JP5704945B2 - Imaging apparatus, control method therefor, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus capable of displaying position information indicating a shooting position of an image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an imaging apparatus or the like has been proposed in which information on a shooting position is acquired from a position detection unit such as a GPS, and is recorded and displayed in association with captured image data (Patent Document 1).

  In addition, GPS tags standardized by Exif (Exchangeable image format digital still cameras) are increasingly used as position information of images taken by an imaging device such as a digital camera. For this reason, display and change of position information can be performed not only by an imaging device that captures an image, but also by other imaging devices capable of interpreting Exif, PC applications, and the like.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-069280

  However, if the location information is changed by an external device other than the imaging device, and it is displayed again by the imaging device, the positional relationship with the previous and next images becomes unnatural, or the location information is changed by mistake May display location information unexpected by the user.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to display position information with high reliability on an imaging apparatus.

An imaging device according to the present invention is an imaging device capable of communicating with an external device, and is obtained by an imaging unit that images a subject and generates an image file, a position acquisition unit that acquires position information, and the position acquisition unit. An association means for associating the obtained position information with the image file, a reception means for receiving the image file associated with the position information from the external device, an image file generated by the imaging means, and the reception means. Recording control means for controlling the recorded image file to be recorded on a recording medium, and control means for controlling to read the image file recorded on the recording medium and to output an image corresponding to the image file to the display unit And the image file recorded on the recording medium is an image file received by the receiving means. The control unit controls the position information associated with the image file recorded on the recording medium not to be output to the display unit, and the image file recorded on the recording medium is received by the receiving unit. If it is not an image file, the control means controls to output position information associated with the image file recorded on the recording medium to the display unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display highly reliable position information on the imaging apparatus.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera by embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the positional information display process of the digital camera by embodiment. It is a figure which shows the file structure which the digital camera by embodiment produces. It is a figure which shows the description content of the image file which the digital camera by embodiment produces.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Further, the embodiment of the present invention shows the most preferable mode of the invention, and does not limit the scope of the invention.

<First Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, a digital camera will be described as an example of an imaging apparatus. However, a so-called camera-equipped mobile phone is an example of an imaging apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, an imaging apparatus capable of recording moving images and still images will be described as the imaging apparatus. In addition, the imaging apparatus includes a position detection unit such as a GPS, and is configured to record the acquired position information in a file obtained by shooting. Below, the imaging device of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  Hereinafter, the main configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the control unit 101 includes, for example, a CPU (MPU), a memory (DRAM, SRAM), and the like, and executes various processes (programs) to control each block of the imaging apparatus 100 or between each block. Control data transfer. Further, the control unit 101 controls each block of the imaging apparatus 100 in accordance with an operation signal from the operation unit 102 that receives an operation from the user. Further, the control unit 101 analyzes an image obtained by an image processing unit 111 described later, and controls each block of the imaging device 100 according to the analysis result.

  The operation unit 102 includes switches for inputting various operations related to shooting such as a power button, a still image recording button, a moving image recording start button, a zoom adjustment button, and an autofocus button. Further, it includes a menu display button, a determination button, other cursor keys, a pointing device, a touch panel, and the like. When these keys and buttons are operated by the user, an operation signal is transmitted to the control unit 101.

  The bus 103 is a general-purpose bus for sending various data, control signals, instruction signals, and the like to each block of the imaging apparatus 100.

  The imaging unit 110 controls the light amount of the optical image of the subject captured by the lens using an aperture, converts the optical image into an image signal using an imaging element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, performs analog-digital conversion, and performs an image processing unit. 111.

  The image processing unit 111 performs image quality adjustment processing for adjusting white balance, color, brightness, and the like on the input digital image signal based on setting values. The image signal processed by the image processing unit 111 is transmitted by the control unit 101 to the memory 104, the video output unit 150, which will be described later, and the display control unit 131.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the imaging unit 110 has an “optical zoom” function and an “optical image stabilization” function, and the image processing unit 111 has an “electronic zoom” function and an “electronic image stabilization” function. ing. Here, the “optical zoom” function and the “electronic zoom” function are functions for enlarging an obtained image in accordance with a user operation. In addition, the “optical image stabilization” function and the “electronic image stabilization” function are functions that prevent image shake due to vibration of the imaging apparatus 100 main body. These functions are used simultaneously, alternately, or independently under the control of the control unit 101.

