JP2010130039A - Information classifying system and information classifying method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a system user to recognize as to where a desired subject is photographed. <P>SOLUTION: An information classifying system 100 includes a plurality of image capturing apparatus 1; and a server 2 connected to the image capturing apparatus via a predetermined communication network N. The information classifying system executes processing of acquiring position information of the position of a subject when captured by the image capturing apparatus and main subject information of a main subject of the subject captured by the image capturing apparatus; processing for collecting imaging information including the position information and the main subject information; and processing for classifying the imaging information for each of predetermined kinds of subjects so that the main subject information and the position information may be associated with each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information classification system and an information classification method in which an imaging device and a server are connected to a communication network.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an information collection / distribution system that collects imaging information including information indicating the position of an imaging device at the time of image capturing via a communication network and distributes the collected imaging information via the communication network is known ( For example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-112255 A

  However, since only information indicating the imaging position can be obtained from the imaging information in Patent Document 1, even if the system user requests delivery of information other than the imaging position, such information is distributed on the system side. I couldn't.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information classification system and an information classification method that allow a system user to easily recognize where a desired subject is photographed.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an information classification system according to the first aspect of the invention provides:
An information classification system comprising: an imaging device; and a server connected to the imaging device via a predetermined communication network, the positional information for acquiring positional information related to a position when the subject is imaged by the imaging device Acquired by an acquisition means, subject information acquisition means for acquiring main subject information relating to the main subject of the subject imaged by the imaging device, and the position information and the subject information acquisition means acquired by the position information acquisition means. An information collecting unit that collects imaging information including the main subject information; and classifying the imaging information collected by the information collecting unit in association with the main subject information and the position information for each predetermined type of subject. And a classification means.

The invention according to claim 2 is the information classification system according to claim 1,
The imaging apparatus further includes subject specifying means for specifying a main subject of the imaged subject, and the subject information acquiring means acquires the main subject information based on the main subject specified by the subject specifying means. It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 3 is the information classification system according to claim 1,
The imaging apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores a plurality of imaging modes with different imaging conditions; and a setting unit that sets any one of the plurality of imaging modes stored in the storage unit. In addition, the subject information acquisition unit specifies and acquires main subject information related to the subject based on the imaging mode set by the setting unit when the subject is imaged by the imaging device. It is a feature.

The invention according to claim 4 is the information classification system according to claim 1,
The subject information acquisition means is provided in the imaging device, and is characterized by specifying and acquiring main subject information relating to the subject based on imaging conditions when the subject is imaged by the imaging device.

The invention according to claim 5 is the information classification system according to claim 1,
The imaging apparatus identifies a type of subject based on the main subject information acquired by the subject information acquisition unit, and groups the imaging information for each type of subject, and the grouping Transmitting means for transmitting the imaging information grouped by means for each type of the subject, and the information collecting means is provided in the server and the imaging information transmitted from the transmitting means is It is characterized by collecting for each type of subject.

The invention according to claim 6 is the information classification system according to claim 1,
Candidate information storage means for storing subject candidate information in which date / time and location are associated with subject candidates, date / time information acquisition means for acquiring date / time information related to the date / time at the time of imaging by the imaging device, and date / time information acquisition means The main subject information is estimated by estimating the main subject from the subject candidates based on the date and time information and the position information obtained by the above and the date and location of the subject candidate information stored in the candidate information storage means. And a subject estimation means to be generated.

The invention according to claim 7 is the information classification system according to claim 1,
The subject information acquisition means acquires image information generated by imaging by the imaging device as the main subject information, and the server adds the image information as the main subject information collected by the information collection means. The apparatus further includes a related information specifying unit that estimates the main subject and specifies subject related information related to the main subject.

The invention according to claim 8 is the information classification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The information processing device further comprises information distribution means for distributing the imaging information classified by the classification means for each predetermined type of subject via the communication network.

The invention according to claim 9 is the information classification system according to claim 8,
The apparatus further includes a display device connected to the server via a predetermined communication network, and the information distribution unit distributes the imaging information to the display device.

