JP5724592B2 - Imaging apparatus, imaging data sharing system, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging data sharing system, and a program, and more specifically, selects moving image data to be shared from captured moving image data based on a predetermined condition, and selects moving image data The present invention relates to an imaging device, an imaging data sharing system, and a program that can be shared with other imaging devices.

  In recent years, with the development of communication technology and the spread of digital cameras, imaging data captured by a user with a digital camera or the like is transmitted to another user's PC (Personal Computer), digital camera, etc. via network communication, and a plurality of It is common to be shared between users. For example, with a digital camera or the like equipped with a network function by wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, a plurality of users capture the same landscape, for example, a wedding landscape, and each user captures each other on the spot. Things like data sharing are becoming commonplace.

  When an environment in which imaging data can be easily shared is set up in this way, next, there is a demand for more efficient sharing of imaging data. For example, the following techniques are available as a technique for meeting this demand.

  Patent Document 1 receives a request for transmission of imaging data from an external device, extracts time information indicating the date and time when the transmission request is received, or time information separately specified in the transmission request, and extracts these A technique relating to an imaging apparatus that transmits imaging data associated with the time information to an external apparatus that has requested transmission is disclosed.

  According to this imaging apparatus, a user can simply perform a predetermined operation at an instant when the user wants an image captured by another user who is present at the same imaging site, and the surrounding unspecified number of users. Of the image data captured by the image capturing apparatus, only those captured within a time range close to the timing of the predetermined operation are automatically selected and received, and the image data can be efficiently shared.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 obtains an object ID from image data captured by a user, and captures an image of an object corresponding to the ID from another user's image capturing apparatus capturing the same landscape. A technique related to an imaging apparatus capable of acquiring data is disclosed.

  According to this imaging apparatus, the user can automatically select and acquire imaging data of another imaging apparatus that is imaging the same subject as the subject that he / she is imaging. Sharing is possible.

JP 2009-171491 A JP 2010-199816 A

  Incidentally, when the image data shared via the network is moving image data, the data size is naturally much larger than that of still image data. Therefore, when moving image data is shared, there is a problem that transmission / reception between a plurality of imaging devices takes a long time compared to still image data. Further, there is a problem that the shared moving image data presses the capacity of the recording medium mounted on the imaging apparatus, and further, there is a problem that acquisition of new imaging data after sharing is limited.

  In addition, when the captured data is moving image data, unlike the case of still image data, the user cannot determine the contents at a glance. That is, there is a problem that the user cannot select a portion in which the desired subject is photographed in a desirable mode in the captured data unless the user reproduces the moving image data one by one and confirms the contents visually. .

  Here, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the shared imaging data is selected from the time information. However, if the shared imaging data is moving image data, the time information is considerable. Unless limited to a short time, the total amount of moving image data to be shared becomes extremely large. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes a long time to send and receive data, or the shared data presses the capacity of the recording medium of each person's camera, and the acquisition of new imaging data after sharing is restricted. Inferred. In addition, since the contents of the moving image data to be shared are not taken into account when sharing, the user can reproduce all the moving image data once to confirm the contents, and the desired subject is desirable. It can be inferred that a problem arises in that it is necessary to sort out the portion photographed in the above.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 2, although moving image data of a specific subject associated with an ID can be selected and only the moving image data can be a sharing target, Whether or not the subject is imaged in a desirable manner cannot be determined unless the user reproduces the moving image data one by one and confirms the contents. Further, even if the user desires to capture another subject while capturing a certain subject, the other subject cannot be associated with the ID. Therefore, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, even if another user is imaging the other subject and the user wants to share the imaging data of the other subject, the imaging data is shared. It is speculated that there may be a problem that it is not possible.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem. When moving image data captured by a plurality of users is shared, a desired subject is photographed in a desirable mode based on predetermined conditions set in advance. The moving image data of the selected part is selected as a sharing target, and the selected moving image data is shared with other imaging devices, thereby reducing the time required for sharing and reducing the pressure on the recording medium capacity. It is an object to provide an imaging apparatus, an imaging data sharing system, and a program that can perform the above.

  In addition, the present invention sorts moving image data of a portion in which a desired subject is photographed in a desirable mode based on a predetermined condition set in advance as a sharing target, so that imaging data that is unnecessary for the user in the first place is obtained. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus, an imaging data sharing system, and a program that can prevent the user from being a sharing target and can reduce the trouble of visually confirming such unnecessary imaging data.

According to the present invention, an imaging unit (100) that captures moving image data of a subject and a group that shares moving image data captured by the imaging unit (100) are formed between an external imaging device (2 or 3). A predetermined subject as a moving image data shared between the grouping unit (401) and the external imaging device (2 or 3) in the group formed by the grouping unit (401). Based on the condition set by the sharing condition setting unit (405) and the condition set by the sharing condition setting unit (405), the imaging unit (100) captures the image. A shared data sorting unit (406) that sorts the portion to be shared from the moving image data as shared moving image data, and the shared moving image data sorted by the shared data sorting unit (406) Transmission unit to be transmitted to the outside of the imaging device in the flop (2 or 3) and (310), the outside of the imaging device in the group the grouping unit (401) is formed (2 or 3) is subjected to imaging A determination unit (402) for determining whether or not the external imaging device (2 or 3) is not capturing an image, the shared data selection unit (402) 406) selecting a portion to be shared as shared moving image data from moving image data captured by the imaging unit (100) based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit (405). A characteristic imaging device (1) is provided.

  According to the imaging device (1) according to the present invention, when moving image data captured by a plurality of users is shared, the shared data selection unit (406) is based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit (405). It is possible to select moving image data to be shared from the captured subject image data or the like, and share the selected moving image data with other imaging devices. Therefore, the time required for sharing can be shortened and the compression of the capacity of the recording medium can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to prevent imaging data that is unnecessary for the user from becoming a sharing target in the first place, and it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to visually confirm such unnecessary imaging data.

  The imaging device (1) further includes, for example, moving image data captured by the user of the imaging device (1), even if the user of the external imaging device (2 or 3) is not capturing images during a break or the like. It can sort and transmit to the user of the external imaging device. Therefore, it is possible to omit time required for sharing unnecessary moving image data such as moving image data which has been picked up by a plurality of imaging devices. Further, it is possible to prevent these unnecessary moving image data from pressing the capacity of the recording medium. Alternatively, since the selected moving image data is shared among the non-overlapping moving image data, it is possible to further reduce the time and effort for the user to visually confirm unnecessary imaging data.

According to the present invention, an imaging unit (100) that captures moving image data of a subject and a group that shares moving image data captured by the imaging unit (100) are formed between an external imaging device (2 or 3). A predetermined subject as a moving image data shared between the grouping unit (401) and the external imaging device (2 or 3) in the group formed by the grouping unit (401). Based on the condition set by the sharing condition setting unit (405) and the condition set by the sharing condition setting unit (405), the imaging unit (100) captures the image. A shared data sorting unit (406) that sorts the portion to be shared from the moving image data as shared moving image data, and the shared moving image data sorted by the shared data sorting unit (406) The transmission unit (310) that transmits to the external imaging device (2 or 3) in the group and the external imaging device (2 or 3) in the group formed by the grouping unit (401) perform imaging. A determination unit (402) for determining whether or not the external imaging device (2 or 3) is capturing an image, the shared data selection unit (402) 406) selecting a portion to be shared as shared moving image data from moving image data captured by the imaging unit (100) based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit (405). A characteristic imaging device (1) is provided.

  With the configuration as described above, the imaging device (1) can further share moving image data of users of other imaging devices in the same time zone as the moving image data captured by the user of the imaging device (1). It can be. Therefore, it is possible to automatically select and obtain moving image data to be replaced with his / her own imaging data during editing after imaging, such as moving image data captured by other users better than himself / herself.

  The imaging apparatus (1) further includes a face detection unit (403) that detects face image data of a subject from moving image data captured by the imaging unit (100), and the sharing condition setting unit (405) The face image data detected by the face detection unit (403) is used as a condition for moving image data shared with the external imaging device (2 or 3) in the group formed by the grouping unit (401). You may do it.

