” is displayed on the liquid crystal display 127.
[0033]
As described above, the position information is updated in accordance with an instruction from the user, so that the power consumed to acquire the position information is saved and the power consumption of the battery included in the digital still camera 12 is reduced. Because. However, it is more preferable to provide a mode in which position information is constantly updated. This is because such operation is also expected.
[0034]
In the mode in which the position information is constantly updated, if the position information cannot be acquired at the time of shooting, the shooting position is estimated based on the position information of the image file GF shot before and after the time. It is preferable to make it.
[0035]
When the mobile phone PP is connected to the digital still camera 12, position information is also generated using information from the mobile phone PP. However, when radio waves from GPS satellites are not received, position information is generated using only information from the mobile phone PP.
[0036]
Imaging is performed by the user pressing the shutter after obtaining the position information and setting the shooting mode. When the shutter is pressed, the image acquisition circuit 122 generates an original image by controlling the optical circuit 121 and converting the input light into an electrical signal. When the original image data is generated, image processing for storage is performed on the image data.
[0037]
This image processing is a preprocessing for saving in the memory card MC. Generally, the original image data is converted into a JPEG format suitable for storing a photographic image. After conversion to the JPEG format, shooting information PI is added to the converted image data to generate an image file.
[0038]
The shooting information PI is information indicating shooting conditions, and includes position information indicating a shooting position and time information indicating a shooting time. The position information is information stored in the nonvolatile memory included in the image acquisition circuit 122 as described above. The photographing process in the digital still camera 12 is completed by recording the image file on the memory card MC. The configuration of the image file will be described later.
[0039]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the computer PC and the color printer 20 as output devices for outputting image data. The computer PC includes a slot 22 that can read an image file from the memory card MC, and a print data generation circuit 23 that generates print data for causing the color printer 20 to perform printing.
[0040]
The print data generation circuit 23 includes an arithmetic processing unit (CPU) 231 that executes arithmetic processing for generating print data, a hard disk 232 that stores programs executed in the CPU 231, arithmetic processing results in the CPU 231, and other data. And a random access memory (RAM) 233 for temporarily storing the programs and data. The print data generation circuit 23 further has a function of performing image processing and image file classification performed prior to generation of print data.
[0041]
The hard disk 232 of the computer PC stores an image management file used for managing each image file, a geographic information database to be described later, and album software capable of organizing image files and generating albums. These roles will be described later.
[0042]
The color printer 20 is a printer that can output a color image. The color printer 20 forms, for example, a dot pattern by ejecting four colors of ink of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) onto a print medium. An ink jet printer to be formed.
[0043]
B. Image file structure:
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the structure of the image file GF in each embodiment of the present invention. The image file GF has a file structure in accordance with the digital still camera image file format standard (Exif). This standard is set by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA). This standard stipulates that a JPEG-Exif file that stores compressed JPEG data as image data is included in an Exif file (Exif standard file).
[0044]
The image file GF includes an SOI marker segment 101 indicating the head of the compressed data, an APP1 marker segment 102 that stores Exif attached information, an APP2 marker segment 103 that stores Exif extension data, and a DQT marker that defines a quantization table. A segment 104, a DHT marker segment 105 that defines a Huffman table, a DRI marker segment 106 that defines a restart marker insertion interval, an SOF marker segment 107 that indicates various parameters related to a frame, and an SOS marker that indicates various parameters related to a scan A segment 108, an EOI marker segment 109 indicating the end of the compressed data, and an image data storage area 110 are included.
[0045]
The APP1 marker segment 102 stores an APP1 marker 1021, an Exif identification code 1022, a TIFF header and other attached information 1023, and a thumbnail image 1024. The attached information 1023 has a TIFF structure including a file header (TIFF header). In Exif-JPEG, the 0th IFD that stores attached information about compressed image data, shooting information PI, and audio information are included. It includes an Exif IFD that stores Exif-specific auxiliary information, a GPS Info IFD that stores GPS measurement information, and a 1st IFD that stores auxiliary information related to thumbnail images. The GPS Info IFD is pointed by an offset from the TIFF header stored in the 0th IFD. In GPS Info IFD, a tag is used to specify each piece of information, and each piece of information may be called by a tag name.
[0046]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of attached information stored in the GPS Info IFD of the image file GF. The attached information includes position information (tag numbers: 1 to 4) indicating a geographical position such as latitude and longitude at the time of shooting, as well as speed, shooting direction, and time (Coordinated Universal Time: Coordinated Universal Time) at the time of shooting. Can also be included. The recording of the shooting information PI including the attached information is performed at the time of shooting in the digital still camera 12 as described above.
