JP5005079B2 - IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides a user with an environment in which an image file can be easily exchanged with another person's imaging device in a scene shot using the imaging device.

  In recent years, with the development of communication technology, images taken with a digital camera can be easily exchanged through communication media and network media in the form of image data files. Also, so-called Internet image server services have become common. The internet image server service is a service that provides an image server for the purpose of browsing and exchanging images between members by an internet provider, for example. In addition, image exchange technology between cameras at short distances using wireless communication technology has also become widespread.

  By using such a technique, it is easy to later exchange images taken by other photographers who have taken images at the shooting site. In addition, image exchange and image sharing can be performed relatively easily between predetermined members.

  Patent Document 1 describes a peer-to-peer type content sharing system in which individuals share a file with each other within a company or between companies and exchange files on a one-on-one basis. In the peer-to-peer format, files are generally exchanged between computers without using a server.

  Further, Patent Document 2 describes a system that automatically communicates user information or shooting information with a nearby imaging device in accordance with a shooting operation with a camera. The user information includes an e-mail address and a website address (URL), and the shooting information to be communicated includes date and time, position, shooting mode, shooting parameters, and the like.

JP 2003-6032 A JP 2005-223814 A

  However, when using a system in which members browse and exchange each other's captured images with an image server on the Internet, there is a problem that it is difficult to specify an image exchange partner. In particular, it is difficult to find a partner who can exchange images such as local events with limited date and place, for example, “20xx year yy elementary school athletic meet”. In addition, as a countermeasure when a shooting mistake is found after returning home, it is difficult to specify the exchange partner even if you try to exchange images with someone who was present at the shooting site in order to get images from other photographers. There is also the problem of being.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and defines a file sharing system that is applied between imaging devices, and a system for easily specifying and acquiring an image shot by another imaging device. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an attribute information acquisition unit that acquires attribute information including position information, direction information, and angle-of-view information from an information processing apparatus; Position acquisition means for acquiring position information, direction acquisition means for acquiring direction information of the imaging device, angle of view acquisition means for acquiring angle of view information of the imaging device, and a position indicated by position information of the imaging device The display position corresponding to the field of view angle indicated by the angle of view information of the image pickup device centered on the direction indicated by the direction information of the image pickup device, the attribute information, the position information of the image pickup device, and the image pickup Display control means for controlling to display the attribute information at a display position based on the angle of view information of the device and the direction information of the imaging device; and selection means for selecting the attribute information displayed by the display control means; in front A device having information corresponding to the attribute information selected by the selection means, specifying means for specifying, based on the attribute information selected by the selection unit, the information corresponding to the attribute information selected by the selecting means, wherein have a information acquisition means for acquiring from the apparatus specified by the specifying means, device specified by the specifying means, said apparatus der Rukoto which has transmitted the attribute information to the information processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, based on an operation related to a shooting operation, information related to shooting is automatically uploaded to a server and stored in the server, so that attribute information of images shot at various places at various times is captured. It can be shared between devices. Furthermore, by using a means for retrieving and acquiring attribute information from the imaging device, it is possible to obtain information for acquiring a desired image taken by another imaging device.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the radio | wireless communications system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a format of imaging | photography attribute information in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a photography parameter in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the back side of imaging device 101a in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is an internal block diagram of the imaging device 101a in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an initial menu screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a grouping start menu screen in the 1st Embodiment of the present invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the calling procedure of the imaging device 101a, the imaging device 101b, the access point 102, and the server 103 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart at the time of searching the imaging | photography attribute information which the server 103 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention is registered. It is a format of the search result of the photography attribute information transmitted to the imaging device 101a in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the communication timing of the imaging device and server 103 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a screen display when the imaging apparatus 101a receives a shooting information search result (step S809 in FIG. 8). In the 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is a screen display at the time of notifying that the imaging device 101a received the transmission request to a user. In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a screen display when the imaging apparatus 101a completes image acquisition from the imaging apparatus 101b by peer-to-peer communication. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of the imaging device 101a, the access point 102, and the server 103 when a user deletes an image with the imaging device 101a in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is an initial setting menu screen in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a format of imaging | photography attribute information in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart figure when the server 103 searches a registration information. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for performing determination of pressing a shutter button 401 in the third embodiment of the present invention. It is an initial setting menu screen of the imaging device 101a in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the search result of the shooting attribute information of the imaging apparatus 101a is displayed on the screen. It is the selection screen of the search result of the photography attribute information of the imaging device 101a in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a screen display of the imaging device 101a in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a selection screen of the search result of photography attribute information in the 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the calling procedure of the imaging device 101a, the imaging device 101b, the access point 102, and the server 103 in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, it is a format of shooting attribute information created by the imaging apparatus 101a. It is a flowchart figure at the time of searching the imaging | photography attribute information which the imaging device 101a in the 5th Embodiment of this invention received. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the display area and angle of view of the imaging device 101a in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. In the 5th Embodiment of this invention, the imaging device 101a is a flowchart at the time of calculating the display position of a search result icon. In the 5th Embodiment of this invention, it is the figure which defined the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis of the imaging device 101a. It is a display screen of the search result icon in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a display screen of the search result icon in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a display screen of the search result icon in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a display screen of the search result icon in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a display screen of the search result icon in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a display screen of the search result icon in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. In the 5th Embodiment of this invention, the imaging device 101a is the flowchart figure which showed the process which switches the display of a search result icon. In the 5th Embodiment of this invention, the imaging device 101a is the flowchart figure which showed the process which calculates the display position of a search result icon. In the 5th Embodiment of this invention, it is the table | surface which showed the table which manages the focal distance which switches a search result icon in step S3803.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following embodiments.
<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a communication system in the present embodiment.