  When the imaging apparatus (1) has the above configuration, imaging data obtained by imaging a person as a subject can be selected as a sharing target. Therefore, as with the user of the imaging device (1), there are various types as long as there is only one imaging data such as imaging data of the scene of the imaging site taken by the user of the other imaging device (2 or 3). It is possible to exclude unnecessary imaging data in advance and share only imaging data of persons who need imaging data of various angles.

  The imaging device (1) is stored in a storage unit (407) for storing face image data of a predetermined person, the face image data detected by the face detection unit (403), and the storage unit (407). The face image data is compared to determine whether the face image data detected by the face detection unit (403) is that of the predetermined person, and is that of the predetermined person. A face recognition unit (404) that recognizes that the subject of the moving image data captured by the imaging unit (100) belongs to a person whose face image data is stored in the storage unit (407). The sharing condition setting unit (405) includes the recognition result of the face recognition unit (404) with the external imaging device (2 or 3) in the group formed by the grouping unit (401). Moving image data shared between It may be used for other conditions.

  By configuring the imaging apparatus (1) as described above, it is possible to further select only imaging data obtained by imaging a specific person as a subject to be shared.

The present invention further relates to an imaging data sharing system including a first imaging device (1) and a second imaging device (2 or 3), wherein the first imaging device (1) is a moving image of a subject. An imaging unit (100) that captures data and a grouping unit (401) that forms a group that shares moving image data captured by the imaging unit (100) with the second imaging device (2 or 3). And a condition for selecting moving image data in which a predetermined subject is imaged in a predetermined manner as moving image data shared between the second imaging device (2 or 3) Based on the conditions set by the setting unit (405) and the sharing condition setting unit (405), the portion to be shared is selected as shared moving image data from the moving image data captured by the imaging unit (100). Shared data selection unit (4 6), whether the shared data selection unit (406) is the second imaging device transmitting section (310) for transmitting the shared video data sorted in the second image pickup apparatus is performing imaging comprising a determining unit (402), said second imaging device (2 or 3) is provided with a receiver which receives the sharing moving image data transmitted from said first image pickup device (1), When the determination unit (402) determines that the imaging is not performed, the shared data selection unit (406) determines the imaging unit (100) based on the condition set by the sharing condition setting unit (405). There is provided an imaging data sharing system which is characterized that you selected the interesting portions of the shared from the moving image data captured as a shared moving image data.

  According to the imaging data sharing system of the present invention, when moving image data captured by a plurality of users is shared, imaging is performed based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit (405) by the shared data selection unit (406). The moving image data to be shared can be selected from the subject image data and the like, and the selected moving image data can be shared with other imaging devices. Therefore, the time required for sharing can be shortened and the compression of the capacity of the recording medium can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to prevent imaging data that is unnecessary for the user from becoming a sharing target in the first place, and it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to visually confirm such unnecessary imaging data.

The imaging data sharing system further selects, for example, moving image data captured by the user of the imaging device (1) even if the user of the external imaging device (2 or 3) is not capturing images during a break or the like. Then, it can be transmitted to the user of the external imaging device. Therefore, it is possible to omit time required for sharing unnecessary moving image data such as moving image data which has been picked up by a plurality of imaging devices. Further, it is possible to prevent these unnecessary moving image data from pressing the capacity of the recording medium. Alternatively, since the selected moving image data is shared among the non-overlapping moving image data, it is possible to further reduce the time and effort for the user to visually confirm unnecessary imaging data.

The present invention further relates to an imaging data sharing system including a first imaging device (1) and a second imaging device (2 or 3), wherein the first imaging device (1) is a moving image of a subject. An imaging unit (100) that captures data and a grouping unit (401) that forms a group that shares moving image data captured by the imaging unit (100) with the second imaging device (2 or 3). And a condition for selecting moving image data in which a predetermined subject is imaged in a predetermined manner as moving image data shared between the second imaging device (2 or 3) Based on the conditions set by the setting unit (405) and the sharing condition setting unit (405), the portion to be shared is selected as shared moving image data from the moving image data captured by the imaging unit (100). Shared data selection unit (4 6), a transmission unit (310) that transmits the shared moving image data selected by the shared data selection unit (406) to the second imaging device, and whether or not the second imaging device is imaging. The second imaging device (2 or 3) includes a receiving unit that receives the shared moving image data transmitted from the first imaging device (1). When it is determined that the determination unit (402) is performing imaging, the shared data selection unit (406) is configured to perform the imaging unit (100) based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit (405). The image data sharing system is characterized in that the portion to be shared is selected as the shared moving image data from the moving image data captured by.

The imaging device (1) can further share moving image data of users of other imaging devices in the same time zone as the moving image data captured by the user of the imaging device (1). Therefore, it is possible to automatically select and obtain moving image data to be replaced with his / her own imaging data during editing after imaging, such as moving image data captured by other users better than himself / herself.

The present invention further includes causing an imaging unit to capture moving image data, forming a group sharing the moving image data captured by the imaging unit with an external imaging device, and forming the group in the formed group. As moving image data shared with an external imaging device, a condition for selecting moving image data in which a predetermined subject is imaged in a predetermined mode is set, and the imaging is performed based on the set condition. parts by selecting interesting portions of the shared from the moving image data obtained by imaging a shared moving image data, the outside of the imaging device in the group was the formation to determine whether performing image pickup, the If the outside of the imaging device is determined not to perform imaging, on the basis of the condition, selecting a portion of interest of the share as a share moving image data from the moving image data to which the imaging unit has captured So, to provide a program for executing processing of transmitting the shared video data obtained by the sorting in the outside of the imaging device in the group was the form to the computer.
In the present invention, the image capturing unit further captures moving image data, and a group that shares the moving image data captured by the image capturing unit is formed with an external image capturing device. As moving image data shared with the external imaging device, a condition for selecting moving image data in which a predetermined subject is imaged in a predetermined mode is set, and based on the set condition, from the moving image data obtained by imaging the imaging unit is selected portion of interest of the share as a share moving image data, the outside of the imaging device in the group was the formation to determine whether performing image pickup, when the outside of the imaging device is determined to be performed imaging, based on the conditions, to select the portion the imaging unit to be the shared from the moving image data captured as shared video data It is allowed to provide a program for executing processing of transmitting the shared video data obtained by the sorting in the outside of the imaging device in the group was the form to the computer.

  According to the program of the present invention, when moving image data captured by a plurality of users is shared, the imaged subject is captured based on the conditions set by the shared condition selection unit (405) by the shared data selection unit (406). Moving image data to be shared can be selected from image data and the like, and the selected moving image data can be shared with other imaging devices. Therefore, the time required for sharing can be shortened and the compression of the capacity of the recording medium can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to prevent imaging data that is unnecessary for the user from becoming a sharing target in the first place, and it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to visually confirm such unnecessary imaging data.

  According to the imaging apparatus, the imaging data sharing system, and the program according to the present invention, when sharing moving image data captured by a plurality of users, a desired subject is desirable based on a predetermined condition set in advance. Select the moving image data of the part shot with the camera as a sharing target, and share the selected moving image data with other imaging devices, thereby reducing the time required for sharing and reducing the pressure on the recording medium capacity. can do.

  In addition, according to the imaging apparatus, the imaging data sharing system, and the program according to the present invention, the moving image data of a portion in which a desired subject is photographed in a desirable mode based on a predetermined condition set in advance is set as a sharing target. By selecting, it is possible to prevent imaging data that is unnecessary for the user from becoming a sharing target in the first place, and it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to visually confirm such unnecessary imaging data.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of an imaging apparatus (digital video camera) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the imaging data sharing system which concerns on this embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the grouping process in which the imaging device 1 forms a group with another imaging device. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen which notifies a user of the other imaging device detected as an object of the grouping process of the imaging device. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen which notifies a user that the other imaging device detected as the object of the grouping process of the imaging device 1 did not exist. It is a figure which shows the example by which the face image data shared between several imaging devices was displayed. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a first shared moving image data selection process by the imaging apparatus 1; It is a figure which shows the display mode of each moving image data shared by the 1st shared moving image data selection process. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a second shared moving image data selection process by the imaging apparatus 1; It is a figure which shows the display mode of each moving image data shared by the 2nd shared moving image data selection process.