[0047]
C. Image file display control in the first embodiment:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing routine for automatically generating an album file (also referred to as a display file) in the computer PC. In step S110, the user starts the album software after copying each image file GF from the memory card MC to a predetermined area of the hard disk 232. When the album software is activated, an album software activation window W1 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.
[0048]
In the window W1, thumbnail images of the respective image files GF copied to a predetermined area of the hard disk 232 are displayed. The thumbnail image is displayed based on the thumbnail image data 1024 (FIG. 4) read from the image file GF. In this window W1, when the user selects “create new” from the file menu, processing for newly generating an album using the plurality of image files GF is started.
[0049]
“Open”, “close”, and “save” are menus for opening, closing, and saving album files stored in the computer PC, respectively.
[0050]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a user interface screen that allows the user to select an album generation mode. This screen is displayed on the display of the computer PC when the user selects “create new” from the file menu. In the present embodiment, one of the following three generation modes can be selected (step S120).
(1) Travel: In this mode, image files GF are classified and arranged using position information preferentially, and an album is newly generated with a layout in which shooting positions on the map and images are linked.
(2) Child growth recording: In this mode, the time information is preferentially used to classify and organize the image file GF, and a new album is generated. For example, this mode is selected when a child is born.
(3) Custom: In this mode, the user can freely set the arrangement method and layout of the image file GF.
[0051]
When “Travel” is selected, the album automatic generation process is performed as follows. In step S130, the computer PC performs a classification process of the plurality of image files GF in the travel mode.
[0052]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a routine of image file classification processing. In step S210, information representing latitude and position information representing longitude in the photographing information PI are read from each image file GF. In step S220, the CPU 231 generates an image management file for managing the image file using the read position information.
[0053]
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the image management file. The image management file is configured as a management database. In this management database, a record is given for each image file GF. For example, in this example, eight image files GF are managed.
[0054]
The items in the management database include items representing latitude, items representing longitude, items representing geographic information, and items representing the storage location of each image file GF. Items representing latitude include items such as “north-south”, “degree”, “minute”, and “second”. Items representing longitude include items such as “east-west”, “degree”, “minute”, and “second”. Items representing geographic information include items such as “point”, “city”, “prefecture”, and “country”. The item representing the storage location of the image file GF includes the directory and image file name of each image file GF in order to manage an image file group consisting of eight image files GF. “Point” means a tourist point or other geographical point.
[0055]
The file shown in FIG. 10 is in a state where information indicating the latitude read from each image file GF, position information indicating the longitude, and a storage position of each image file GF are written by the CPU 231. The information indicating the latitude is information read from GPS Latitude Ref (tag number: 1) and GPS Latitude (tag number: 2) in GPS InfoIFD. The information representing the longitude is information read from GPS Longitude Ref (tag number: 3) and GPS Longitude (tag number: 4). Note that the item representing geographic information is currently blank.
[0056]
In step S230, the CPU 231 searches the geographic information database for each record of the image management file. This search is a process for acquiring place names and other geographical information according to the position information stored in each record. In this embodiment, the geographic information database is stored in the hard disk 232 of the personal computer PC.
[0057]
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the geographic information database. As shown in FIG. 11A, the geographic information database has database items such as latitude, longitude, priority, and geographic information. Among these database items, an item for storing latitude and an item for storing longitude are used as search keys. The priority item is an item for selecting one record from among a plurality of records that are searched. When one record is selected, data is output from the item of geographic information of the record.
[0058]
The priority value is determined so that more detailed geographical information can be acquired. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), a record having data in the point item has a priority of “1”, and a record in which the point item is blank has a priority. In the record “2”, the record in which the item of point and city is blank is set to priority “3”, and the record in which the item of point, city and prefecture is blank is set to “4”. For example, no. Since the record of 1 does not have data in the item of point and city as the geographic information (blank), the priority is set to “3”.
[0059]
FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram showing the relative relationship between the records. Each of the plurality of rectangles is a rectangular area defined by a search key such as the minimum latitude, the maximum latitude, the minimum longitude, and the maximum longitude of each record. For example, when the position information read from the image file GF indicates the position of P1, the second record is searched and the geographical information of “Yokohama City” is output.