  This system includes imaging devices 101a to 101c that can communicate with the access point 102 wirelessly, and a server 103 that can communicate with the access point. Of course, the number of servers and imaging devices is not limited to this embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, three image capturing apparatuses 101 a to 101 c and one server 103 are connected to a network via an access point 102. In this system, it is assumed that the imaging devices 101a, 101b, and 101c are owned by different owners. The server 103 has a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk and has an area for holding image capturing attribute information (meta information). There is no particular limitation on the capacity of the storage device in the server 103, but it is desirable that the capacity be large in units of GB (gigabytes) and TB (terabytes). The shooting attribute information is a data structure having the data format shown in FIG. The shooting attribute information is composed of the following information. Reference numeral 201 denotes an imaging apparatus ID. The imaging device ID 201 uniquely identifies the imaging device and is represented by a specific number or character string. Note that when IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) is widespread and fixed IPs are assigned to all imaging apparatuses, IP may be used. Reference numeral 202 denotes an image ID for specifying an image. Reference numeral 203 denotes a photographer who has taken an image. Reference numeral 204 denotes a shooting time, which indicates date and time information when the image is shot. In the photographing time 204, a time when the shutter button 401 is pressed is recorded. Reference numeral 205 denotes a shooting position, which indicates position information at which an image is shot. Reference numeral 206 denotes a photographing mode. In the shooting mode 206, the mode selected by the mode selection dial is recorded. The mode selection dial will be described later. Reference numeral 207 denotes a shooting parameter. In the shooting parameter 207, setting information relating to the setting of the shooting lens and the setting of the imaging device is recorded as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 208 denotes a group ID. The group ID 208 is a common value for identifying a group in a plurality of grouped imaging devices. The grouping method will be described later. Reference numeral 209 denotes a public attribute, which is access control information for accepting access from other devices. The public attribute 209 is a menu screen of the imaging apparatus 101a, and the user can set one of Public, Protect, and Private. Public means that the shooting attribute information is disclosed to all the imaging devices, that is, can be accessed, and Protect means that the imaging attribute information is disclosed only to the imaging devices in the same group. Private means that the shooting attribute information is not uploaded to the server 103 and is not disclosed to all the imaging devices. 210 is an acquisition time width. The acquisition time width 210 is a parameter that can determine how long before and after the shutter button 401 is pressed in the apparatus 101a to acquire the shooting attribute information registered. Reference numeral 211 denotes an acquired shooting range. The acquired shooting range 211 is a parameter that can set how much shooting attribute information is taken from within a range when the shutter button 401 is pressed in the imaging apparatus 101a. The method for specifying the acquisition time width and the acquisition shooting range is set in advance by the user on the menu screen of the imaging apparatus 101a. The description of the setting screen will be described later.

  The shooting attribute information is automatically uploaded to the server 103 and registered in the server 103 in accordance with the shooting operation of the imaging devices 101 a to 101 c. Thereafter, the server 103 searches for already stored shooting attribute information using the shooting attribute information as a search key. Then, the server 103 transmits shooting attribute information that is the search result to the imaging devices 101a to 101c. The imaging device that has received the shooting attribute information starts communication with the imaging device that is the owner of the image file based on the imaging device ID included in the shooting attribute information. Image file acquisition is executed by peer-to-peer communication. That is, the image file is acquired by performing wireless communication between the imaging devices without going through the server 103.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the back side of the imaging apparatus 101a. The imaging devices 101b and 101c also basically have the same structure as 101a. The imaging device 101a will be described as an example of the imaging devices 101a to 101c.

  A shutter button 401 is provided at the upper right corner of the upper surface of the imaging apparatus. A mode selection dial 402 is provided in the lower right corner. The mode selection dial can set shooting modes such as auto, manual, scene mode (digital macro, portrait, night snap, kids & pets, party / indoor, underwater, sports), stitch assist, and video. A display screen 403 of a liquid crystal display device is provided at the center of the back surface of the imaging device 101a. On the display screen, an image taken by the imaging unit, an image read from a memory card attached to the imaging apparatus 101a, an image for various settings of the imaging apparatus 101a, and the like are displayed. On the right side of the display screen, an up / down / left / right key 404 and a menu button 405 used for various settings are provided, and an execution button 406 is provided at the center of the up / down / left / right key.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the imaging apparatus in the present embodiment.
Reference numeral 501 denotes a lens unit, and reference numeral 502 denotes a shutter button 401 having an aperture mechanism. Reference numeral 503 denotes a CCD which is an image pickup device that outputs light passing through the lens unit 501 as an electrical signal to obtain a subject image. Reference numeral 504 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the CCD unit 503 into a digital signal. Reference numeral 505 denotes an SSG unit that supplies a synchronization signal to the CCD unit 503 and the A / D converter 504. Reference numeral 506 denotes a signal processing unit that realizes processing such as image processing, compression, and decompression at high speed. A DMA controller 507 performs high-speed data transfer between the respective blocks via the system bus. Reference numeral 508 denotes a DRAM which is a main storage device of the electronic camera. The DRAM 508 is also used as a buffer memory at the time of shooting. A flash ROM 509 stores a firmware program. A diaphragm control unit 510 controls the diaphragm / shutter 502. A lens control unit 511 performs lens control such as lens driving for AF and lens driving for zooming with respect to the lens unit 501. Reference numeral 512 denotes a CPU, which executes various kinds of control in this camera system by executing a firmware program loaded from the flash ROM 509 using the DRAM 508 as a main storage device. Reference numeral 513 denotes a display control unit which controls the display device 516 composed of TFT liquid crystal or the like. Reference numeral 514 denotes a memory card controller, which performs access control for reading and writing data with respect to an external storage medium 517 such as a memory card. Reference numeral 515 denotes an input device, which includes a keypad, a zoom lever, a power switch, a release switch, and the like for performing various operations on a menu screen displayed on the display device 516. Reference numeral 518 denotes a wireless communication unit which performs wireless communication with another imaging device or a nearby access point. Reference numeral 519 denotes a position specifying unit that specifies the position of the imaging device by incorporating a GPS or the like. A system bus 520 realizes high-speed data transfer between the circuit blocks.

  Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the shooting site is in the communication range and the user has the imaging device 101a. Further, it is assumed that the owners of the imaging device 101b and the imaging device 101c exist in the vicinity. The present embodiment is applied to a case where when a user presses the shutter button 401 in the image capturing apparatus 101a, an image captured recently by the image capturing apparatus 101b and the image capturing apparatus 101c in the vicinity is acquired.