  Exemplary embodiments of an imaging apparatus, an imaging data sharing system, and a program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Specific numerical values, date and time, and the like shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated. To do.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of an imaging apparatus (digital video camera) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device 1 can capture a moving image and a still image. The present invention is not limited to digital still cameras such as so-called compact digital cameras, as long as it can capture moving images, mobile phones with cameras, PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. It can also be employed in other electronic devices.

  The central control unit 400 includes a semiconductor integrated circuit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various programs are stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area, and the like. An image display process, a recording process, a grouping process for forming a group with other imaging devices described later, and a selection process of moving image data to be shared are collectively controlled.

  The imaging apparatus 1 includes an imaging unit 100 including a zoom lens 101, a focus lens 102, a diaphragm 103, and an imaging element 104. The zoom lens 101 is moved along the optical axis LA by a zoom actuator (not shown). Similarly, the focus lens 102 moves along the optical axis LA by a focus actuator (not shown). The diaphragm 103 operates by being driven by a diaphragm actuator (not shown). The imaging element 104 is configured by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or the like.

  Imaging using the imaging apparatus 1 is performed according to the following procedure. The image sensor 104 photoelectrically converts light that has passed through the zoom lens 101, the focus lens 102, and the aperture 103 to generate an analog image signal of the subject. After the analog image signal processing unit 105 amplifies the analog image signal, the image A / D conversion unit 106 converts the amplified signal into digital image data. The image input controller 107 takes in digital image data output from the image A / D conversion unit 106 as imaging data and stores it in the main memory 206 via the bus 200.

  The digital signal processing unit 108 captures imaging data stored in the main memory 206 based on a command from the central control unit 400 via the bus 200, performs predetermined signal processing, and performs imaging that includes a luminance signal and a color difference signal. Generate data. The digital signal processing unit 108 also performs various digital corrections such as offset processing, white balance adjustment processing, gamma correction processing, RGB interpolation processing, noise reduction processing, contour correction processing, color tone correction processing, and light source type determination processing.

  The microphone 109 collects surrounding sounds at the time of imaging and generates an analog sound signal. After the analog audio signal processing unit 110 amplifies the analog audio signal, the audio A / D conversion unit 111 converts the amplified signal into digital audio data. The voice input controller 112 stores the digital voice data output from the voice A / D converter 111 in the main memory 206 together with the imaging data.

  The multiplexing unit 113 multiplexes the imaging data and digital audio data stored in the main memory 206 to generate stream data.

  The compression / decompression processing unit 201 performs predetermined compression processing on the stream data stored in the main memory 206 in accordance with an instruction from the central control unit 400 via the bus 200 to generate compressed data. Further, in accordance with a command from the central control unit 400, the compressed data stored in the card-type recording medium 302 or the like is subjected to decompression processing in a predetermined format to generate uncompressed data. Note that in the imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a compression method conforming to the JPEG standard is used for still images, and MPEG2 standard or AVC / H. A compression method conforming to the H.264 standard is adopted.

  The sound / image processing unit 202 performs predetermined image processing on the digital data read from the main memory 206 in accordance with instructions from the central control unit 400 via the bus 200, and various menu images from data recorded in advance in the ROM 203. Or generate. For example, image data for various processes such as a menu image and an OSD image is generated, and the image data is superimposed on the original image data read from the main memory 206 and output to the liquid crystal monitor 304. With this output, the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 304 is a combination of various image data.

  The ROM 203 is connected to the central control unit 400 via the bus 200 and stores a control program executed by the central control unit 400 and various data necessary for control. The flash ROM 204 stores various setting information related to the operation of the imaging apparatus 1, such as user setting information.

  A VRAM (Video RAM) 205 is used as a temporary storage area for image data for display on the liquid crystal monitor 304 or the like. The main memory 206 is used as a temporary storage area for various image data and audio data, and is also used as a calculation work area for the central control unit 400. The main memory 206 is configured by a storage medium such as an EEPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), a nonvolatile RAM, a flash memory, or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The media control unit 207 controls data writing to and data reading from the card-type recording medium 302 through the card I / F 301 in accordance with instructions from the central control unit 400. As the card-type recording medium 302, an SD (Secure Digital) memory card that can be attached to and detached from the imaging apparatus 1 is used. However, instead of the card-type recording medium, another recording medium such as a DVD, a BD (Blu-ray Disc), or a flash memory is used, or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) built in the image pickup apparatus 1 is used. It goes without saying that you can do it.

  The gyro sensor 208 detects changes in triaxial acceleration and angular velocity of the imaging apparatus 1 during imaging, and is used for camera shake detection, camera shake amount calculation, camera shake correction, and the like performed by the camera shake correction unit 210. The clock 209 generates information about the acquisition date and time of imaging data, and is used to synchronize time information with other imaging devices during moving image data sharing processing to be described later.

  The liquid crystal monitor 304, the speaker 305, the operation unit 306, and the input / output terminal 307 are connected to the input / output I / F 303. The liquid crystal monitor 304 displays images generated from various image data such as image data and various menu image data temporarily recorded in the VRAM 205 or the main memory 206, for example. The speaker 305 outputs sound temporarily recorded in the main memory 205 or the card type recording medium 302, for example.

  The operation unit 306 includes an operation key including a relay switch and a power switch (not shown), a cross key, a joystick, a touch panel superimposed on the liquid crystal monitor 304, and the like. Accept. The input / output terminal 307 is connected to a television monitor (not shown), a PC (Personal Computer), or the like. The input / output terminal 307 can be composed of a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) terminal, a universal serial bus (USB) terminal, various output terminals conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard, and the like.

  The representative image generation unit 308 generates still image data representing the moving image data with respect to the moving image data recorded in the main memory 206 or the card-type recording medium 302, and generates various thumbnail images and the like.

  The wireless communicator 310 uses the bus 200 and the wireless I / F 309 to perform grouping information and group release information in a grouping process for forming a group with another imaging device described later, and a face image recorded in the face image DB 407. The information, the moving image data to be shared, and the information related to the conditions of the moving image data to be shared are transmitted / received to / from other imaging devices by wireless communication. Wireless communication such as various information and data is performed by a method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the imaging data sharing system according to the present embodiment using a wireless communication network system via the wireless module 310 of the imaging apparatus 1.

In FIG. 2A, the imaging device 1 can wirelessly communicate with an imaging device (digital video camera) 2 and an imaging device (digital still camera) 3 which are external devices, and each imaging device images a subject A. doing. Each imaging apparatus shares the moving image data of the subject A with each other.

  In FIG. 2B, each imaging device is also capable of wireless communication. The imaging device 1 and the imaging device 3 image the subject A, and the imaging device 2 images the subject B. According to the imaging apparatus 1 (and the imaging apparatus 2 and the imaging apparatus 3) according to the present embodiment, moving image data obtained by imaging different subjects at different positions is set by condition setting in the grouping process described later. They can also be shared with each other. Accordingly, the moving image data of the subject A captured by the imaging device 1, the moving image data of the subject B captured by the imaging device 2, and the moving image data of the subject A captured by the imaging device 3 can be shared.

  The imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3 have the same basic configuration as the imaging device 1, and the various types of information are transmitted / received and shared via a wireless module included in each imaging device. These devices each store common wireless connection information, and a connection operation between the devices is performed based on the wireless connection information.

The central control unit 400 also performs grouping in a grouping process (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “grouping process”) that forms a group that shares moving image data with other imaging devices, which will be described in detail below. It functions as the conversion unit 401.
Furthermore, in the processing of sharing moving image data between grouped imaging devices (hereinafter referred to as “group imaging processing”), which will be described in detail below, the determination unit 402, the face detection unit 403, and face recognition. Functions as a unit 404, a sharing condition setting unit 405, and a shared data selection unit 406.

  In the grouping process, the grouping unit 401 first includes other imaging devices that can be grouped within a predetermined range around the imaging device 1, for example, within a range of about 30 meters in radius around the imaging device 1. Grouping information for searching whether or not the wireless module 310 exists. Then, it is confirmed that the grouping information transmitted (returned) from the other imaging device that has received the grouping information is received from the wireless module 310, and the imaging device 1 and the other imaging device are grouped. Specify that you can.

  The determination unit 402 determines whether another imaging device grouped with the imaging device 1 by the grouping unit 401 is capturing a moving image. Specifically, the wireless module 310 receives information indicating that the other grouped imaging devices have turned on the recording button and information that the recording button has been turned off, and whether the other imaging devices are imaging from the reception result. Determine whether or not.