  Here, the “optical zoom” function is a function for enlarging / reducing the optical image of the captured subject by moving the lens of the imaging unit 110 in response to the user operating the zoom key of the operation unit 102. . In addition, the “electronic zoom” function refers to an enlargement of an image obtained by cutting out a part of the image generated by the imaging unit 110 by the image processing unit 111 in response to the user operating the zoom key of the operation unit 102. This is a process for generating the processed image signal. The “optical image stabilization” function calculates the amount of lens movement based on the value of an acceleration signal from a vibration detection unit (not shown), and prevents the image from being shaken by moving the lens. It is a function to do. Further, the “electronic image stabilization” function prevents image shaking by adjusting the position of the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 110 based on the value of an acceleration signal from a vibration detection unit (not shown). It is a function. The “electronic image stabilization” function can also be realized by shifting the readout position of the image sensor of the imaging unit 110 based on the value of an acceleration signal from a vibration detection unit (not shown).

  The audio input unit 120 collects (collects) audio around the imaging apparatus 100 using, for example, a built-in omnidirectional microphone or an external microphone connected via an audio input terminal, and analog It performs digital conversion and transmits it to the audio processing unit 121. The sound processing unit 121 performs sound-related processing such as level optimization processing of the input digital sound signal. The audio signal processed by the audio processing unit 121 is transmitted to the memory 104 by the control unit 101. The memory 104 temporarily stores the image signal and the audio signal obtained by the image processing unit 111 and the audio processing unit 121.

  The image processing unit 111 and the audio processing unit 121 read out the image signal and the audio signal temporarily stored in the memory 104 and perform the encoding of the image signal, the encoding of the audio signal, and the like, and the compressed image signal and the compressed audio signal And so on. The control unit 101 transmits the compressed image signal and the compressed audio signal to the recording / reproducing unit 140.

  The recording / reproducing unit 140 records the compressed image signal generated by the image processing unit 111 and the audio processing unit 121, the compressed audio signal, and other control data related to shooting on the recording medium 141. When the audio signal is not compression-encoded, the control unit 101 transmits the audio signal generated by the audio processing unit 121 and the compressed image signal generated by the image processing unit 111 to the recording / reproducing unit 140. Recording is performed on the recording medium 141. Here, the recording medium 141 may be a recording medium built in the imaging apparatus or a removable recording medium, and records a compressed image signal, a compressed audio signal, an audio signal, various data, etc. generated by the imaging apparatus 100. If you can. For example, the recording medium 141 includes all types of recording media such as a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-R, a DVD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and a flash memory.

  The recording / reproducing unit 140 reads (reproduces) a compressed image signal, a compressed audio signal, an audio signal, various data, and a program recorded on the recording medium 141. Then, the control unit 101 transmits the read compressed image signal and compressed audio signal to the image processing unit 111 and the audio processing unit 121. The image processing unit 111 and the audio processing unit 121 temporarily store the compressed image signal and the compressed audio signal in the memory 104, decode them in a predetermined procedure, and decode the decoded audio signal to the audio output unit 151. The signal is transmitted to the video output unit 150 and the display control unit 131. When the audio signal is recorded in the recording medium 141 in a non-compressed manner, the control unit 101 transmits the audio signal directly to the audio output unit 151.

  The audio output unit 151 includes an audio output terminal, for example, and transmits an audio signal in order to output audio from a connected earphone or speaker. In addition, the audio output unit 151 may be a speaker that is built in the imaging apparatus 100 and outputs audio related to an audio signal. The video output unit 150 includes, for example, a video output terminal, and transmits an image signal to display a video on a connected external display or the like. The audio output unit 151 and the video output unit 150 may be a single integrated terminal, such as a terminal such as a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) (registered trademark) terminal.