First, the user performs initial settings in advance on the menu screen (FIG. 6) of the imaging apparatus 101a. The user can set the public attribute 601, the acquisition time width 602, and the acquisition shooting range 603 on the initial setting screen. The imaging apparatus 101a reflects the parameters set here in the shooting attribute information shown in FIG.
In addition, the imaging apparatus 101a can communicate with the access point 102 and synchronize with a system timer on the Internet. The system timer on the Internet is common throughout the world, and an imaging device that can communicate with the Internet can acquire the same time.
Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 101a can perform group setting with other imaging apparatuses in advance. As a grouping method, for example, the following method is used. A menu screen (FIG. 7) is displayed on each of the plurality of imaging devices, and the user presses the start button 701 simultaneously. In response to pressing, the imaging apparatus 101a transmits BEACON using near field communication such as BlueTooth, and regards the imaging apparatuses that have been paired as the same group. When the same group is considered, the same group ID is recorded in the imaging device. The group ID may be information that can be identified between users, such as “January 1, 2010 xx elementary school athletic meet”. Such a group ID can be created by one of the imaging devices in the group and then distributed to the imaging devices belonging to the group to share the group ID.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a calling procedure of the imaging device 101a, the imaging device 101b, the access point 102, and the server 103 in the present embodiment. When the initial setting is performed by the user and the shutter button 401 is pressed (step S801), the imaging apparatus 101a generates shooting attribute information and creates and manages a table (step S802). The table is stored in DRAM 508. In step S801, in the case of shooting in the continuous shooting mode, when the last one shooting is finished and the hand is released from the shutter button 401, the process proceeds to step S802. When shooting in the moving image mode, the process proceeds to step S802 when the shutter button 401 is pressed when the moving image ends.

  When the imaging apparatus 101a creates a table of shooting attribute information, the imaging apparatus 101a immediately starts wireless connection to the access point 102 (step S803). When a connection response is returned from the access point 102 (step S804), the imaging apparatus 101a performs imaging attribute information transmission processing. Specifically, the shooting attribute information is transmitted to the server 103 via the access point (step S805).

  As the shooting attribute information reception process, the server 103 receives the shooting attribute information from the imaging apparatus 101a, and registers the received shooting attribute information in the mass storage device (step S806). Next, the server 103 searches for already registered shooting attribute information using the shooting attribute information received from the imaging apparatus 101a as a search key (step S807). Then, the searched shooting attribute information is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 101a via the access point 102 (step S808).

  Upon receiving the imaging information search result, the imaging apparatus 101a performs an initialization process for starting peer-to-peer wireless communication (step S809). Wireless communication starts by performing one of the two methods described below. The first is a method of starting image acquisition for the number of image acquisitions set in advance in FIG. 6 without the user's hand when the imaging apparatus 101a receives the shooting information search result. The shooting attribute information received by the imaging apparatus 101a is sorted in order of shooting time, and images corresponding to the number of acquired images set in FIG. 6 are acquired in that order. The second method is a method in which when the imaging apparatus 101a receives the imaging information search result, a list of images is displayed on the imaging apparatus 101a, and the user selects an image to be acquired. The screen display will be described later.

  In this embodiment, the peer-to-peer wireless communication partner with the imaging apparatus 101a will be described by taking the imaging apparatus 101b as an example. The imaging device 101a starts a wireless communication connection to the imaging device 101b (step S810). The wireless communication connection may be via not only ad hoc communication but also the access point 102. When the imaging apparatus 101b returns a response to the imaging apparatus 101a (step S811), a wireless connection is established, and the imaging apparatus 101a transmits the image ID of the shooting attribute information selected by the user (step S812). Upon receiving the image ID, the imaging device 101b performs image transmission preparation processing (step S813) and starts image transmission (step S814). In step S814, when image reception is completed in the imaging apparatus 101a, the received image is stored in an external storage medium 517 such as a memory card.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart when the server 103 searches for shooting attribute information already registered in step S807.
When the server 103 receives the shooting attribute information from the imaging device 101a, is there any shooting attribute information (registration information) already stored in the storage device in the server 103 that is not compared with the received shooting attribute information? Confirm whether or not. If it exists (step S901 / YES), the shooting attribute information received from the imaging device 101a is compared with the registered information. If not, the process proceeds to step S907. If the registered information is photographed at a time within the range of the acquisition time width 210 (step S902 / YES) and photographed within the range of the acquisition photographing range 211 (step S903 / YES), the server 103 moves the process to step S904. Proceed. If the condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S901. In step S904, the server 103 determines whether or not the public attribute 209 of the registration information can be disclosed to the imaging apparatus 101a. If it is in a publicly available state (step S905 / YES), registration information is added to the search result of the shooting attribute information to be transmitted to the imaging apparatus 101a (step S906). If disclosure is not possible, the process returns to step S901. The state that can be disclosed to the imaging apparatus 101a is a case where the public attribute 209 of the registration information is Public, or the public attribute is Protect and the group ID 208 of the imaging apparatus 101a matches the group ID of the registration information. When the search for the corresponding registration information is completed, the server 103 sorts the search results (step S907). The sort order is arranged in order from the photographing time 204 of the received photographing attribute information and the value indicating the photographing time close to the search result. The server 103 transmits the search results arranged in the sort order to the imaging apparatus 101a. The search result transmitted to the imaging apparatus 101a has a format as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 1001 denotes a header portion, which describes the ID of the image capturing apparatus 101a that is the transmission partner and the image ID described in the shooting attribute information used as a search key. 1002a to 1002c are formats in which the server 103 searches and sorts the sorted results in order.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating communication timings from when the user presses the shutter button 401 until the server 103 transmits a search result of registered shooting attribute information to the imaging apparatus 101a in the imaging apparatus 101a.
1101 shows the processing of the server 103 in this system in time series. Reference numerals 1102a to 1102c denote processes in the imaging devices 101a to 101c in time series. Shooting a1, shooting b1 to b3, and shooting c1 indicate shooting (shutter button 401 press) timings in the imaging apparatuses 101a to 101c, respectively. Reference numerals 1103 to 1107 denote upload timings of shooting attribute information to the server for shooting b1, shooting a1, shooting c2, shooting b2, and shooting b3, respectively.

  In the imaging apparatus 101a, when the user presses the shutter button 401 at the timing of shooting a1, shooting attribute information is uploaded to the server 103 (1104). The server 103 acquires the value of the acquisition time width 210 from the shooting attribute information. Thereafter, the server 103 searches for the shooting attribute information registered from the imaging device of the other person within the acquisition time range before and after the shooting timing (1110) (1108). Then, the server 103 transmits the search result to the imaging device 101a (1109).