[0060]
On the other hand, when the position information read from the image file GF indicates the position of P2, a plurality of records (second and fourth records) are searched. When a plurality of records are selected, the CPU 231 selects a record having a high priority (a priority value is small). As a result, the fourth record is selected, and “Yamashita Park”, “Yokohama City” and other geographical information are output.
[0061]
Normally, geographical points and cities have various shapes, but the rectangle may be roughly set so as to include, for example, geographical points. This is because the burden on the user is reduced even if the image files are only classified according to rough geographical information.
[0062]
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the position information of each image file GF managed by the image management file (FIG. 10) and the geographic information database. FIG. 12 is a diagram in which position information of each image file GF is plotted in the diagram of FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 12 and the above description, the geographic information “Minato Mirai 21 (registered trademark)” is output for the image files GF with the image numbers 1 to 4, and the image file GF with the image number 5 is used. Is output for the image file GF of “Yokohama” and “Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (registered trademark)” for the image files GF of image numbers 6 to 8. The output geographic information is stored as classification information in a predetermined area of the image management file (FIG. 10) (step S240).
[0063]
In step S250, the CPU 231 performs a classification process (sort) according to the geographic information stored in the image management file. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of an image management file in which geographic information is stored and how the image files are classified. Geographic information stored in the image management file (FIG. 13A) can be used as classification information for classification of image files. Specifically, this image file group can be classified in a hierarchy of “country”, “prefecture”, “city”, and “point”.
[0064]
In this example, since the eight image files GF are all common in “country”, “prefecture”, and “city”, this image file group is all classified as “Yokohama”. This image file group can be subdivided into a “point” hierarchy. Specifically, it is classified into “Minato Mirai 21”, “Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise”, and “Others” (FIG. 13B). The image file GF classified as “others” is an image management file whose “point” is blank.
[0065]
When the image file classification process routine (FIG. 9) is completed in this way, the process returns to the flow of FIG. 6, and the process of step S140 is started.
[0066]
In step S140, the CPU 231 performs a layout process. The layout process is a process for automatically generating an album with a predetermined layout using a plurality of image files GF and an image management file. For example, the user may select a layout from a plurality of templates prepared in advance for each mode. The template is preferably made customizable by the user.
[0067]
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a window W2 showing a layout of an album automatically generated using a template. In the window W2, the main title MT, the titles PT1 and PT2 of each image, the images P1 and P2, the maps M1 and M2 indicating the shooting positions of the images, and the sound recorded at the time of shooting the images are reproduced. A sound icon SND1 for recording and text data TXT recorded at the time of photographing each image.
[0068]
The main title MT displays the text generated by combining the text “Yokohama” and the text “travel” read from the geographic information field stored in the image management file. The reason why the text “Yokohama” is read out from the geographical information is that all the plurality of image files used in the album are classified as “Yokohama”. The text “Travel” is synthesized because the travel mode is selected.
[0069]
The titles PT1 and PT2 of each image include the text of “Minato Mirai 21” read from the geographic information field stored in the image management file, the order of the image files classified as “Minato Mirai 21”, and “Minato Mirai 21”. And the total number of image files classified as "." For example, the title PT1 of the first image indicates that it is the first of four images classified as “Minato Mirai 21”.
[0070]
Each of the images P1 and P2 is obtained by reducing and displaying the image data stored in the image data storage area 110 of the image file GF. When each of these images P1 and P2 is clicked, the enlarged image is displayed in a separate window (not shown).
[0071]
Maps M <b> 1 and M <b> 2 indicating the shooting position of each image are displayed by superimposing the shooting position of each image and the map data stored in the hard disk 232. The shooting position of each image is displayed as a point having a different size using latitude information and longitude information stored in the image management file. The map data is displayed in a size that includes all the shooting points.
[0072]
In this embodiment, three locations of “Minato Mirai 21”, “Others”, and “Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise” are displayed as dots. Of these, only “Minato Mirai 21” where the image P1 was taken is displayed as a large point, and the text “Minato Mirai 21” is displayed in a superimposed manner. Each point is connected by an arrow in time series.
[0073]
The sound icon SND1 is an icon for playing back sound recorded at the time of shooting the image P1. This audio data is data stored in the image file GF with the tag name of the Exif IFD Relateaudio file.
[0074]
Text data TXT is text information recorded at the time of photographing each image. This text information is data stored in the image file GF with the tag name of the Exif IFD related user comment. The text information can be input by operating a button on the digital still camera or by voice recognition.