  In addition, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 130 to display a video based on the image signal transmitted from the image processing unit 111, an operation screen (menu screen) for operating the imaging apparatus 100, and the like. The display unit 130 may be any display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and electronic paper.

  The communication unit 152 performs communication between the imaging device 100 and an external device. For example, the communication unit 152 transmits or receives data such as an audio signal, an image signal, a compressed audio signal, and a compressed image signal. The communication unit 152 is a wireless communication module such as a USB communication module, an IEEE 1394 communication module, an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a Wireless USB. The image capturing apparatus 100 can receive image data edited by an external apparatus via the communication unit 152.

  The GPS 160 calculates the current position of the imaging device 100 based on the radio wave received from the satellite. Note that the GPS 160 may be built in the imaging apparatus 100, or a separate device may be mounted on the imaging apparatus 100.

  Here, a normal operation of the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

  In the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the user operates the power button of the operation unit 102, a start instruction is issued from the operation unit 102 to the control unit 101. Upon receiving this instruction, the control unit 101 controls a power supply unit (not shown) to supply power to each block of the imaging apparatus 100.

  When power is supplied, the control unit 101 determines which mode, such as a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, or a playback mode, the mode changeover switch included in the operation unit 102 is based on an instruction signal from the operation unit 102. Check.

  In the still image shooting mode, the imaging apparatus 100 captures an image when the user operates a still image recording button of the operation unit 102 in a shooting standby state, and a compressed image signal is recorded on the recording medium 141. And it will be in a photography standby state again. In the moving image shooting mode, the imaging apparatus 100 starts shooting when the user operates the moving image recording start button of the operation unit 102 in a shooting standby state. To be recorded. Then, when the user operates the moving image recording end button of the operation unit 102, the photographing is finished, and the photographing standby state is entered again. In the reproduction mode, a compressed image signal, a compressed audio signal, or an audio signal related to a file selected by the user is reproduced from the recording medium 141, an audio signal is output from the audio output unit 151, and an image is displayed on the display unit 130. In addition, the user can enter the imaging device setting change menu by operating the operation unit 102, and can perform an item selection operation and a setting value change operation for the selected item. This includes, for example, date information, date / time information, time difference information, area setting, user information, shooting mode, image format, and the like held by the imaging apparatus 100. Note that the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can add position information measured by the GPS 160 to captured image data. Whether or not to add this position information can also be changed from the change menu of the imaging apparatus setting. Hereinafter, the still image shooting mode, the moving image shooting mode, and the playback mode will be described.

  First, the still image shooting mode will be described. When the still image shooting mode is set by the operation unit 102, first, as described above, the control unit 101 sets each block of the imaging device 100 to the shooting standby state.

  In the shooting standby state, the image processing unit 111 transmits an image signal to the display control unit 131 and causes the display unit 130 to display a video related to the image signal. The user prepares for shooting while viewing the screen displayed in this way.

  When the shooting instruction signal is transmitted by the user operating the still image recording button of the operation unit 102 in the shooting standby state, the control unit 101 transmits the shooting control signal to each block of the imaging apparatus 100, as follows. To control the operation.

  The imaging unit 110 converts the optical image of the subject captured by the lens into an image signal by the imaging element, performs analog-digital conversion, and transmits the image signal to the image processing unit 111. The image processing unit 111 analyzes subject information of the input digital image signal and performs image quality adjustment processing (white balance, color, brightness, etc.) based on the set value and subject information. Here, the subject information includes subject brightness distribution, face distribution, distance distribution, and the like. The image signal processed by the image processing unit 111 is transmitted to the memory 104, the video output unit 150, and the display control unit 131 by the control unit 101. Here, by viewing the video displayed on the display unit 130, the user can check the captured still image.

  Then, the image processing unit 111 reads the image signal temporarily stored in the memory 104, performs predetermined encoding, generates a compressed image signal, and outputs the compressed image signal to the recording / reproducing unit 140. The recording / playback unit 140 writes the compressed image signal to the recording medium 141 together with the attribute information as a still image file under file system management such as UDF or FAT. Here, the attribute information includes the subject information, imaging device settings, external information (such as a MAC address) acquired from the communication unit 152, and the like.