  Note that there may be a case where shooting attribute information upload is not completed within the acquisition time width, although the shooting was performed within the acquisition time width due to problems such as wireless communication connection failure or the processing load of the imaging apparatus. For example, photographing c1 in FIG. 11 is an example. In view of such a situation, the server 103 sets a guarantee delay time (1111) after the acquisition time width 210 elapses, and delays the registration information search by this guarantee delay time. As a result, it is also possible to search for shooting attribute information shot by shooting c1. The guaranteed delay time (1111) can take any value depending on the system. For example, this can be realized by the server 103 obtaining an average value and a standard deviation from the difference between the imaging time and the upload time of the imaging devices 101a to 101c, and setting the average value + standard deviation value as the guaranteed delay time. If the difference between the shooting time and the upload time is longer than the guaranteed delay time, the server 103 does not register shooting attribute information. In FIG. 10, the shooting attribute information results notified to the imaging apparatus 101a are the shootings b1, b2, and c1, and the shooting b3 is not acquired.

  FIG. 12 is a screen display when the imaging apparatus 101a receives the imaging information search result (step S809 in FIG. 8). The imaging apparatus 101a calculates a relative direction and distance with respect to the other imaging apparatus 101a from the imaging position 205 of the acquired imaging attribute information, and shows it as 1201. In 1201, the horizontal axis 1202 indicates the east-west direction, and the vertical axis 1203 indicates the north-south direction. Further, by displaying concentric circles, the center of the circle, that is, the distance from the imaging device 101a to each device is represented. The user selects any of 1201 in the figure by operating a button on the imaging device, whereby the imaging device 101a starts communication with the imaging device having shooting attribute information.

  The imaging apparatus 101b can also notify the user that a transmission request has been received as shown in FIG. 13 during the image transmission preparation process (step S813 in FIG. 8). The screen displays the image to be transmitted, the ID of the imaging device that requested the transmission, and the name of the requester. 1301 is an image transmission prohibition button, and 1302 is a timer count display. The timer count 1302 starts counting down every second from a certain set value. If the image transmission prohibit button 1301 is pressed by the user before the timer count 1302 reaches 0, the imaging apparatus 101b stops image transfer. In the imaging apparatus 101b, it is also possible to set permission / prohibition of image transfer in advance. This setting can be realized by a user operation on a menu screen or the like.

  When the imaging apparatus 101a completes image acquisition from the imaging apparatus 101b by peer-to-peer communication (step S814 in FIG. 8), the screen display in FIG. 14 is performed. 1401 in the figure displays the acquired image, and 1402 in the figure displays a related image in the imaging apparatus 101a. The related image is an image having the image ID described in the header portion 1001 of FIG. 10, that is, another image included in the search result received from the server 103. When the acquired image is stored in the external storage medium 517, the reference destination of the related image or the ID of the related image can be stored as a text file in the same folder as the acquired image.

  When the image capturing apparatus 101a completes the acquisition of the image from the image capturing apparatus 101b, the image capturing apparatus 101a starts wireless communication with the image capturing apparatus having the next capturing attribute information. This communication can automatically communicate sequentially with a plurality of imaging devices by referring to the search result. The imaging apparatus 101a ends image acquisition by peer-to-peer wireless communication for the number of times set by the number of acquired images or when a storage area cannot be secured.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of the imaging apparatus 101a, the access point 102, and the server 103 when the user instructs the image capturing apparatus 101a to delete an image. When receiving an image deletion instruction by a user operation, the imaging apparatus 101a deletes the image file in the external storage medium 517 (step S1501). Next, a wireless connection to the access point 102 is started (step S1502), and when a wireless response is received (step S1503), a connection to the wireless network is established. The imaging apparatus 101a transmits a shooting attribute information deletion request and image ID data to the server 103 via the access point 102 (step S1504). Note that the transmission timing may be when a deletion instruction is received from the user or after the deletion of the image from the external storage medium 517 is completed. The deletion request can be realized by expressing it with a specific bit string. Upon receiving the deletion request, the server 103 searches for registration information corresponding to the image ID information received together with the deletion request, and deletes the registration information (step S1505). In this way, by automatically making a deletion request to the server 103 along with the deletion of the image in the camera, the user can save time and effort to delete the shooting attribute information of the server 103. Also, other users do not return images that have already been deleted from the server 103 as search results.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to acquire an image photographed by another imaging device existing in the vicinity at the time of photographing. In addition, when exchanging image data between imaging devices, the photographer can specify the protection of image data that he / she does not want to show to others, or the protection of image data that he / she wants to show only to limited members. realizable. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in order to automatically upload information related to shooting to the server based on an operation related to shooting operation, the user selects and inputs a search key for searching for image information in the server. There is an advantage that labor can be saved.

  In addition, since the server manages the shooting attribute information collectively, the imaging apparatus can individually access devices other than the server after accessing the server and receiving the shooting attribute information of other devices. Therefore, the imaging apparatus can receive the shooting attribute information collectively by accessing the server first.

<Second Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the shooting site is within a communication range and shooting is performed in a soccer field. It is assumed that the user has an imaging device 101a and takes a picture in a stadium where soccer is performed. Further, it is assumed that the owner of the image pickup apparatus 101b exists in the stadium, but the owner of the image pickup apparatus 101c is not in the stadium and is shooting a landscape in the vicinity. In addition, it is assumed that the shooting modes of the imaging devices 101a, 101b, and 101c are set to a sports mode, a sports mode, and a landscape mode, respectively. This embodiment is applied to a case where an image in a soccer stadium can be acquired when the user uses the imaging apparatus 101a and presses the shutter button 401. Hereinafter, description of common parts in the first embodiment will be omitted, and description will be made focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 16 is an initial setting menu screen of the imaging apparatus 101a. The user performs settings in advance on the menu screen before pressing the shutter button 401 of the imaging apparatus 101a. The difference from the first embodiment is that a check box 1601 is added. Reference numeral 1601 denotes a check box for setting search parameters in more detail. When there is a shooting parameter to be used as a search key in the search of shooting attribute information in the server 103, it can be set by a user operation. Multiple search keys can be set.

  When the user sets shooting parameters to be search keys in advance in 1601 and performs shooting, the imaging apparatus 101a creates a table of shooting attribute information in FIG. The difference from FIG. 2 in the first embodiment is that a search parameter field is added.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart when the server 103 searches for registration information. The difference from FIG. 9 in the first embodiment is a part in which, in step S1801, the server 103 determines whether the registration information matches the setting parameter set in the imaging device 101a.