  In response to an instruction from the central control unit 400, the face detection unit 403 detects human face image data from moving image data temporarily stored in the main memory 206. Detection of face image data is performed by calculating a feature amount from the contour of the entire face image data or data of face components such as eyes, mouth, nose, and ears by a known method, and performing template matching based on the feature amount. . Alternatively, area data close to the skin color may be detected, and the area may be detected as the face image data area.

  The face recognition unit 404 compares the feature amount of face image data of a predetermined person recorded in advance in the face image DB 407 with the feature amount of face image data detected by the face detection unit 403 from the moving image data. When the feature amount of the face image data detected by the face detection unit matches the feature amount recorded in the face image DB 407 within a predetermined range, the face recognition unit 404 determines that the detected face image data is It is recognized as a person having face image data registered in the face image DB.

  The sharing condition setting unit 405 sets conditions for moving image data in which the imaging device 1 shares other grouped imaging devices, that is, transmits and receives each other. For example, the sharing condition setting unit 405 limits the moving image data that the imaging device 1 transmits to another imaging device or the moving image data that is received from another imaging device to those obtained by capturing a predetermined person. Only the moving image data in which the size of the face image made up of the detected face image data is equal to or larger than a predetermined size is transmitted to or received from another imaging device, or the camera shake correction unit 210 of the gyro sensor 208 A condition is set such that only moving image data in which the amount of camera shake calculated from the output result is within a predetermined range is transmitted to another image capturing apparatus or received from another image capturing apparatus.

  Based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit 405, the shared data sorting unit 406 sorts the moving image data of the portion to be shared to be transmitted to another imaging device from the moving image data stored in the main memory 206. . The selection by the shared data selection unit 406 stores information indicating the start and end points of the selected portion in the moving image data in a file (may be a hidden file) different from the moving image data. This is performed in conjunction with the moving image data via the header. Alternatively, the information indicating the start point and the end point of the selected portion in the moving image data may be stored in the same file as the moving image data, and linked to the moving image data via the moving image data header.

<Grouping process>
A grouping process (method) in which the imaging apparatus 1 forms a group that shares moving image data with other imaging apparatuses will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. For ease of explanation and understanding, the following will be described by taking the imaging device 2 or the imaging device 3 illustrated in FIG. 2 as an example to be grouped with the imaging device 1. The number and type of imaging devices are not limited to this.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for describing grouping processing in which the imaging device 1 forms a group with another imaging device. When the user presses a button (not shown) of the operation unit 306, the grouping unit 401 searches for another imaging device that can be grouped within a predetermined range around the imaging device 1. (Step S101). In this search, the grouping unit 401 transmits grouping information from the wireless module 310 within a predetermined range, for example, a radius of about 30 meters centered on the imaging device 1, receives the grouping information, This is done by determining whether there is another imaging device that returns grouping information to the wireless module 310.

  When the grouping unit 401 detects other imaging devices that can be grouped (YES in step S102), a list of other imaging devices detected on the liquid crystal monitor 304 is displayed (step S103). The list of detected imaging devices is displayed in a manner illustrated in FIG. 4, for example. FIG. 4 shows that the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3 that are within a predetermined range around the imaging device 1 are detected and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 304.

  The sound / image processing unit 202 detects the image G41 that prompts the user to select a grouping device from the detected imaging devices, the image G42 indicating that the imaging device 2 has been detected, and the imaging device 3 A list image G40 is generated by combining the image G43 indicating the effect and the image G44 or G45 indicating the user's selection, and the liquid crystal monitor 304 displays the list image G40.

  Here, the image G42 indicating that the imaging device 2 has been detected or the image G43 indicating that the imaging device 3 has been detected may be configured of information unique to each imaging device, such as a model number. The user name may be configured by user information individually registered in the user's own imaging device. In FIG. 2, “imaging device 2” or “imaging device 3” is described for ease of explanation and understanding.

  The user selects an imaging device to be grouped from the imaging devices displayed in the list. The user makes this selection by pressing a touch panel (not shown) of the operation unit 306 or operating a cursor button (not shown). The imaging device selected from the list is displayed in such a manner that an imaging device that has not been selected can be distinguished, for example, by superimposing a check image G46 as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows a display mode when the user selects the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3 has not yet been selected.

  When the user completes the selection of the imaging devices to be grouped (YES in step S105), the grouping unit 401 identifies the imaging devices to be grouped (step S106). In the following description after step S107, the case where the user selects the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3 will be described as an example for ease of explanation and understanding. However, it goes without saying that the same processing can be performed between the imaging devices even when the user selects only the imaging device 2 or the imaging device 3.

  On the other hand, when the grouping unit 401 does not detect other imaging devices that can be grouped (NO in step S102), the liquid crystal monitor 304 cannot detect other imaging devices that can be grouped. A message is displayed (step S104). This effect is displayed, for example, in the manner illustrated in FIG.

  The sound / image processing unit 202 generates an image G50 including an image G51 indicating that other imaging devices that can be grouped cannot be detected, and the liquid crystal monitor 304 displays the image G51. And this grouping process is complete | finished.

  In step S106, when other imaging devices to be grouped are specified, time information is shared among all the imaging devices of the group including the imaging device 1 in order to synchronize the time stamp of the moving image data. (Step S107). The time stamp synchronization is based on the time information of one imaging device in the group, for example, the clock 209 of the imaging device 1, and the time information of the clocks of the other imaging devices in the group, that is, the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3. Is the same as that of the imaging apparatus 1. The basic time information is shared by the grouping unit 401 transmitting and receiving each other via a wireless module included in each imaging apparatus.

  Next, the feature amount of the face image data recorded in advance in the face image DB by each imaging device in the group is transmitted / received to / from each other via the wireless module (step S108). The sharing condition setting unit 405 sets detection of shared face image data as a condition for sharing moving image data with another imaging device. Thereby, for example, before performing the grouping process, the imaging device 1 can acquire and store the feature amount of the human face image data recorded only by the imaging device 2. If the person is included in the moving image data captured by the imaging apparatus 1, the moving image data of the portion including the person is selected as moving image data to be shared with the imaging apparatus 2. It becomes possible.

  Therefore, for example, when the user of the imaging device 2 wants to simultaneously capture another subject at a distant place, the user of the imaging device 2 captures one subject and the user of the imaging device 1 captures the other subject. It is possible to cooperate such as shooting and sharing each moving image data.

  Note that when the feature amount of the face image data is shared, the user of the imaging apparatus 1 records the face image DB 407 by pressing a touch panel (not shown) of the operation unit 306 or operating a cursor button or the like. It is also possible to select a feature amount of face image data to be shared with another imaging device from among feature amounts of all face image data, and share only those related to the selection. The same applies to other imaging devices, that is, the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3.

  As described above, by sharing only the feature amount of the selected face image data with another imaging device, it is possible to prevent the face image data of a person that some users do not want to share from being shared. it can. In addition, even if the moving image data of a specific person is moving image data useful for other users, if the moving image data is unnecessary for the user, the moving image data becomes a target of sharing. This can be prevented in advance.

  The user further selects, from among the shared face image data, moving image data captured by his / her own imaging device, and used to select moving image data to be shared with other imaging devices. Can also be designated (step S109). The designation process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows the face image data of the person A recorded in the face image DB 407 of the image pickup apparatus 1, the face image data of the person B recorded in the face image registration DB of the image pickup apparatus 2, and the face image of the image pickup apparatus 3. Schematically, the face image data of the person C recorded in the registration DB is shared between the imaging devices 1 to 3 in the group and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 304 of the imaging device 1 as described above. It is a representation.

  The sound / image processing unit 202 displays a display G61 for prompting the user to select face image data used for selecting imaging data to be shared, a face image G62 of the person A, a face image G63 of the person B, and a person A selection image G60 is generated by combining the C face image G64, and the liquid crystal monitor 304 displays the selection image G60.

  The user selects all face images or at least one face image from the face images G62, G63, and G64 by pressing a touch panel (not shown) of the operation unit 306 or operating a cursor button (not shown). The face image data to be used for selecting moving image data to be shared with other imaging devices is designated.