  When the encoding operation by the image processing unit 111 is completed, the control unit 101 transmits a control signal to each block of the imaging apparatus 100 so as to shift to the shooting standby state, and returns to the shooting standby state.

  Note that position information can be added as attribute information after a still image is captured. The specific operation is as follows. If it is set to perform positioning in advance, the GPS 160 performs positioning periodically (for example, at intervals of 30 seconds) and stores position information in the memory 104 as long as the power is turned on. The position information stored in the memory 104 is updated to the latest position information every time positioning is performed. When still image shooting is performed, the control unit 101 adds the position information currently stored in the memory 104 as attribute information of the still image file, and records the still image file on the recording medium 141. By this processing, the shooting position can be added to the still image file.

  Next, the moving image shooting mode will be described. When the moving image shooting mode is set by the operation unit 102, the control unit 101 first sets each block of the imaging apparatus 100 to the shooting standby state as described above.

  In the shooting standby state, the image processing unit 111 transmits an image signal to the display control unit 131 and causes the display unit 130 to display a video related to the image signal. The user prepares for shooting while viewing the screen displayed in this way.

  When a shooting start instruction signal is transmitted by the user operating the moving image recording start button of the operation unit 102 in the shooting standby state, the control unit 101 transmits a shooting start control signal to each block of the imaging apparatus 100. Then, control is performed so as to perform the following operation.

  The imaging unit 110 converts the optical image of the subject captured by the lens into an image signal by the imaging element, performs analog-digital conversion, and transmits the image signal to the image processing unit 111. The image processing unit 111 performs image quality adjustment processing (white balance, color, brightness, etc.) of the input digital image signal based on the set value. The image signal processed by the image processing unit 111 is transmitted to the display control unit 131 and the memory 104 by the control unit 101. The display control unit 131 causes the display unit 130 to display a video related to the received image signal.

  On the other hand, the audio input unit 120 digitally converts an analog audio signal obtained by the microphone, and transmits the obtained digital audio signal to the audio processing unit 121. The sound processing unit 121 performs a process for optimizing the level of the input digital sound signal and outputs a sound signal. The control unit 101 transmits the audio signal processed by the audio processing unit 121 to the memory 104.

  Then, the image processing unit 111 and the audio processing unit 121 read out the image signal and the audio signal temporarily stored in the memory 104, perform predetermined encoding, and generate a compressed image signal, a compressed audio signal, and the like. Then, the control unit 101 synthesizes the compressed image signal and the compressed audio signal to form a data stream, and outputs the data stream to the recording / reproducing unit 140. The recording / playback unit 140 writes the data stream to the recording medium 141 as one moving image file under file system management such as UDF or FAT. When the audio is not compressed, the control unit 101 outputs the audio signal generated by the audio processing unit 121 to the recording / reproducing unit 140 together with the compressed image signal generated by the image processing unit 111. Then, as described above, the recording / reproducing unit 140 writes the data stream as one moving image file on the recording medium 141 under the file system management such as UDF or FAT.

  The above operation is continued during shooting.

  In addition, during the shooting, the control unit 101 performs the imaging unit 110, the image processing unit 111, and the sound according to the operation of the operation unit 102 by the user or the analysis result of the image signal generated by the image processing unit 111. Various control signals are transmitted to the processing unit 121 and the like. For example, a control signal for adjusting the lens movement or aperture adjustment is transmitted to the imaging unit 110, and a control signal for adjusting an image or sound is transmitted to the image processing unit 111 and the sound processing unit 121.

  Similarly, during shooting, the user operates the zoom key of the operation unit 102 to cause the control unit 101 to operate the “optical zoom” function of the imaging unit 110 and the “electronic zoom” function of the image processing unit 111. be able to. Further, based on an acceleration signal detected by a vibration detection unit (not shown), the control unit 101 operates the “optical image stabilization” function of the imaging unit 110 and the “electronic image stabilization” function of the image processing unit 111. Yes.

  When the user operates the moving image recording end button of the operation unit 110 and a shooting end instruction signal is transmitted to the control unit 101, the control unit 101 sends a shooting end control signal to each block of the imaging apparatus 100. Transmit and control to operate as follows.