The invention according to claim 10 is the information classification system according to claim 8 or 9,
The information distribution unit distributes the imaging information to the imaging device, and the imaging device captures the subject based on a predetermined type of subject related to the imaging information distributed from the information distribution unit. It is further characterized by further comprising imaging condition setting means for setting imaging conditions.

The information classification method of the invention described in claim 11 is:
An information classification method using an information classification system comprising: an imaging device; and a server connected to the imaging device via a predetermined communication network, the position relating to a position when an object is imaged by the imaging device A step of acquiring information, a step of acquiring main subject information relating to a main subject of the subject imaged by the imaging device, a step of collecting imaging information including the acquired position information and the main subject information, And classifying the collected imaging information in association with the main subject information and the position information for each predetermined type of subject.

  According to the present invention, a system user can easily recognize where a desired subject is shot based on main subject information and position information.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of an information classification system 100 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
The information classification system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of imaging devices 1,..., And a server 2 connected to the imaging devices 1,... Via a predetermined communication network N. The server 2 acquires the position information related to the position at the time of imaging and the main subject information related to the main subject, and the server 2 collects the imaging information including the position information and the main subject information, and sets the imaging information for each predetermined type of subject. The main subject information and position information are associated with each other and classified.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the information classification system 100 includes a plurality of imaging devices 1,..., A server 2, a terminal 3, a plurality of mobile communication terminals 4,. And a relay station 6 and a communication network N.

First, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the imaging apparatus 1.
Each of the plurality of imaging devices 1 is, for example, a digital camera. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the imaging unit 101, the image processing unit 102, the recording medium 103, and the display unit 104. A GPS antenna 105, a position detection unit 106, a communication antenna 107, a communication control unit 108, an operation input unit 109, a time measuring unit 110, a storage unit 111, and a control unit 112.

  The imaging unit 101 captures a subject and generates image data as an imaging unit. Specifically, the imaging unit 101 includes an imaging lens unit, an electronic imaging unit, an imaging processing unit, and the like, although not illustrated.

  The imaging lens unit includes, for example, a plurality of lenses and includes a zoom lens, a focus lens, and the like. Although not shown, the imaging lens unit includes a zoom drive unit that moves the zoom lens in the optical axis direction and a focus drive unit that moves the focus lens in the optical axis direction when imaging a subject. Yes.

  The electronic imaging unit is composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor), or the like, and converts a subject image that has passed through various lenses of the imaging lens unit into a two-dimensional image signal.

Although not shown, the imaging processing unit includes, for example, a timing generator and a vertical driver. The imaging processing unit scans and drives the electronic imaging unit with a timing generator and a vertical driver, converts the subject image into a two-dimensional image signal with the electronic imaging unit every predetermined period, and captures the imaging area of the electronic imaging unit Image frames are read out for each screen and output to the image processing unit 102.
The imaging processing unit performs control of AE (automatic exposure processing), AF (automatic focusing processing), AWB (automatic white balance), and the like.

The image processing unit 102 performs image quality adjustment processing, resolution conversion processing, image compression processing, and the like based on the image frame transferred from the imaging processing unit, and generates display image data and recording image data. Specifically, the image processing unit 102 appropriately adjusts the gain for each RGB color component with respect to the analog value signal of the image frame transferred from the imaging processing unit, and then performs sample holding by a sample hold circuit (not shown). Then, after converting into digital data by an A / D converter (not shown) and performing color process processing including pixel interpolation processing and γ correction processing in a color process circuit (not shown), a digital luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr are generated.
The luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit are DMA-transferred to a buffer memory (not shown) of the storage unit 111 via a DMA controller (not shown).

Further, the image processing unit 102 performs subject specifying processing for specifying a main subject such as “person”, “flower”, “landscape”, etc. in the captured subject under the control of the CPU of the control unit 112. .
A known method can be applied to the subject specifying process. Specifically, the image processing unit 102 detects main subject specifying data from the subject image data, and stores the main subject specifying data and a main subject database (not shown) of the storage unit 111. The main subject is identified as a main subject, and the name of the main subject is acquired. Note that the method for specifying the main subject is not limited to the above-described method, and any known method may be applied.
Here, the image processing unit 102 and the control unit 112 constitute subject specifying means for specifying a main subject.