[0075]
On the other hand, when “Record of child growth” is selected on the user interface screen (FIG. 8), an album is automatically generated as in the travel mode described above. However, the album file template is selected according to the record of the child's growth.
[0076]
This album is automatically generated as follows. First, classification information such as Christmas and birthday is generated from the time information, and image file classification processing is performed according to this classification information (FIG. 9). Next, an album (not shown) is generated with a layout obtained by removing the map indicating the shooting position of each image from the layout of FIG.
[0077]
The layout generated in this way can be saved as an album file in the hard disk 232 as a markup type file such as a HyperText Markup Language (HTML) file or a TeX file. The album file is configured to display an image with reference to the image file GF as shown in FIG.
[0078]
As described above, in the first embodiment, a plurality of image files are automatically classified and albums are automatically generated according to position information and time information included in the image file GF. It is possible to reduce the burden on the user in generating an album for displaying image data.
[0079]
Note that a user interface for allowing the user to delete images from the album or to delete the image file GF from the hard disk 232 is preferably provided in the album layout. In this way, the user can easily delete unnecessary images from the album and delete unnecessary image files from the storage area.
[0080]
This user interface is configured to display a menu that allows selection of erasing images from the album or erasing image files GF from the hard disk 232 by, for example, clicking an image on the album with the right mouse button. You may do it.
[0081]
Further, the computer PC functions as an “image display control device” in the claims, and the display 14 functions as a “display unit”. Further, the position information is information included in the “image attribute information” in the claims in the present embodiment.
[0082]
D. Image file display control in the second embodiment:
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a window W3 when the album software is activated in the second embodiment of the present invention. The window W3 is different from the window W1 (FIG. 7) of the first embodiment in that “Add Photo” is included in the file menu. “Add photo” is a menu for adding a photo to an album file that has already been generated and stored in the hard disk 232.
[0083]
In the window W3, when the user selects “Add photo” from the file menu, image file classification processing (FIG. 9) is performed as in the first embodiment. When the image file classification process is completed, a window on which a layout process for designating an album to which a photo is to be added is displayed.
[0084]
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a window W4 for designating an album to which a photograph (image data) is to be added. In the window W4, check box groups SEL1 and SEL2 for designating an album to be added are added instead of the map indicating the shooting position of each image in the window W3.
[0085]
The check box groups SEL1 and SEL2 have check boxes of “family”, “family trip”, “Taro”, “Hanako”, and “new”. The “Family” checkbox is for adding photos to the album named “Family”, and the “Family trip”, “Taro”, and “Hanako” checkboxes are for family trips, respectively. , Taro, and Hanako are for adding photos to the album. The “new” check box is for generating a new album.
[0086]
The album to be added as a photo is designated as follows. For example, in the image P1, check boxes for “family trip”, “Taro”, and “new” are “ON”. In this case, the image P1 is added to the family trip and Taro's album, and is also used for a newly created album. On the other hand, when all the check boxes are set to “OFF”, the image is not used for the album.
[0087]
As described above, in the second embodiment, since a photo can be added to an already generated album, there is an advantage that the burden on the user in generating and updating the album can be further reduced.
[0088]
The check box groups SEL1 and SEL2 may have a “delete” (not shown) check box. The “delete” check box is a check box for deleting the image file GF from the hard disk 232.
[0089]
In the present embodiment, in the image file classification and organization, the shooting information PI is used to provide the user with the shooting situation, so the burden of updating and generating the album is further reduced. As described above, in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the case of generating an album file, and generally the burden on the user when displaying a plurality of image data can be reduced.
[0090]
E. Album file generation processing in the third embodiment:
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an album file in the third embodiment of the present invention. In each of the above embodiments, the album file is generated as a file that does not include image data. However, in this embodiment, the album file may be generated as an application data file that includes image data and can be read only from a predetermined application. It differs in that it can be done.
[0091]
The album file F includes layout data, image data, image file attribute information, and security data. The layout data is data for defining the album layout. The image data is data read from the image data storage area 110 of the image file GF. The image file attribute information includes the above-described audio information and text information. The security data is data for managing security of the album file F.
[0092]
Security management includes read and write restrictions (password management). For example, when distributing an album file to a third party, reading and writing can be restricted with a password.
[0093]
If reading and writing can be restricted with a password, an album file that is desired to be prevented from being modified, such as a construction site construction management report or an automobile accident investigation report, can be generated. Furthermore, if the watermark can be embedded or an electronic signature can be provided, there is an advantage that the level of security can be increased.