  The image processing unit 111 and the audio processing unit 121 stop transmitting the image signal and the audio signal to the memory 104, respectively. Then, the remaining image signal and audio signal stored in the memory 104 are read out and subjected to predetermined encoding to generate a compressed image signal, a compressed audio signal, and the like.

  The control unit 101 synthesizes these last compressed image signal and compressed audio signal to form a data stream and outputs it to the recording / reproducing unit 140. When the audio is not compressed, the control unit 101 outputs the audio signal generated by the audio processing unit 121 and the compressed image signal to the recording / reproducing unit 140.

  The recording / playback unit 140 writes the data stream to the recording medium 141 as one moving image file under file system management such as UDF or FAT. When the supply of the data stream is stopped, the control unit 101 performs control so as to perform the following operation in order to generate a thumbnail.

  The recording / playback unit 140 reads the compressed image signal of the first frame of the moving image file recorded on the recording medium 141 and transmits the compressed image signal to the image processing unit 111. The image processing unit 111 temporarily stores the compressed image signal in the memory 104 and decodes it according to a predetermined procedure. Next, the image processing unit 111 performs predetermined encoding for thumbnails on the obtained image signal to generate a compressed image signal for thumbnail. Then, the control unit 101 outputs the thumbnail compressed image signal to the recording / reproducing unit 140. The recording / playback unit 140 writes the thumbnail compressed image together with the attribute information described above to the recording medium 141 so that the thumbnail compressed image is combined with the underlying moving image file under management of a file system such as UDF or FAT. Complete and stop the recording operation.

  Note that the shooting position of the moving image file can also be added when a moving image is shot in the moving image shooting mode. The basic operation is the same as in the still image shooting mode, and the position at which shooting of a moving image file is started is added as attribute information.

  When the recording operation stops, the control unit 101 transmits a control signal to each block of the imaging apparatus 100 so as to shift to the shooting standby state, and returns to the shooting standby state.

  Next, the playback mode will be described. When the reproduction mode is set by the operation unit 102, the control unit 101 transmits a control signal to each block of the imaging apparatus 100 so as to shift to the reproduction state, and performs the following operation.

  The recording / playback unit 140 reads a still image file composed of a compressed image signal recorded on the recording medium 141 or a moving image file composed of a compressed image signal and a compressed audio signal or audio signal. The control unit 101 sends the read compressed image signal and compressed audio signal to the image processing unit 111 and the audio processing unit 121. If the audio signal is not compressed, the control unit 101 transmits the audio signal to the audio output unit 151.

  The control unit 101 further analyzes attribute information such as subject information, imaging device settings, and position information attached to the file, and holds the analysis result in the memory 104.

  The image processing unit 111 and the sound processing unit 121 temporarily store the compressed image signal and the compressed sound in the memory 104 and decode them according to a predetermined procedure. Then, the control unit 101 transmits the decoded audio signal to the audio output unit 151, and transmits the decoded image signal to the video output unit 150 and the display control unit 131. The display control unit 131 displays the video related to the input image signal on the display unit 130 together with the attribute information held in the memory 104, and the audio output unit 151 has a built-in speaker for the audio related to the input audio signal. Or output from a connected earphone or speaker. Of course, position information can also be displayed. In addition, the display of attribute information can specify whether or not to display for each attribute item from the operation unit 102. If the display is not specified, no display is performed. Thereby, the priority of image browsing and the priority of attribute information browsing can be switched according to the user's preference and purpose.

  As described above, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment records and reproduces still images and moving images.

  Hereinafter, the display of position information in the reproduction mode will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of processing for displaying position information in the reproduction mode. FIG. 3 is a configuration example of a directory file in the recording medium 141. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of an image file. Note that this embodiment is realized by each control unit centering on the control unit 101 controlling each unit of the imaging apparatus 100 in accordance with an input signal or a program from each unit.