  Accordingly, when the user sets the shooting mode as the setting parameter in the imaging apparatus 101a and presses the shutter button 401, the imaging apparatus 101a can acquire only the image of the imaging apparatus 101b that has set the same sport mode. .

FIG. 22 is an example of a screen displayed on the display screen 403 of the imaging apparatus 101a when the retrieval result of the photographing attribute information retrieved in the flowchart of FIG. 18 is received.
2201 is an example in which the imaging apparatus 101a displays a list of received search results in chronological order in order of shooting date and time. In 2201, not only information on the shooting date and time but also the name of the camera that performed the shooting is displayed.

  In addition, when the search result cannot be displayed on one screen, the imaging apparatus 101a can display the search result by dividing it into pages. In this case, an icon for switching pages is displayed. 2202 is an icon for returning to the previous page, and 2203 in the figure is an icon for proceeding to the next page.

FIG. 23 shows a screen displayed on the display screen 403 of the imaging apparatus 101a when the user selects one from the list 2201 by operating the up / down / left / right key 404 or the like and the execute button 406 is pressed. Show.
Reference numeral 2301 denotes detailed information of the search result of the shooting attribute information selected by the user. The detailed information includes information such as shooting date / time, photographer name, shooting distance from the imaging apparatus 101a, shooting group, shooting mode, and image size. The detailed information is not limited to the above information, but may include parameters recorded at the time of photographing such as focal length and exposure.
Reference numeral 2302 denotes a thumbnail of the image selected by the user. The thumbnail can be acquired by accessing the imaging device that is the storage destination of the image based on the imaging device ID included in the shooting attribute information by the imaging device 101a. 2302 is not limited to only thumbnail images, and may be an image obtained by reducing the main image.
Reference numeral 2303 denotes an icon for accepting an image acquisition start instruction. When the icon 2303 is selected by a user operation and the execution button 406 is pressed, the imaging apparatus 101a can acquire the selected image. Since the image acquisition process is the same as in the first embodiment, it will not be described here.

  As described above, since the search parameters can be set in more detail, the accuracy of the search in the server 103 is improved. As a result, it is possible to efficiently acquire an image desired by the user. In addition, since the search parameter is selected by the check box 1601, the user can easily set detailed search parameters even in an apparatus such as an imaging apparatus that has few operation members.

<Third Embodiment>
This embodiment is an application of the first embodiment. The present embodiment is applied to a case where an image is acquired from an imaging device in the vicinity when shooting is failed even though the shutter button 401 of the imaging device 101a is pressed. Hereinafter, description of common parts in the first embodiment will be omitted, and description will be made focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the processing of S1901 and S1902 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19 is added between the processing of steps S801 and S802 in FIG.

  The imaging apparatus 101a determines whether the shutter button 401 has been pressed (step S1901), and creates a shooting attribute information table only when shooting has failed (step S1902) (step S802). An already known method is used as a method of determining a shooting failure. For example, there is a method in which an image determination unit is provided in the imaging apparatus 101a, the image is subjected to filter processing, and in-focus, light / dark, etc. are analyzed. With this method, it is possible to determine whether the image has been successfully taken or has failed. Further, the imaging apparatus 101a may determine that shooting has failed, for example, when new image data is not created / saved in the DRAM 508 when the shutter button 401 is pressed. With this process, when shooting fails due to a focus setting defect or the like, an image can be acquired from a nearby imaging device only when an image is acquired from the nearby imaging device.

<Fourth Embodiment>
This embodiment is an application of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the present embodiment is applied when an image captured in the past is acquired when the shutter button 401 of the image capturing apparatus 101a is pressed. Hereinafter, description of common parts in the first embodiment will be omitted, and description will be made focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 20 is a menu screen of the imaging apparatus 101a. In the imaging apparatus 101a, settings are made in advance on the menu screen before the shutter button 401 is pressed. The difference from FIG. 6 in the first embodiment is the designated part of the acquisition time width 2001 in the figure. In the figure, in 2001, the user can select whether to acquire an image shot within a specified period from 20xx year * month * day. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user designates image acquisition in the range of 20xx year x month 13 to 10 days.

  As in the first embodiment, the imaging apparatus 101 a can acquire the search result of the shooting attribute information from the server 103 by a series of sequences started when the user presses the shutter button 401 of the imaging apparatus 101 a. The difference from the first embodiment is that, in the communication initialization process of step S809 in FIG. 8, the image capturing apparatus 101a displays the search result of the shooting attribute information on the screen. Only the screen display will be described below.

  FIG. 21 is a screen display of the search result of the shooting attribute information in the image pickup apparatus 101a. When the imaging apparatus 101a receives the search result of the shooting attribute information in step S808 of step FIG. 8, the imaging apparatus 101a displays FIG. 21 on the liquid crystal screen. FIG. 21 shows a calendar display, in which 2101 is an icon indicating the date and time specified in 1901, and 2102 is an icon indicating that an image taken within the acquisition time width exists.

  When an icon 2102 is selected by the user's button operation and the execution button 406 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 24 is displayed on the display screen 403.

Reference numeral 2401 denotes an area in which the search results of the shooting attribute information received by the imaging apparatus 101a are displayed in a time-series list in order of shooting time. Of the list display, the selected shooting attribute information is displayed in focus. For example, on the screen shown in FIG. 24, the shooting attribute information whose shooting time is “12:11” is displayed in focus. In the area 2401, information indicating the distance from the shooting position 205 is also displayed together with the shooting time.
Reference numeral 2402 denotes an area where detailed information and thumbnails of the search result of the shooting attribute information in focus are displayed.
Reference numerals 2403 and 2404 denote icons for scrolling up and down the list display of the shooting attribute information.

  As described above, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment displays the received search results as a calendar. As a result, the user can grasp at a glance which day the image was taken and can search for the image more easily.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the imaging apparatus 101a transmits an image search condition to the server 103, and the server 103 searches for shooting attribute information based on the search condition. As a result, it is possible to easily acquire an image related to photographing with the own device.

  However, even if the user of the imaging device cannot participate in an event such as an athletic meet, the user wants to easily acquire an athletic meet image or the like later. In this case, it is difficult for the user to find an image related to the target athletic meet from the server.

  In view of this, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment displays the search result so that it can be understood at which position in the past the image was taken.