  When the user of the imaging device 1 designates only the face image G62 of the person A, moving image data in which the user has captured the person A and the face image of the person A detected is the imaging device. 2 and the image capturing apparatus 3. Thus, for example, when the user captures the person A having the face image data recorded only by his / her own imaging device, the other user has not recorded the face image data before step S108. However, when it is desired to share the moving image data of the person A, the moving image data can be shared.

  When the user of the imaging apparatus 1 designates only the face image G63 of the person B, the moving image data in which the user has captured the person B and the face image of the person B detected is the imaging apparatus. 2 and the image capturing apparatus 3. Thus, for example, the user who wants the moving image data of the person B is the user of the imaging apparatus 2 who has registered the face image data of the person B in advance, but the person B is separated from the place at the time of imaging. When it is impossible for the person B to pick up the image of the person B as he / she does, the user of the image pickup apparatus 1 picks up the person B and uses the moving image data as a sharing target so that the image pickup apparatus 2 The user can be imaged, that is, linked imaging can be performed. The same applies to the case where the user of the imaging apparatus 1 designates only the face image G64 of the person C.

  When the user of the imaging device 1 designates all of the face image G62 of the person A, the face image G63 of the person B, and the face image G64 of the person C, the moving image data capturing those persons, Those whose face images of those persons are detected are to be shared with the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3. Thereby, for example, the user of the imaging apparatus 1 captures the person most easily photographed according to the situation of each person such as the position of each person, and other users also capture images in the same manner, and the moving image data of each user is captured. By sharing, it is possible to efficiently divide and perform group imaging.

  Returning to FIG. 3, it is used to select moving image data that is captured by the user's own imaging device and is to be shared with other imaging devices from among the facial image data shared by the user. When the face image data is designated (YES in step S109), the sharing condition setting unit 405 detects the feature amount of the designated face image data among the feature amounts of the face image data shared in step S108. This is set as a condition for sharing moving image data with the apparatus (step S110).

  Further, in addition to the above-described conditions related to face image detection, the user can also specify conditions used for sharing moving image data with other imaging devices (step S111). Similarly, when face image data to be used for selecting moving image data to be shared with other imaging devices is not designated (NO in step S111), other imaging other than the conditions relating to face image detection is performed. A condition used for sharing moving image data with the apparatus can be designated (step S111).

  The designated condition is not particularly limited as long as it can be an index that the user wants to share. For example, the size of the face image based on the face image data detected by the face detection unit 403, and the camera shake correction unit 210 calculate The amount of camera shake that has occurred is used.

(Set conditions related to face image size)
For example, in a situation where the user of the imaging device cannot move freely around the imaging site or when a subject moves around, such as when photographing a wedding ceremony or athletic meet, there are situations where the user wants to take an image. However, there are cases where the subject is located far from the subject and the subject can only be imaged small. In such a case, the user may not want to share the moving image data of another user who can only capture the subject in the same manner, but the video of another user who has captured the subject large It is speculated that image data sharing is desired.

  Therefore, the user operates the operation unit 306 to share only the moving image data in which the size of the face image based on the face image data detected by the face detection unit 403 is within a predetermined range with other imaging devices. Specify the condition to be targeted. The size range may be specified by inputting a numerical value desired by the user, such as 20% to 70% of the full screen size, or by actually displaying a face image on the LCD monitor 304, The face image may be specified by enlarging or reducing the face image by operating a touch panel (not shown).

(Setting conditions based on camera shake)
Even if it is moving image data that captures a subject that another user wants to share, even if it is subject to sharing, moving image data with a large amount of camera shake may not be used in editing operations that are performed later It is guessed. Therefore, a condition is specified that only moving image data in which the amount of camera shake calculated by the camera shake correction unit 210 is equal to or less than a predetermined size is to be shared with other imaging devices. The designation of the size is performed by, for example, expressing the camera shake level expressed in stages, and selecting a level used by the user for sharing. In other words, the level 1 indicates that there is almost no camera shake, the level 5 indicates that the camera shake is severe, and the user can only share moving image data that falls under the level 3 or lower. And so on.

  When the user specifies a condition to be used for sharing moving image data with other imaging devices in addition to the condition related to face image detection (YES in step S111), the sharing condition setting unit 405 sets the specified condition to This is set as a condition for sharing moving image data with other imaging devices (step S112).

  When the sharing condition setting unit 405 sets the specified condition in step S112, the sharing condition setting unit 405 considers each step so far, and finally selects the moving image data to be shared with other imaging devices. General conditions are set (step S113). The same applies to the case where the user does not specify a condition to be used for sharing moving image data with other imaging devices other than the condition related to face image detection (NO in step S111). And the imaging device 1 complete | finishes this grouping process.

  In addition, after finishing the sharing process of moving image data to be described later and sharing by transmission / reception of the moving image data selected in the selection process, the imaging devices belonging to the group mutually share group release information regarding group release. The group is canceled by transmitting and receiving.

<Selection of shared video data>
Next, a process (method) in which the imaging apparatus 1 selects moving image data shared with other imaging apparatuses that form a group by the grouping process based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit 405. Will be described. As for the selection process of the moving image data to be shared, the first shared moving image data selection process based only on the set condition, and the second shared moving image based on the set condition and the imaging state of another imaging device Two processing modes of data selection processing will be described below. Similar to the above description of the grouping process, the following will be described by taking the imaging apparatus 2 or the imaging apparatus 3 illustrated in FIG. 2 as an example to be grouped with the imaging apparatus 1. However, the number and types of imaging devices to be used are not limited to this.

(First shared moving image data selection process)
The first shared moving image data selection process based only on the conditions set in the sharing condition setting unit 405 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the first shared moving image data selection process by the imaging apparatus 1.

  When the user presses a recording button (not shown) on the operation unit 306, moving image data is captured through the imaging unit 100 (step S201). When moving image data is captured in step S201, the moving image data is stored in the main memory 206 (step S202).

  When the moving image data is stored in step S202, the shared data sorting unit 406 stores the moving image data stored in the main memory 206 based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit 405 in the grouping process described above. Then, it is determined whether or not the moving image data is a sharing target to be transmitted to another imaging apparatus (step S203).

  That is, when the users of the imaging device 1, the imaging device 2, and the imaging device 3 set only the detection of the face image related to the face image data shared during the grouping process as a condition, the face detection unit 403 It is determined that the moving image data of the part in which the feature amount of the face image data that is shared is detected is moving image data that the imaging device 1 transmits to the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3.

  When specific face image data is specified from the shared face image data and the detection of the face image related to the specified face image data is further set as a condition, the face detection unit 403 specifies the specified face image. It is determined that the moving image data of the part where the feature amount of the data is detected is moving image data transmitted from the imaging device 1 to the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3.

  Further, when the size of the face image data related to the shared face image data or the designated face image data is set as a condition, the face detection unit 403 detects the face image data related to the share or designation, and the face It is determined that the moving image data in which the size of the face image related to the image data falls within the specified size range is moving image data transmitted from the imaging device 1 to the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3.

  If the camera shake amount is set as a condition, the moving image data that falls within the specified camera shake amount in addition to the above is the moving image data that the imaging device 1 transmits to the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3. Judgment is made.

  When the shared data sorting unit 406 determines that the moving image data stored in the main memory 206 is moving image data to be shared to be transmitted to another imaging apparatus (YES in step S203), the shared data sorting is performed. The unit 406 selects the determined portion of the moving image data as a target to be transmitted to another imaging device (step S204). In other words, the shared data sorting unit 406 starts a point that is determined to be a sharing target in step S203 in the moving image data in a file different from the moving image data (hereinafter referred to as “shared portion sorting file”). And information indicating the end point are stored. This shared location selection file is temporarily stored in the main memory 206.

  In step S204, the shared data selection unit 406 selects moving image data of a portion to be shared, or the shared data selection unit 406 determines that the moving image data is not a sharing target to be transmitted to another imaging device ( When the user completes the imaging by releasing a recording button (not shown) of the operation unit 306 or the like, the selection process of the shared moving image data is completed along with the completion of the imaging process. If the user continues to press a recording button (not shown) of the operation unit 306 (NO in step S205), the process returns to step S201 and repeats each step.