  The recording medium 103 is composed of, for example, a nonvolatile memory (flash memory) or the like, and stores recording image data of a captured image encoded by a JPEG compression unit (not shown) of the image processing unit 102.

The display unit 104 reads display data temporarily stored in the storage unit 111 and displays an image generated by the imaging unit on the display screen.
Specifically, the display unit 104 includes a VRAM, a VRAM controller, a digital video encoder, and the like (not shown). Then, the digital video encoder reads the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr read from the storage unit 111 and stored in the VRAM (not shown) under the control of the control unit 112 via the VRAM controller. Are periodically read out to generate a video signal based on these data. The display unit 104 displays a predetermined image or the like on the display screen based on the video signal. For example, in the imaging mode, the display unit 104 displays a live view image based on a plurality of image frames generated by imaging an object by the electronic imaging unit, or displays a REC view image captured as a main captured image. To do.

  Further, the display unit 104 displays content related to imaging information distributed from the server 2 via the communication network N. Here, the imaging device 1 functions as a display device connected to the server 2 via a predetermined communication network N.

  The GPS antenna 105 receives GPS signals (for example, almanac (rough orbit information) and ephemeris (detailed orbit information)) transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites launched into a low earth orbit, and positions the GPS signals. The data is output to the detection unit 106.

The position detection unit 106 measures the absolute two-dimensional current position (latitude, longitude) of the imaging apparatus 1 based on the GPS signal output from the GPS antenna 105, and acquires position information related to the position.
Further, the position detection unit 106 acquires position information related to the position of the imaging device 1 when the subject is imaged, based on the GPS signal output from the GPS antenna 105 when the subject is imaged.
Here, the GPS antenna 105 and the position detector 106 constitute position information acquisition means.

  The communication antenna 107 is a communication system (for example, W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) system, CDMA2000 system, PHS (Personal Handyphone System), etc.) employed by the imaging apparatus 1 for communication with the relay station 6. An antenna that can transmit and receive data.

The communication control unit 108 transmits imaging information including the position information acquired by the position detection unit 106 and main subject information acquired in subject information acquisition processing (described later) to the relay station 6 via the communication antenna 107. On the other hand, various information distributed from the server 2 is received via the relay station 6.
In addition, the communication control unit 108 transmits imaging information grouped for each predetermined type of subject by the grouping process to the relay station 6 via the communication antenna 107.
Here, the communication control unit 108 constitutes a transmission unit that transmits the imaging information grouped by the grouping process for each type of subject.

  The operation input unit 109 is for performing a predetermined operation of the imaging apparatus 1. Specifically, although not shown, the operation input unit 109 selects a shutter button related to a subject shooting instruction, a menu button related to a menu screen display instruction related to function selection or display setting, an operation mode selection, and the like. A selection determination button related to the determination instruction, a zoom button related to the zoom amount adjustment instruction, and the like are provided, and a predetermined operation signal is output to the control unit 112 in accordance with the operation of these buttons.

In addition, the selection determination button of the operation input unit 109 is, for example, “person”, “sunset”, “fireworks”, “fireworks” on the mode selection screen displayed on the display unit 104 based on a predetermined operation of the menu button by the user. An instruction to set any one of a plurality of imaging modes such as “autumn leaves” and “flowers” is input. Then, a predetermined setting signal is output to the control unit 112 according to the operation of the operation input unit 109.
The control unit 112 sets a user-desired imaging mode among a plurality of imaging modes stored in a mode table T1 (described later) according to the input setting signal.
Here, the operation input unit 109 and the control unit 112 constitute a setting unit that sets any one of a plurality of imaging modes.

  Although not shown, the timer unit 110 includes a timer, a timer circuit, and the like, and measures time and date.

  The control unit 112 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each unit of the imaging device 1. Specifically, the control unit 112 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the imaging apparatus 1 stored in the storage unit 111.

The storage unit 111 temporarily stores data processed by the control unit 112 and stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the control unit 112. That is, the storage unit 111 functions as a buffer memory that temporarily stores data and a program memory that stores various programs and data.
This program includes a subject information acquisition processing routine, a subject identification control processing routine, a grouping processing routine, and an imaging information transmission control processing routine which will be described later. Here, the routine is a series of instructions that constitute a part of a computer program and have a certain function.