Hereinafter, description of common parts in the first embodiment will be omitted, and description will be made focusing on differences from the first embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing of the imaging device 101a, the imaging device 101b, the access point 102, and the server 103 in the present embodiment. The difference from the sequence diagram of FIG. 8 is the process before the communication initialization process of step S809 of FIG. In the following, the processing unique to this sequence will be mainly described.

  The imaging device 101a starts wireless connection to the access point 102 (step S2501). For example, the imaging apparatus 101a starts a wireless connection when the power is turned on, when the imaging apparatus 101a is in an idle state, or when an initial setting is made on the initial setting screen of FIG.

  When a connection response is returned from the access point 102 (step S2502), the imaging apparatus 101a makes a shooting attribute information acquisition request to the server 103 via the access point 102 (step S2503).

When receiving the shooting attribute information acquisition request, the server 103 transmits the shooting attribute information stored therein to the imaging apparatus 101a (step S2504).
Upon receiving the shooting attribute information from the server 103, the imaging apparatus 101a creates a shooting attribute information table for search (step S2505). The shooting information table is a table for searching for specific information from the received shooting attribute information.
The imaging apparatus 101a searches the received shooting attribute information using the shooting attribute information table (step S2506). This search process will be described later.

Next, the imaging apparatus 101a displays the search result of the shooting attribute information on the display screen 403 (step S2507). The displayed screen will also be described later.
Here, the photographing information table will be described. FIG. 26 is a shooting attribute information table created by the imaging device 101a in step S2505. The difference from the data shown in FIG. 2 is that a lens direction vector field 2601 and a field angle field 2602 are added.

  The lens direction vector field 2601 is a field that holds the direction of the lens of the imaging apparatus 101a as a three-dimensional vector. The direction of the lens can be detected by mounting an electronic compass on the imaging apparatus 101a, for example. An angle of view field 2602 is a field indicating the angle of view at the time of shooting.

  FIG. 27 shows a flowchart of the processing for searching for shooting attribute information in step S2506 in FIG. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the flowchart in FIG.

  The difference from the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is that the search subject is the imaging device 101a, and the processing in steps S2701 and S2702 is added. Hereinafter, these processes will be described.

In step S2701, the imaging apparatus 101a determines whether there is a photographed image in the area currently displayed on the display screen 403 in the received photographing attribute information. If it is determined that it exists, the process proceeds to step S906. If it is determined that it does not exist, the process returns to step S901.
The process in step S2701 will be described in detail. First, a method for calculating the display area currently displayed on the display screen 403 will be described. The imaging apparatus 101a can calculate the current display area by referring to the current field angle, lens direction vector, and current shooting position.

  Next, processing for determining whether or not the shooting attribute information relates to shooting within the current display area will be described. FIG. 28 shows a view of the imaging apparatus 101a as viewed from above. Reference numeral 2801 denotes a field angle vector of the imaging apparatus 101a. An angle formed by the angle-of-view vector 2801 and the lens direction vector 2803 of the imaging apparatus 101a is A.

  Reference numeral 2802 denotes a direction vector of shooting attribute information. The direction vector 2802 can be calculated based on the field angle field 2602, the lens direction vector field 2601, and the shooting position 205 included in the received shooting information. Let B be the angle formed by the current lens direction vector 2803 of the imaging apparatus 101a and the direction vector from the shooting position of the imaging apparatus 101a to the shooting attribute information.

  When B is smaller than A, that is, within the range of the current angle of view, the imaging apparatus 101a determines that shooting related to shooting attribute information has been performed within the current display area. Specifically, for all three-dimensional directions, when cosA <= cosB and sin (−A) <= sinB <= sinA are satisfied, it is determined that the process is performed in the current display area. . The above is the details of the search processing in step S2701.

  Returning to FIG. 27, step S2702 will be described. In step S2702, the imaging apparatus 101a creates a table of searched shooting attribute information, and sorts the shooting attribute information based on the distance from the own device. Specifically, sorting is performed in order from the farthest distance from the own device. The distance from the own device is calculated from the difference value between the current position of the imaging apparatus 101a and the shooting position 205 of the shooting attribute information.

  The above is the photographing attribute information search processing in step S2506. Next, processing for displaying a screen showing the search result in step S2507 will be described.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating search result display processing executed by the imaging apparatus 101a in step S2507. In the display processing in the present embodiment, the display position of each searched shooting attribute information is calculated and displayed.
First, in step S2901, the imaging apparatus 101a determines whether there is shooting attribute information that has not been subjected to display processing among the searched shooting attribute information. If there is, the process advances to step S2902. If it is determined that there is no display, that is, if it is determined that display processing of all shooting attribute information has been completed, the processing ends.

  In step S2902, the imaging apparatus 101a calculates the display position of the shooting attribute information. The display position of the shooting attribute information by the imaging apparatus 101a can be calculated by using a direction vector to the shooting attribute information. As shown in FIG. 30, the current lens direction of the imaging apparatus 101a is defined as the Z axis, the upper direction of the imaging apparatus is defined as the Y axis direction, and the right direction of the imaging apparatus is defined as the X axis direction. At that time, the display position of the shooting attribute information can be obtained by XY plane orthographic projection of the direction vector onto the shooting attribute information.

  In step S2903, the imaging apparatus 101a performs display processing at the position calculated in step S2902. At this time, the display positions of a plurality of shooting attribute information may overlap. In this case, the imaging apparatus 101a displays the shooting attribute information in groups. A method for displaying the data in groups will be described later.

  FIG. 31 is an example of a screen displayed on the display screen 403 of the imaging apparatus 101a as a result of performing the display processing in step S2903. Reference numerals 3102 to 3104 denote search result icons indicating search results of shooting attribute information. Information included in the shooting attribute information format of FIG. 2 such as a photographer and a shooting time can be displayed on the search result icon. Further, the search result icons 3102 to 3104 are displayed at the display positions calculated in step S2902. That is, the search result icons 3102 to 3104 are displayed corresponding to the locations where the images were actually taken.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of shooting attribute information shot at the same angle of view or shooting attribute information whose angle of view is within a predetermined range, the imaging apparatus 101a regards these shooting attribute information as one group, and performs a plurality of searches. The result icon is displayed in an overlapping manner. For example, the search result icons 3102, 3105, and 3106 are regarded as shooting attribute information belonging to one group and are displayed in an overlapping manner. Note that the imaging apparatus 101a displays a search result icon indicating the shooting attribute information whose shooting position is closest to the imaging apparatus 101a on the front side of the screen. That is, in the case of FIG. 31, the search result icon 3102 indicates that the image was captured closest to the imaging device 101a.