[0094]
As described above, in the third embodiment, the album file can be generated as an application data file that can be read only from a predetermined application, and the security can be managed, so that the availability of the album file is expanded. There is an advantage that can be.
[0095]
Here, the album file refers to a display file for displaying a plurality of images using a template having a preset form. Note that a template prepared in advance by album software may be used as it is, or a template may be generated by a user.
[0096]
The template used for the album file is for arranging and displaying various items relating to images. A typical template includes, for an image file, an image field for displaying an image and one or more information fields for displaying information associated with the image. As information displayed in the information field, for example, shooting date and time, information on a position at the time of shooting (such as a map), a comment arbitrarily entered by the user, and the like can be used. The information displayed in such an information field preferably includes at least one piece of information (for example, a map) related to the classification information used when generating the album file.
[0097]
When an album file is generated using one template, the same template is repeatedly used for the number of images included in the album file. Further, a plurality of templates having the same number and types of items but different arrangements may be used, and one album file may be generated by repeatedly using the plurality of templates in order.
[0098]
F. Variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.
[0099]
F-1. In each of the embodiments described above, the position information indicating the geographical position used for classifying the image file is generated using radio waves from GPS satellites operated by the United States or radio waves of mobile phone base stations. However, for example, it may be generated using a GPS system (Galileo) planned to be developed by Europe. In general, the position information used for selecting an image file in the present invention may be any information that represents an absolute position on the earth at the time of shooting.
[0100]
F-2. In each of the above embodiments, the image file is selected according to the geographical position of the digital still camera itself at the time of shooting. For example, the image file is classified based on the position of the subject to which the digital still camera is directed. May be. The position of the subject can be calculated from, for example, information indicating the position of the digital still camera and information indicating the direction of the digital still camera.
[0101]
Information indicating the direction of the digital still camera is stored in GPSImgDirectionRef (tag number: 16) and GPSImgDirection (tag number: 17) in the GPS Info IFD (FIG. 5). The “geographical position at the time of photographing” in the claims is a broad concept including not only the position of the digital still camera but also the position of the subject.
[0102]
F-3. In each of the above embodiments, the classification is performed according to the absolute position on the earth. However, the classification may be performed according to the relative position of each photographing point. For example, you may make it classify | categorize for every image file image | photographed in the range within 10 km mutually. It should be noted that “according to the positional information indicating the geographical position at the time of photographing” in the claims does not only mean “according to the absolute geographical position at the time of photographing” but “relative geography at the time of photographing”. It is a broad concept that also includes the meaning of “depending on target position”.
[0103]
F-4. In each of the above embodiments, it is assumed that all image files have position information, but all image files can be classified even if some image files do not have position information. For example, the computer PC is preferably configured to estimate the position information. Specifically, when some of the plurality of image files do not include position information as image attribute information, the image information is based on at least some of the position information included in other image files of the plurality of image files. It is preferable that the position information of some of these image files can be estimated.
[0104]
F-5. In each of the above embodiments, image file classification processing is performed using a database file representing the attributes of each image file. For example, classification information used for classification of each image file is written as image attribute information in the image file. Thus, the attribute data may be directly used for classification.
[0105]
However, the method using the database file has an advantage that the time required for the classification process can be shortened. According to the method for writing to the image file, flexible management is possible regardless of the storage position in the storage area of the image file. There is an advantage that becomes possible.
[0106]
F-6. In each of the above embodiments, the image file is copied to a predetermined area of the hard disk 232 and the classification process is performed there. However, the classification process may be performed in the memory card MC. In the former, the image management file is preferably stored on the hard disk 232, while in the latter, the image management file is preferably stored in the memory card MC.
[0107]
F-7. In each of the above embodiments, the image file is classified using the geographic information database in which the range is set in a rectangle. For example, the map is divided into infinite finite elements and each element includes geographic information. The image files may be classified using a detailed geographic information database having information. However, the former has the advantage that the present invention can be easily realized, and the latter has the advantage that detailed and accurate classification according to geographic information is possible.
[0108]
F-8. In each of the above embodiments, the personal computer functions as the image display control device. However, for example, a color printer or a digital camera may have the function of the image display control device. The present invention can be applied not only to color printing but also to monochrome printing. Furthermore, in this specification, the display of an image file has a broad meaning including not only displaying on a display but also displaying (printing) on a print medium.