  First, when a switching operation to the playback mode is performed, the control unit 101 transmits a control signal to each block of the imaging device 100 so as to shift the imaging device 100 to the playback state, and image playback processing is started. At this time, the attribute information is displayed on the display unit 130 together with the image, and the process shown in FIG. 2 is started in order to display the position information.

  In step S201, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the position information is set to be displayed in the reproduction mode. If it is determined that the position information is not displayed, the process proceeds to step S207, where it is determined that the position information is not displayed, and the process is exited. If it is determined in step S201 that the position information is set to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, it is determined whether or not position information is described in the attribute information of the image file to be reproduced.

  Here, FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of an image file handled by the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment. Reference numeral 411 denotes a header portion describing attribute information of the image file. Information 412 to 418 is information included in the header. Reference numeral 412 denotes the name of the manufacturer of the imaging apparatus that recorded the image. Reference numeral 413 denotes a model name of the imaging apparatus that records this image. Reference numeral 414 denotes the shooting date and time of this image. Reference numeral 415 denotes a device unique ID of the image pickup apparatus that records the image. Reference numeral 416 denotes a geodetic system for position information described in this image. Reference numeral 417 denotes position information of the image pickup apparatus when this image is recorded. Reference numeral 418 denotes other settings such as user information. In this area, the directory name of the directory saved when the image was taken and the file name added when the image was taken are also described. Reference numeral 419 denotes an image data body corresponding to the image file.

  In step S <b> 202, the control unit 101 analyzes the header unit 411 and determines the presence / absence of the position information 417. If it is determined that there is no position information, the process proceeds to step S207 to exit the process. If it is determined in step S202 that there is position information, the process proceeds to step 203.

  Next, in step S203, the shooting date / time and the creation date / time of the image file to be reproduced are compared to determine whether they are the same. If they are the same, the process proceeds to step S206 to display the position information and exit the process. If it is determined that they are not the same, the process proceeds to step S205. The intention of this step is whether the image file to be reproduced is based on an image captured and recorded by an imaging device or based on an image file received from an external device via the communication unit 152 or the recording medium 141. It is to judge. Hereinafter, an image file received from an external device is referred to as a “write-back image file”.

  Here, the determination in step S203 will be described in detail. First, a rule for assigning attribute information of an image file will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the directory structure in the recording medium 141. Reference numeral 301 denotes a DCF root directory defined by a DCF (Design rule of Camera File system) standard generally used in digital cameras. Similarly, 302 and 303 are DCF directories created according to the DCF standard, and 305 to 308 are still image files created similarly according to the DCF standard. In the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, it is assumed that an image file having a file name according to a naming rule according to the DCF standard is recorded.

  The DCF file number and the DCF directory number are increased in ascending order every time an image file is recorded. In other words, the DCF file number in the DCF directory is incremented every time a picture is taken or an image file is received from an external device. When the DCF file number in the same DCF directory reaches a predetermined value or the number of images in the DCF directory reaches a predetermined number, the DCF directory number is incremented. Then, image recording following the new DCF directory having the incremented DCF directory number is performed.

  Further, when shooting an image, date / time information is acquired from a clock included in the control unit 101 and recorded in the header unit 411 as a shooting date / time and as a creation date / time on a file system used in the recording medium 141. As described above, since the same date and time information is added as the shooting date and creation date, the shooting date and creation date are the same as long as the image is managed in the imaging apparatus. In step S203, it is determined whether or not the image file has been received from an external device using this feature, and display / non-display of the position information is determined according to the determination result.

  In step S <b> 203, when the shooting date / time and the creation date / time of the image file to be played back are the same, the control unit 101 determines that the image file to be played back is a file shot and recorded by the imaging device. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 3, 305, 306, and 307 are determined to be files captured and stored by the imaging apparatus.

  On the other hand, in the case of a rewritten image file, the shooting date and time that is the attribute information of the image file is the date and time when the image was shot. However, the creation date and time of the image file is the date and time when the image is received via the communication unit 152 and recorded on the recording medium 141. Therefore, the shooting date / time included in the attribute information is different from the creation date / time on the file system. An example of this is 308 in FIG. That is, in step S203, it is determined that there is a high possibility that an image file having a different shooting date and creation date is a rewritten image file.