  The search result icons 3102 to 3104 displayed on the most front side of the screen are set with a focus for selection. For example, in FIG. 31, the focus is set on the search result icon 3103, and the icon is displayed with a thick frame.

  A modification of the search result display screen is shown in FIG. As an example, as shown by 3201, only the search result icon displayed on the front side of the screen may be displayed and the number of imaging attribute information belonging to the same group may be specified.

  Needless to say, a plurality of search result icons may be displayed on the same plane without overlapping the search result icons as in the search result icon 3202.

FIG. 33 shows a screen that is displayed when the left / right key among the up / down / left / right keys 404 of the imaging apparatus 101a is pressed in a state where the screen shown in FIG. 31 is displayed.
FIG. 33A shows a screen displayed when the user presses the right key of the imaging apparatus 101a. In response to the right key being pressed, the focus for selection moves from the search result icon 3103 to the search result icon 3102.
FIG. 33B shows a screen displayed when the user presses the left key of the imaging apparatus 101a. In response to the left key being pressed, the focus for selection moves from the search result icon 3103 to the search result icon 3104.

  As described above, the user can select the search result icon displayed on the front side by operating the left and right keys.

Next, a case will be described in which the screen shown in FIG. 34 is displayed when the up key is pressed among the up / down / left / right keys 404 of the imaging apparatus 101a.
Reference numeral 3401 denotes a search result icon displayed at the forefront. A focus is set on the search result icon 3401. Reference numeral 3402 denotes a search result icon displayed next to the search result icon 3401.
When the user performs the upper key operation of the imaging apparatus 101a, the search result icon 3401 moves to the back of the icon group 3403 displayed in an overlapping manner, and the search result icon 3402 is displayed on the foremost side.

  FIG. 35 is a screen displayed when the user presses the down key among the up / down / left / right keys 404 of the imaging apparatus 101a in a state where the screen shown in FIG. 34 is displayed. Search result icons 3501, 3502, 3504, and 3505 correspond to the search result icons 3401, 3402, 3404, and 3405 of FIG.

  When the down key is pressed, the search result icon 3405 displayed at the back of the icon group 3403 moves to the front side and is displayed as a search result icon 3505. The search result icon 3401 moves to the second of the icon group 3503 and is displayed as a search result icon 3501.

  The display mode in which the search result icon moves according to the user's up / down key operation is not limited to the above-described mode. For example, when the user operates the up key, the foremost search result icon may be hidden.

  In addition, the search result icon is not always moved only by the user's up / down key operation. For example, this can be realized by using a zoom key provided in the imaging apparatus 101a. Hereinafter, the display of the search result icon when the zoom key of the imaging apparatus 101a is used will be described.

  Here, it is assumed that the image pickup apparatus 101a is equipped with a 3 × zoom lens having a focal length of 35 mm to 105 mm. Further, it is assumed that the screen of FIG. 36 is displayed on the display screen 403 of the imaging apparatus 101a in a state where zooming is not performed.

  Reference numerals 3601 to 3604 denote search result icons indicating search results of shooting attribute information, which are displayed in an overlapping manner. Here, it is assumed that the distances between the imaging apparatus 101a and the shooting positions 3601 to 3604 in the drawing are 10 m, 13 m, 20 m, and 30 m, respectively.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing search result display processing performed by the imaging apparatus 1a when the zoom key is used, and basically the same processing as the flowchart of FIG. 29 is performed. The difference from the flowchart of FIG. 29 is that step S3701 is executed between the processes of steps S2902 and S2903. In step S3701, the imaging device 1a calculates the display switching timing of the search result icon.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the imaging device 101a in step S3701.

The imaging apparatus 101a searches for shooting attribute information belonging to the same group as the search result icon displayed on the display screen 403 (step S3801).
Next, the imaging apparatus 101a calculates a ratio between each shooting attribute information searched in step S3801 and the distance between the imaging apparatus 101a and the focal length obtained from the current zoom state (step S3802).
A method for calculating the ratio will be described. For example, consider the search result icon 2503 as an example. The distance difference between the imaging device 101a and the shooting position indicated by the search result icon 2503 is 20 m. The maximum value of the focal length difference in the imaging device 101a is 70 mm. Based on these values, the ratio between the shooting attribute information and the distance between the imaging device 101a and the focal length obtained from the current zoom state is calculated as 70 mm / 20 m.
Next, the imaging apparatus 101a calculates a focal length for switching display of each search result icon (step S3803).
A method of calculating the focal length when switching the display of the search result icon will be described. Let X be the distance between the search result of the shooting attribute information currently being searched and the imaging apparatus 101a, and F be the focal length for switching the display of the search result of the shooting attribute information. In this example,
F = 35 mm + (X−10 m) × (70 mm / 20 m) (Formula 1)
The focal length when switching the display of the retrieval result of the shooting attribute information is calculated by The imaging device 1a stores the search result icon and the calculated focal length in association with each other.

FIG. 39 is a table in which search result icons and the focal lengths calculated in step S3803 are associated and managed.
Reference numeral 3901 denotes a field indicating a search result icon ID. The search result icon ID is a value that uniquely indicates each search result icon. In the present embodiment, the image ID 202 included in the shooting attribute information indicated by the search result icon is used as the search result icon ID. Here, the search result icon IDs of the search result icons 3601, 3602, 3603, and 3604 in FIG. 36 are “001”, “002”, “003”, and “004”, respectively.
Reference numeral 3902 denotes a field indicating the distance between the imaging apparatus 101a and the position where the shooting indicated by the search result icon is performed.
Reference numeral 3903 denotes a focal length field indicating the focal length for switching the display of the search result icon.
When the focal length of the imaging apparatus 101a is changed by the user's zoom lever operation and reaches the value of the focal field 3903, the imaging apparatus 101a displays the corresponding search result icon on the foremost side of the screen.

  As an example, consider FIG. 39 as an example. First, let us consider a case where the zoom key is operated by the user from a state where the focal length is 35 mm and the focal length increases. When the focal length is 35 mm, the corresponding search result icon ID is “001”. Accordingly, the search result icon 3601 indicated by the search result icon ID “001” is displayed on the foremost side of the screen.