[0109]
Furthermore, it is preferable that the digital still camera 12, the personal computer PC, and the printer 20 are configured so that the home position can be registered. For example, if you live near a tourist spot, it may be more likely that you want to be classified as a neighborhood of your home rather than being classified as a tourist spot. Because there is.
[0110]
For example, when the home position can be registered in the digital still camera 12 and the image is taken within a predetermined range from the registered geographical position, information indicating that the shooting location is “around the home” is used as the shooting information PI. As an image file.
[0111]
On the other hand, when the home position can be registered in the personal computer PC or the printer 20 and the image is taken within a predetermined range from the registered geographical position, it is determined that the photographing location is “around the home”. It may be configured.
[0112]
F-9. In each of the embodiments described above, the browse file is generated. However, a plurality of images may be displayed without using the browse file, for example, using a classification standard and a layout set in advance by the user. In general, the present invention generates classification information for classifying a plurality of image files according to image attribute information read from the image file, and controls display of the plurality of image files using the classification information. Any configuration may be used.
[0113]
When some or all of the functions of the present invention are realized by software, the software (computer program) can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, the “computer-readable recording medium” is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs and ROMs, a hard disk, and the like. An external storage device fixed to the computer is also included.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an image display system as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a digital still camera as an input device that generates image data.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a computer PC and a color printer as output devices that output image data.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the structure of an image file GF in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of attached information stored in a GPS Info IFD of an image file GF.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of image file classification processing in the computer PC.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a window W1 when the album software is activated in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a user interface screen that allows a user to select an album generation mode.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a routine of image file classification processing.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of an image management file.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a geographic information database.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between each piece of position information in the image management file and a geographic information database.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of an image management file in which geographic information is stored.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an album layout automatically generated in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between an album file and an image file in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a window W3 when the album software is activated in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a window W4 showing thumbnail images of images classified in the second embodiment.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing the structure of an album file in the third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Image display system
12 ... Digital still camera
20 Color printer
22 ... Slot
23. Print data generation circuit
121: Optical circuit
122. Image acquisition circuit
123: Image processing circuit
124 ... Control circuit
125 ... Cell phone interface circuit
126 ... OK button
127 ... Liquid crystal display
128 ... GPS circuit
129 ... GPS antenna
231 ... CPU
232: Hard disk

Claims (3)

An image display control device for displaying a plurality of image files storing image data and position information indicating a geographical position where the image data was captured,
Image file acquisition means for acquiring the image file;
Reading means for reading the position information from the acquired image file;
A storage means for storing each of a plurality of geographical areas in association with a place name corresponding to the area, wherein the plurality of areas are stored in a manner that allows overlapping of area ranges, respectively.
Referring to the storage means, searching for an area including the read position information, and acquiring a place name associated with the searched area;
Classification means for classifying the image data in the acquired image file according to the acquired place name;
Display means for displaying the classified image data together with the acquired place name in a predetermined layout;
When a plurality of areas including the read position information are searched, the place name acquisition unit selects one area according to a priority order determined in advance according to the width of each area, and were obtained place-name associated with the region,
The classification unit determines whether the position represented by the position information read by the reading unit is a position within a predetermined range from a pre-registered home position, and the position represented by the position information is In the case of a position within the range, the image data in the acquired image file is classified as an image photographed around the home position regardless of the place name acquired by the place name acquiring unit. Display control device. The image display control device according to claim 1,
The priority is set higher in a narrower area,
The image display control device, wherein the place name acquisition unit selects a place name having the highest priority from the plurality of place names. A computer program for causing a computer to display a plurality of image files that store image data and position information indicating a geographical position where the image data was captured,
An image file acquisition function for acquiring the image file;
A read function for reading the position information from the acquired image file;
For each of a plurality of geographical regions, a place name corresponding to the region is stored in association with each other, and the plurality of regions refer to storage means that is stored with each region being allowed to overlap. A place name acquisition function for searching an area including the read position information and acquiring a place name associated with the searched area;
A classification function for classifying image data in the acquired image file according to the acquired place name;
A computer program that causes a computer to realize a display function of displaying the classified image data together with the acquired place name in a predetermined layout;
When a plurality of areas including the read position information are searched, the place name acquisition function selects one area according to a priority order determined in advance according to the width of each area, and were obtained place-name associated with the region,
The classification function determines whether the position represented by the position information read by the read function is a position within a predetermined range from a pre-registered home position, and the position represented by the position information is A computer that classifies image data in the acquired image file as an image photographed around the home position regardless of the place name obtained by the place name obtaining function when the position is within the range. program.

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