  As described above, a moving image data file is generated each time the user presses (turns on) a recording button (not shown) of the operation unit 306 and releases (turns off) the recording button. Then, if there is a part to be shared to be transmitted to another imaging device in the generated moving image data file, the shared part selection file storing the information of the start point and end point of the part, At least one is generated per file of moving image data.

  Then, the shared data selection unit 406 associates the moving image data file to be shared (hereinafter referred to as “shared moving image data file”) from the original moving image data file by the shared location selection file. Cut out and generate at a location.

  The user of the imaging device 1 wirelessly transmits these shared moving image data files at the timing indicated with the users of other imaging devices, for example, the timing after an imaging event such as a wedding ceremony or athletic meet is completed, or the timing of a break. The data is transmitted to another imaging apparatus via the module 310 and shared with the user of the other imaging apparatus.

  Alternatively, the determination unit 402 determines whether another imaging device grouped with the imaging device 1 by the grouping unit 401 is capturing a moving image, and an imaging device that is determined not to be capturing is determined. When the image capturing apparatus 1 is present and the image capturing apparatus 1 is not capturing an image, the central control unit 400 automatically transmits the shared moving image data file to the image capturing apparatus that is not capturing the image via the wireless module 310. Also good. Wireless communication between imaging devices has a heavy battery consumption load and communication processing load. As described above, by automatically transmitting or receiving, it is possible to suppress battery consumption and to suppress the occurrence of adverse effects on other processing such as imaging processing due to the load of communication processing.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 1, a shared moving image data file can be generated by the first shared moving image data selection process, and the shared moving image data file can be shared with other imaging apparatuses. Therefore, it is possible to select moving image data to be shared from the captured moving image data and share the selected moving image data with other imaging devices.

  Therefore, time required for sharing unnecessary moving image data can be omitted. Further, unnecessary moving image data can be prevented from pressing the capacity of the recording medium. Furthermore, since moving image data selected from subject information such as a face image is shared, it is possible for the user to save time and effort for visually checking unnecessary imaging data during editing after imaging. it can.

(Each video data display mode shared by the first shared video data selection process)
Next, the imaging device 1 receives the moving image data selected by the same processing as the first shared moving image data selection process by the other imaging device, and combines the moving image data captured by the imaging device 1 itself. A display image in the case of displaying will be described with reference to FIG. For example, the display image is used when the user of the imaging apparatus 1 confirms each moving image data captured and shared after imaging, or when performing editing using each moving image data. The In the following description, the case of displaying on the liquid crystal monitor 304 will be described as an example, but the display can also be performed on an external display device connected via the input / output terminal 307.

  In FIG. 8, the imaging device 1 receives the shared moving image data file generated by the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3 based on the first shared moving image data selection process from each imaging device, and converts them into the shared moving image data file. The moving image data is an example of a display image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 304 together with moving image data captured by the imaging apparatus 1 itself.

  The audio image processing unit 202 generates images PD81a, PD81b, and PD81c representing moving image data captured by the imaging device 1, and an image G81 indicating that the moving image data is captured by the imaging device 1. Also, images TG81a, TG81b, and TG81c are generated that indicate the date and time information when the moving image data related to the PD81a, PD81b, and PD81c is generated.

  The TG 81a indicates that the moving image data related to the PD 81a is captured from 13:00:05 on April 28, 2011 (Thursday) to 13:04:05. Similarly, the moving image data related to PD 81b is from 13:05:10 to 13:11:10 on Thursday, April 28, 2011, and the TG 81c is moving image data related to PD 81c. It represents that the image was taken from 13:13:20 to 13:15:20 on Thursday, 28th of March.

  The sound / image processing unit 202 generates an image PD 82 a representing moving image data related to the shared moving image data file received from the imaging device 2, and an image G 82 representing that the image PD 82 a has been captured by the imaging device 2. Similarly, the sound / image processing unit 202 generates images PD83a and PD83b representing moving image data related to the shared moving image data file received from the imaging device 3, and an image G83 representing that they are captured by the imaging device 3. To do.

  For the image representing each moving image data, the representative image generating unit 308 generates an image representing each moving image data as a thumbnail image at a predetermined time (every 2 minutes in the example of FIG. 8) by a known method, It is represented using the generated thumbnail image. Thereby, the user can discriminate | determine and compare the content of the captured moving image data and the moving image data received from the other user at a glance.

  The sound / image generation unit 202 generates a display image G80 obtained by combining the above-described images and displays it on the liquid crystal monitor 304. Note that the display mode illustrated in FIG. 8 is merely an example. For example, for the image PD 82a representing the moving image data captured by the imaging device 2, an image indicating the captured date and time is generated and displayed together. May be.

  Each moving image data imaged by the imaging devices 1 to 3 is displayed in chronological order along the time information shared at the time of grouping. With this display mode, the user of the imaging device 1 can easily compare the moving image data captured by the user with the moving image data captured by another user (the user of the imaging device 2 or the imaging device 3). .

  For example, the user of the imaging device 1 is imaging the subject A from 13:00:05 to 13:04:05, while the user of the imaging device 3 is away from the subject A in substantially the same time zone. Suppose that the subject B in the camera is imaged and the moving image data of the subject B is shared. An image PD83a indicating the moving image data of the subject B is displayed side by side with the PD81a. As a result, when the user of the imaging apparatus 1 performs editing work, for example, when he / she was near the subject A, he / she took the subject A, but what he really wanted was the moving image data of the subject B, etc. It becomes easy to make a decision such as replacing the moving image data related to the PD 81a and the moving image data related to the PD 83a.

  Further, for example, while the user of the imaging device 1 is imaging the subject A from 13:05:10 to 13:11:05, the user of the imaging device 2 also images the subject A in substantially the same time zone. It is assumed that the moving image data is shared by the imaging device 1. An image PD82a indicating the shared moving image data is displayed side by side with the PD81b. As a result, the user of the imaging device 1 can only capture the back and profile of the subject A in the moving image data captured by the user, but the moving image data received from the imaging device 2 can capture the subject A from the front. This makes it possible to make a determination such as replacing part of the moving image data related to the image PD 82a and moving image data related to the image PD 81b.

  Further, for example, while the user of the imaging device 1 is imaging the subject A from 13:13:20 to 13:15:20, the user of the imaging device 2 and the user of the imaging device 3 in substantially the same time zone. Are imaging the subject A, and the moving image data is shared by the imaging device 1. An image PD81C related to moving image data captured by the imaging device 1, an image PD82a related to moving image data captured by the imaging device 2, and an image PD83b related to moving image data captured by the imaging device 3 are displayed side by side.

  As a result, the user of the imaging apparatus 1 can compare the three images, determine the moving image data that has been best captured among the three, and take measures such as adopting it during editing work. . That is, in the moving image data related to the image PD81c far from the subject A at the time of imaging, the subject A is small and only the side face can be imaged, so that the moving image data related to the image PD83b received from the imaging device 3 is adopted. Can be taken.

  As described above, according to the imaging device 1, the moving image data selected by the first shared moving image data selection process is shared with other imaging devices, and the moving image data of the imaging device 1 is temporally related. Displayed in association with. Therefore, the user can grasp the moving image data of the other imaging device shared with his / her moving image data, and further select from the moving image data selected and shared during the editing work or the like. Thus, it is possible to more easily determine which moving image data is used.

(Second shared moving image data selection process)
A second shared moving image data selection process based on the set conditions and the imaging state of another imaging apparatus will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the second shared moving image data selection process by the imaging apparatus 1.

  When the user presses a recording button (not shown) on the operation unit 306, moving image data is captured through the imaging unit 100 (step S301). When moving image data is captured in step S301, the moving image data is stored in the main memory 206 (step S302).

  When the moving image data is stored in step S202, the determination unit 402 determines whether another imaging device grouped with the imaging device 1 by the grouping unit 401 is capturing a moving image (step S303). ). Specifically, the wireless module 310 receives information indicating that another grouped imaging device, that is, the imaging device 2 or the imaging device 3 has turned the recording button on and the information that the recording button has been turned off, and the reception result. From this, it is determined whether or not another imaging device is imaging.

  If the determination unit 402 determines that another imaging device is capturing an image (YES in step S303), the shared data selection unit 406 does not select the sharing target from the moving image data stored in the main memory 206, and the imaging device. 1 continues imaging.