  Returning to FIG. In step S204, it is determined in detail whether the image is a rewritten image. If it is determined that the image is a rewritten image, the process proceeds to step S207, and the position information is not displayed. If it is determined that the image is not a rewritten image, the process proceeds to step S206, where the position information is displayed and the process is terminated.

  Here, examples of the detailed determination criteria in step S205 include the following.

First, the following criteria are listed as criteria for confirming continuity between a plurality of files.
A case where the creation date and time of the image file to be reproduced is discontinuous with the preceding and subsequent image files when the recording medium 141 is arranged in the reproduction order.
When the recording medium 141 is arranged in the order of reproduction, the position information of the image file to be reproduced is greatly separated from the position information of the preceding and subsequent image files.

In addition, the following criteria can be cited as a method for comparison with information at the time of photographing.
The directory name and file name described in the other settings 418 do not match the currently stored directory name and file name.

  If any of the above criteria is satisfied, the control unit 101 determines that the image file to be reproduced is a rewritten image file.

  By performing the processing in step S205, the control unit 101 can determine whether the image file is a rewritten image file with higher accuracy. However, in order to reduce the processing load for detailed determination, it may be determined whether or not it is a rewritten image file only by the determination in step S203.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (10)

An imaging device capable of communicating with an external device,
  Imaging means for imaging a subject and generating an image file;
Position acquisition means for acquiring position information;
Association means for associating the position information acquired by the position acquisition means with the image file;
Receiving means for receiving an image file associated with position information from the external device;
Recording control means for controlling the image file generated by the imaging means and the image file received by the receiving means to be recorded on a recording medium;
Control means for reading an image file recorded on the recording medium and controlling the image corresponding to the image file to be output to a display unit;
When the image file recorded on the recording medium is an image file received by the receiving unit, the control unit displays position information associated with the image file recorded on the recording medium. Control not to output to
When the image file recorded on the recording medium is not the image file received by the receiving unit, the control unit displays position information associated with the image file recorded on the recording medium on the display unit. An imaging apparatus that controls to output. The control means compares the creation date and time of the image file with the shooting date and time of the image corresponding to the image file, so that the image file recorded on the recording medium is received by the reception means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not. Wherein said control means includes a creation date and time of the image file, when the creation date and time of the image corresponding to the image file is different, is an image file received by the image file is the reception means recorded on said recording medium The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging apparatus is determined. The control means determines whether the plurality of image files recorded on the recording medium have continuity, so that the image file recorded on the recording medium is an image file received by the receiving means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not there is any. 5. The control means determines whether or not the plurality of image files have continuity by determining whether or not the position information of the plurality of image files has continuity. The imaging device described in 1. The control means determines whether or not the plurality of image files have continuity by determining whether or not the creation dates and times of the plurality of image files have continuity. The imaging device described in 1. The recording control means records an image file on the recording medium with a file name according to a predetermined naming rule,
5. The control unit according to claim 4, wherein it is determined whether or not the plurality of image files have continuity by determining whether or not file names of the plurality of image files have continuity. The imaging device described in 1. 8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit records an image file on the recording medium in accordance with a DCF (Design rule of Camera File system) standard. An imaging device control method capable of communicating with an external device,
An imaging process for imaging a subject and generating an image file;
A position acquisition step of acquiring position information;
An association step of associating the position information acquired in the position acquisition step with the image file;
A receiving step of receiving an image file associated with position information from the external device;
A recording control step for controlling to record the image file generated in the imaging step and the image file received in the receiving step on a recording medium;
A control step of reading out an image file recorded on the recording medium and controlling to output an image corresponding to the image file to a display unit,
When the image file recorded on the recording medium is the image file received in the receiving step, the control step displays the position information associated with the image file recorded on the recording medium in the display unit Control not to output to
If the image file recorded on the recording medium is not the image file received in the receiving step, the control step displays position information associated with the image file recorded on the recording medium on the display unit. A control method for an imaging apparatus, wherein control is performed to output the image.   A computer-readable program that causes an imaging apparatus to function as each unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images