  When the focal length increases and the focal length reaches 45 mm, a search result icon 3602 is displayed on the foremost side of the screen. When the focal length increases and the focal length becomes 45 mm, the corresponding search result icon ID “003” exists. Accordingly, the search result icon 3602 indicated by the search result icon ID “002” is displayed on the forefront side of the screen.

  When the focal distance further increases and the focal distance becomes 70 mm, a corresponding search result icon ID “003” exists. Accordingly, the search result icon 3603 indicated by the search result icon ID “003” is displayed on the foremost side of the screen.

  When the focal distance further increases and the focal distance reaches 105 mm, a corresponding search result icon ID “004” exists. Therefore, the search result icon 3604 indicated by the search result icon ID “004” is displayed on the foremost side of the screen.

  When the focal distance further increases and the focal distance reaches 105 mm, a corresponding search result icon ID “004” exists. Therefore, the search result icon 3604 indicated by the search result icon ID “004” is displayed on the foremost side of the screen.

  Conversely, when the user operates the zoom key from the state where the focal length is 105 mm and the value of the focal length decreases, the search result icons 3604, 3603, 3602, and 3601 are displayed in this order.

  As described above, the user can move the focus of the search result icon by using the zoom function instead of the up / down key operation of the imaging apparatus 101. In addition, since the selection of the icons indicating the shooting at different distances is performed by the zoom key for adjusting the focal length, the search result icons can be selected with an operation feeling that is easy for the user.

  So far, the search result display processing has been described. The user selects a desired search result icon from the displayed search result icons and presses an execution button to instruct acquisition of an image. Upon receiving the instruction, the imaging apparatus 101a refers to the imaging apparatus ID 201 included in the shooting attribute information and transmits an image acquisition request to another apparatus. This process is the same as in the first embodiment.

  According to this embodiment, since the candidate of the image which can be acquired is displayed previously, there exists an advantage that a user can perform selection after confirming the image which can be acquired beforehand. Further, since the search result icon is displayed corresponding to the place where the image is actually taken, the user can select the search result icon more easily.

101a to 101c Imaging device 102 Access point 103 Server

Claims (15)

An imaging device,
Attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information including position information, direction information, and angle of view information from the information processing apparatus;
Position acquisition means for acquiring position information of the imaging device;
Direction acquisition means for acquiring direction information of the imaging device;
An angle of view acquisition means for acquiring angle of view information of the imaging device;
The display position corresponding to the field of view angle indicated by the angle-of-view information of the imaging device, centered on the direction indicated by the direction information of the imaging device, at the position indicated by the position information of the imaging device, and the attribute information Display control means for controlling to display the attribute information at a display position based on the position information of the imaging device, the angle of view information of the imaging device, and the direction information of the imaging device;
Selecting means for selecting attribute information displayed by the display control means;
Identifying means for identifying an apparatus having information corresponding to the attribute information selected by the selecting means based on the attribute information selected by the selecting means;
Information corresponding to the attribute information selected by the selecting means, have a information acquisition means for acquiring from the specified device by the specifying means,
Said device specified by the specifying unit, an imaging apparatus that features an apparatus der Rukoto which has transmitted the attribute information to the information processing apparatus.   The display control means controls to display the attribute information selected by the selection means so as to be distinguishable from the attribute information not selected in the displayed attribute information. Item 2. The imaging device according to Item 1.   When the attribute information selected by the selection unit is not the display of the selected state, the display control unit controls the attribute information to be displayed in the selected state, and other attribute information is selected. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image pickup apparatus is controlled so as to display a non-display state. And further comprising a receiving means for receiving an instruction to acquire information corresponding to the attribute information,
When attribute information that is not in the selected state is selected by the selection unit, the selection unit sets the attribute information to a selected state,
When an instruction to acquire information corresponding to the attribute information is received by the receiving unit, the specifying unit includes a device having information corresponding to the attribute information in a state selected by the selecting unit. specified based on the attribute information of the state selected by the information acquisition means and wherein the obtaining the information corresponding to the attribute information of the state selected by the selection means, from said specified by the specifying means device The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects attribute information according to a focal length of the imaging apparatus.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit includes a zoom key.   The display control means performs control so that attribute information whose angle of view indicated by angle-of-view information included in the attribute information is within a certain range among a plurality of attribute information is displayed in an overlapping manner. Item 7. The imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 6. Of the attribute information is not in the state of being selected, if there is attribute information displayed sleep heavy, the display control means, the position information included in the attribute information, the distance calculated from the position of the imaging device The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7, wherein control is performed so that the attribute information displayed in a superimposed manner is displayed in a corresponding order. Wherein the display control unit, the imaging apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that most on top of attribute information selected by the selecting means.   When the selection means selects attribute information that is not displayed in the foreground, the display control means performs control so that the attribute information that is displayed in front of the attribute information is not displayed. The imaging device according to any one of claims 7 to 9. Among the plurality of attribute information, the attribute information in which the angle of view indicated by the angle of view information included in the attribute information is within a certain range and grouping means that regards as one group,
When one of the attribute information grouped by the grouping means is selected, the display control means controls not to display the attribute information that is not in the selected state of the group. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the display control unit displays the number of attribute information included in the group.   7. The imaging according to claim 1, wherein when there are a plurality of the attribute information items to be displayed, the display control unit controls the attribute information items to be displayed side by side so as not to overlap each other. apparatus. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus,
An attribute information acquisition step of acquiring attribute information including position information, direction information, and angle of view information from the information processing apparatus;
A position acquisition step of acquiring position information of the imaging device;
A direction acquisition step of acquiring direction information of the imaging device;
An angle-of-view acquisition step of acquiring angle-of-view information of the imaging device;
The display position corresponding to the field of view angle indicated by the angle-of-view information of the imaging device, centered on the direction indicated by the direction information of the imaging device, at the position indicated by the position information of the imaging device, and the attribute information A display step of displaying the attribute information at a display position based on position information of the imaging device, field angle information of the imaging device, and direction information of the imaging device;
A selection step of selecting attribute information displayed in the display step;
A specifying step for identifying a device having information corresponding to the attribute information selected in the selection step based on the attribute information selected in the selection step;
Information corresponding to the selected attribute information in the selection step, possess an information obtaining step of obtaining from the identified device in the identification step,
The apparatus specified in a particular process, the control method of an imaging device features an apparatus der Rukoto which has transmitted the attribute information to the information processing apparatus. A computer- readable program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 .

Images