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 402 determines that another imaging device is not capturing an image (NO in step S303), the shared data selection unit 406 is set by the sharing condition setting unit 405 during the above-described grouping process. Based on the condition, it is determined whether the moving image data stored in the main memory 206 is moving image data to be shared to be transmitted to another imaging device (step S304).

  As described above, by determining whether or not to share moving image data based on the imaging state of another imaging device, the user of the imaging device 1 can be a user of another imaging device, that is, the imaging device 2 or the imaging device 3. The data captured by the user can be selected for sharing during a time period when the user is not capturing images. Therefore, for example, even when the user of the imaging device 2 or the imaging device 3 stops taking an image and takes a break, the necessary moving image data captured by the user of the imaging device 1 is automatically shared. Can be acquired.

  Note that the shared data selection unit 406 determines whether it is moving image data to be shared in the same manner as described in step S203 of FIG. That is, when the users of the imaging device 1, the imaging device 2, and the imaging device 3 set only the detection of the face image related to the face image data shared during the grouping process as a condition, the face detection unit 403 It is determined that the moving image data of the part in which the feature amount of the face image data that is shared is detected is moving image data that the imaging device 1 transmits to the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3.

  When specific face image data is specified from the shared face image data and the detection of the face image related to the specified face image data is further set as a condition, the face detection unit 403 specifies the specified face image. It is determined that the moving image data of the part where the feature amount of the data is detected is moving image data transmitted from the imaging device 1 to the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3.

  Further, when the size of the face image data related to the shared face image data or the designated face image data is set as a condition, the face detection unit 403 detects the face image data related to the share or designation, and the face It is determined that the moving image data in which the size of the face image related to the image data falls within the specified size range is moving image data transmitted from the imaging device 1 to the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3.

  If the camera shake amount is set as a condition, the moving image data that falls within the specified camera shake amount in addition to the above is the moving image data that the imaging device 1 transmits to the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3. Judgment is made.

  When the shared data sorting unit 406 determines that the moving image data stored in the main memory 206 is moving image data to be shared to be transmitted to another imaging device (YES in step S304), the shared data sorting is performed. The unit 406 selects the determined moving image data as a target to be transmitted to another imaging device (step S305). That is, the shared data selection unit 406 stores information indicating the start point and the end point of the part determined to be shared in step S304 in the moving image data in the shared part selection file. This other file is temporarily stored in the main memory 206.

  In step S303, the determination unit 402 determines that another imaging device is imaging (YES in step S303), and in step S305, the shared data selection unit 406 selects or shares moving image data to be shared. The data selection unit 406 determines that the moving image data is not a sharing target to be transmitted to another imaging device (NO in step S304), and the user completes imaging by releasing a recording button (not shown) of the operation unit 306, for example. Then (YES in step S306), along with the end of the imaging process, the selection process of the shared moving image data ends. If the user continues to press a recording button (not shown) on the operation unit 306 (NO in step S306), the process returns to step S301 and repeats each step.

  As described above, a moving image data file is generated each time the user presses (turns on) a recording button (not shown) of the operation unit 306 and releases (turns off) the recording button. If there is a part to be shared to be transmitted to the other imaging device in the moving image data file generated in a time zone when the other imaging device is not imaging, the start point of the part At least one shared location selection file storing end point information is generated for each moving image data file.

  Then, the shared data sorting unit 406 generates a shared moving image data file by cutting out the shared moving image data file from the original moving image data file at the location associated by the shared location sorting file.

  The user of the imaging device 1 wirelessly transmits these shared moving image data files at the timing indicated with the users of other imaging devices, for example, the timing after an imaging event such as a wedding ceremony or athletic meet is completed, or the timing of a break. The data is transmitted to another imaging apparatus via the module 310 and shared with the user of the other imaging apparatus.

  Alternatively, the determination unit 402 determines whether another imaging device grouped with the imaging device 1 by the grouping unit 401 is capturing a moving image, and an imaging device that is determined not to be capturing is determined. When the image capturing apparatus 1 is present and the image capturing apparatus 1 is not capturing an image, the central control unit 400 automatically transmits the shared moving image data file to the image capturing apparatus that is not capturing the image via the wireless module 310. Also good. Wireless communication between imaging devices has a heavy battery consumption load and communication processing load. As described above, by automatically transmitting or receiving, it is possible to suppress battery consumption and to suppress the occurrence of adverse effects on other processing such as imaging processing due to the load of communication processing.

  As described above, according to the imaging device 1, a shared moving image data file is generated by considering whether another imaging device is capturing an image by the second shared moving image data selection process, and the shared moving image Data files can be shared with other imaging devices. Therefore, it is possible to select moving image data to be shared from moving image data in a time zone that was not captured by another imaging device, and to share the selected moving image data with another imaging device.

  Therefore, it is possible to omit time required for sharing unnecessary moving image data such as moving image data which has been picked up by a plurality of imaging devices. Further, it is possible to prevent these unnecessary moving image data from pressing the capacity of the recording medium. Furthermore, since moving image data selected from subject information such as a face image is shared, it is possible for the user to save time and effort for visually checking unnecessary imaging data during editing after imaging. it can.

(Each video data display mode shared by the second shared video data selection process)
Next, the image capturing apparatus 1 receives the moving image data selected by the other image capturing apparatus by the same process as the second shared moving image data selecting process, and combines the moving image data captured by the image capturing apparatus 1 itself. A display image for display will be described with reference to FIG. For example, the display image is used when the user of the imaging apparatus 1 confirms each moving image data captured and shared after imaging, or when performing editing using each moving image data. The In the following description, the case of displaying on the liquid crystal monitor 304 will be described as an example, but the display can also be performed on an external display device connected via the input / output terminal 307.

  In FIG. 10, the imaging device 1 receives the shared moving image data file generated by the imaging device 2 and the imaging device 3 based on the second shared moving image data selection process from each imaging device, and converts them into the shared moving image data file. The moving image data is an example of a display image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 304 together with moving image data captured by the imaging apparatus 1 itself.

  The sound / image processing unit 202 generates images PD101a and PD101b representing moving image data captured by the imaging device 1, and an image G101 indicating that the moving image data is captured by the imaging device 1. Also, images TG101a and TG101b indicating the date and time information when the moving image data relating to each of the PD101a and PD101b is generated are generated.

  The TG 101a represents that the moving image data related to the PD 101a was captured from 14:00:05 on Thursday, April 28, 2011 to 14:06:05. Similarly, TG 101b represents that the moving image data related to PD 101b was captured from 14:08:05 on Thursday, April 28, 2011 to 14:12:05.

  The sound / image processing unit 202 generates an image PD102 representing moving image data related to the shared moving image data file received from the imaging device 2, and an image G102 representing that the imaging device 2 has captured the image PD102. Similarly, the audio / image processing unit 202 generates an image PD 103 representing moving image data related to the shared moving image data file received from the imaging device 3 and an image G103 representing that the imaging device 3 has captured the image PD 103.

  For the image representing each moving image data, the representative image generation unit 408 generates an image representing each moving image data as a thumbnail image at a predetermined time (every 2 minutes in the example of FIG. 10) by a known method, It is represented using the generated thumbnail image. Thereby, the user can discriminate | determine and compare the content of the captured moving image data and the moving image data received from the other user at a glance.

  The sound / image generation unit generates a display image G100 obtained by combining the images and displays the display image G100 on the liquid crystal monitor 304. Note that the display mode illustrated in FIG. 10 is merely an example. For example, for the image PD 102 representing the moving image data captured by the imaging device 2, an image indicating the captured date and time may be generated and displayed together. Good.

  Each moving image data imaged by the imaging devices 1 to 3 is displayed in chronological order along the time information shared at the time of grouping. With this display mode, the user of the imaging device 1 can easily compare the moving image data captured by the user with the moving image data captured by another user (the user of the imaging device 2 or the imaging device 3). .

  As described above, in the second shared moving image data selection process, the imaging state of another imaging device is considered for sharing of moving image data. Therefore, for example, even if the user of the imaging apparatus 1 misses the shutter chance that existed in a certain time zone for reasons such as taking a break from the shooting site or failing to capture the image, If the captured moving image data captured by the imaging device satisfies a predetermined condition, the moving image data is shared and displayed in chronological order along the time information shared at the time of grouping.

  Thereby, it is possible to automatically share moving image data of other users that satisfy a predetermined condition in a time zone when the user of the imaging device 1 was not capturing an image. In this case, it is possible to easily find moving image data missed at the time, and to edit each moving image data more easily.

  In FIG. 10, the moving image data of the subject A captured by the user of the imaging device 2 and the imaging between 14:06:06 and 14:08:04 when the user of the imaging device 1 did not capture the image. The moving image data of the subject B imaged by the user of the apparatus 3 is shared and displayed side by side as PD102 and PD103, respectively.

  Therefore, for example, the user of the imaging device 1 can edit the image PD 103 captured by the imaging device 2 in the time zone from 14:06:06 to 14:08:04 which he missed during editing. It is easy to make a determination such as adding such moving image data to moving image data of another subject A captured by the user, for example, the image PD 101a or PD 101b.

  Further, for example, the user of the imaging apparatus 1 captures the shutter chance of the subject B in the time zone from 14:06:06 to 14:08:04 when he / she did not take an image during editing. It is also possible to easily determine whether to incorporate the moving image data related to the image PD 103 by the imaging device 3 into the editing data.

  As described above, according to the imaging device 1, the moving image data selected by the second shared moving image data selection process is shared with other imaging devices, and the moving image data of the imaging device 1 is temporally related. Displayed in association with. Therefore, the user can grasp the moving image data of other shared image capturing devices in association with his / her moving image data in the time zone when he / she did not take an image, and was selected at the time of editing work, etc. It is possible to more easily determine which moving image data is to be adopted from each moving image data.

  In the above example, when the determination unit 402 is not capturing an image from another imaging device, the captured moving image data is a target to be shared. Conversely, the determination unit 402 is also capturing another image capturing unit. If it is determined that there is, the captured moving image data may be the target of sharing.

  With this configuration, editing work such as moving image data that other users have captured better than their own, with moving image data of other users in the same time zone as the moving image data captured by themselves It is possible to automatically select and acquire moving image data to be replaced at the time.

1, 2, 3 Imaging device 100 Imaging unit 202 Audio / image processing unit 206 Main memory 208 Gyro sensor 209 Clock 210 Camera shake correction unit 301 Card I / F
302 Card type recording medium 303 Input / output I / F
304 LCD Monitor 306 Operation Unit 307 Input / Output Terminal 308 Representative Image Generation Unit 309 Wireless I / F
310 wireless module 400 central control unit 401 grouping unit 402 determination unit 403 face detection unit 404 face recognition unit 405 sharing condition setting unit 406 shared data selection unit 407 face image DB

Claims (8)

An imaging unit that captures moving image data of a subject;
A grouping unit that forms a group that shares moving image data captured by the imaging unit with an external imaging device;
Sharing for setting a condition for selecting moving image data in which a predetermined subject is imaged in a predetermined manner as moving image data shared with the external imaging device in the group formed by the grouping unit A condition setting section;
Based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit, a shared data sorting unit that sorts the portion to be shared as shared moving image data from the moving image data captured by the imaging unit;
Whether the shared moving image data selected by the shared data selection unit is transmitting to the external imaging device in the group and whether the external imaging device in the group formed by the grouping unit is imaging A determination unit for determining whether or not
When the determination unit determines that the external imaging apparatus is not capturing an image, the shared data selection unit is configured to detect the moving image data captured by the imaging unit based on a condition set by the sharing condition setting unit. The image pickup apparatus is characterized in that the portion to be shared is selected as shared moving image data. An imaging unit that captures moving image data of a subject;
A grouping unit that forms a group that shares moving image data captured by the imaging unit with an external imaging device;
Sharing for setting a condition for selecting moving image data in which a predetermined subject is imaged in a predetermined manner as moving image data shared with the external imaging device in the group formed by the grouping unit A condition setting section;
Based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit, a shared data sorting unit that sorts the portion to be shared as shared moving image data from the moving image data captured by the imaging unit;
Whether the shared moving image data selected by the shared data selection unit is transmitting to the external imaging device in the group and whether the external imaging device in the group formed by the grouping unit is imaging A determination unit that determines whether or not the shared data selection unit is based on a condition set by the sharing condition setting unit when the determination unit determines that the external imaging device is capturing an image. An imaging apparatus, wherein the portion to be shared is selected as shared moving image data from moving image data captured by the imaging unit. A face detection unit for detecting face image data of a subject from moving image data captured by the imaging unit;
The sharing condition setting unit uses the face image data detected by the face detection unit as a condition of moving image data shared with the external imaging device in the group formed by the grouping unit. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2. A storage unit for storing face image data of a predetermined person;
The face image data detected by the face detection unit is compared with the face image data stored in the storage unit, and whether the face image data detected by the face detection unit is that of the predetermined person And the subject of the moving image data captured by the imaging unit is recognized as that of a person whose face image data is stored in the storage unit And a face recognition unit that
The sharing condition setting unit uses a recognition result of the face recognition unit as a condition of moving image data shared with the external imaging device in the group formed by the grouping unit. Item 4. The imaging device according to Item 3. An imaging data sharing system including a first imaging device and a second imaging device,
The first imaging device includes:
An imaging unit that captures moving image data of a subject;
A grouping unit that forms a group that shares moving image data captured by the imaging unit with the second imaging device;
A sharing condition setting unit that sets a condition for selecting moving image data in which a predetermined subject is imaged in a predetermined manner as moving image data shared with the second imaging device;
Based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit, a shared data sorting unit that sorts the portion to be shared as shared moving image data from the moving image data captured by the imaging unit;
A transmission unit that transmits the shared moving image data selected by the shared data selection unit to the second imaging device;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the second imaging device is imaging,
The second imaging device includes a reception unit that receives the shared moving image data transmitted from the first imaging device, and the shared data selection unit when the determination unit determines that imaging is not performed. The imaging data sharing system, wherein, based on the condition set by the sharing condition setting unit, the portion to be shared is selected as shared moving image data from the moving image data captured by the imaging unit. An imaging data sharing system including a first imaging device and a second imaging device,
The first imaging device includes:
An imaging unit that captures moving image data of a subject;
A grouping unit that forms a group that shares moving image data captured by the imaging unit with the second imaging device;
A sharing condition setting unit that sets a condition for selecting moving image data in which a predetermined subject is imaged in a predetermined manner as moving image data shared with the second imaging device;
Based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit, a shared data sorting unit that sorts the portion to be shared as shared moving image data from the moving image data captured by the imaging unit;
A transmission unit that transmits the shared moving image data selected by the shared data selection unit to the second imaging device, and a determination unit that determines whether or not the second imaging device is imaging,
The second imaging device includes a receiving unit that receives the shared moving image data transmitted from the first imaging device. When the determination unit determines that imaging is performed, the shared data selection unit The imaging data sharing system characterized in that, based on the conditions set by the sharing condition setting unit, the portion to be shared is selected as shared moving image data from the moving image data captured by the imaging unit. Let the imaging unit capture moving image data,
A group for sharing moving image data captured by the imaging unit is formed with an external imaging device,
As moving image data shared with the external imaging device in the formed group, a condition for selecting moving image data in which a predetermined subject is imaged in a predetermined mode is set,
Based on the set condition, the portion to be shared is selected as shared moving image data from moving image data captured by the imaging unit,
To determine whether performing imaging the outside of the imaging device in the group obtained by the formation,
When said external imaging apparatus is determined not to perform imaging, based on the condition, the imaging unit is selecting interesting portions of the shared from the moving image data captured as a shared moving image data,
A program for causing a computer to execute processing for transmitting the selected shared moving image data to the external imaging device in the formed group. Let the imaging unit capture moving image data,
A group for sharing moving image data captured by the imaging unit is formed with an external imaging device,
As moving image data shared with the external imaging device in the formed group, a condition for selecting moving image data in which a predetermined subject is imaged in a predetermined mode is set,
Based on the set condition, the portion to be shared is selected as shared moving image data from moving image data captured by the imaging unit,
When the outside of the imaging device in the group was the formation to determine whether performing image pickup, the outside of the imaging device is determined to be performed imaging, based on the condition, the imaging unit Selecting the portion to be shared as moving image data from moving image data captured by
A program for causing a computer to execute processing for transmitting the selected shared moving image data to the external imaging device in the formed group.

Images