The subject information acquisition processing routine is a program portion for causing the control unit 112 to function as subject information acquisition means. That is, the subject information acquisition processing routine includes a group of instructions for causing the CPU of the control unit 112 to implement a function related to subject information acquisition processing for acquiring main subject information related to the main subject of the subject imaged by the imaging device 1. Including.
Specifically, the subject information acquisition processing routine allows the CPU to perform main subject information such as the name of the main subject and information related to the main subject based on the main subject specified by the subject specifying process by the image processing unit 102. To get. Further, the CPU is defined in the imaging mode based on the imaging mode set based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 109 by the user when the imaging device 1 captures an object. Based on exposure conditions such as shutter speed, aperture, or gain (gain), and imaging conditions such as white balance, the main subject is identified and main subject information such as the name of the main subject and information related to the main subject is acquired. .

  The subject specifying control processing routine includes a group of instructions for causing the CPU of the control unit 112 to realize a function related to processing for causing the image processing unit 102 to specify the main subject of the captured subject.

  The grouping processing routine is a program part for causing the control unit 112 to function as grouping means. That is, the grouping processing routine specifies the type of subject (for example, “flower”, “person”, etc.) based on the main subject information acquired in the subject information acquisition processing, and positions for each subject type. It includes a command group for causing the CPU of the control unit 112 to realize a function related to a grouping process for grouping imaging information including information and main subject information.

  The imaging information transmission control processing routine obtains imaging information including the position information acquired by the position detection unit 106 and the main subject information acquired in the subject information acquisition process from the communication control unit 108 via the communication antenna 107. A command group for causing the CPU of the control unit 112 to realize a function related to processing to be transmitted to the control unit 112 is included.

In addition, the storage unit 111 stores a mode table T1 related to setting of a plurality of imaging modes for a subject.
The mode table T1 stores, for example, a plurality of imaging modes in which the imaging conditions of the subject such as exposure conditions (shutter speed, aperture, amplification factor (gain), etc.), white balance, zoom lens position, and the like are respectively defined. is there.
Here, the memory | storage part 111 comprises the memory | storage means which memorize | stores the several imaging mode from which the imaging conditions of a to-be-photographed object differ.

Next, the configuration of the server 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the server 2.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the server 2 includes a communication unit 201, an imaging information database 202, a counter 203, a map information database 204, a content creation unit 205, a storage unit 206, and a control unit 207.

  The communication unit 201 includes, for example, a router and connects the server 2 and the communication network N. And the communication part 201 receives the various information transmitted from the terminal 3, the imaging device 1, the mobile communication terminal 4, and the portable information terminal 5 via the communication network N. Specifically, the communication unit 201 receives imaging information including position information and main subject information transmitted from the imaging device 1.

In addition, the communication unit 201 transmits the content created by the content creation unit 205 to the imaging device 1, the terminal 3, the mobile communication terminal 4, and the portable information terminal 5 via the communication network N. Specifically, the communication unit 201 creates the content created by the content creation unit 205 based on the imaging information classified for each predetermined type of subject in the imaging information database 202, that is, the imaging information for each predetermined type of subject. Is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 1, the terminal 3, the mobile communication terminal 4, and the portable information terminal 5 via the communication network N.
Here, the communication unit 201 constitutes an information distribution unit that distributes imaging information for each predetermined type of subject via the communication network N.

The imaging information database 202 is configured from a storage device such as a hard disk device, for example, and is a database that accumulates imaging information received by the communication unit 201 according to a predetermined rule under the control of the control unit 207.
Specifically, the imaging information database 202 collects imaging information including position information and main subject information transmitted from the imaging apparatus 1 and received by the communication unit 201 under the control of the CPU of the control unit 207. In addition, when the imaging information including the position information and main subject information received by the communication unit 201 is grouped in the grouping process, the imaging information database 202 stores the grouped imaging information of a predetermined type. Collect for each subject. Here, the imaging information database 202 and the control unit 207 constitute information collecting means for collecting imaging information including position information and main subject information.
Then, under the control of the CPU of the control unit 207, the imaging information database 202 classifies and accumulates the collected imaging information in association with main subject information and position information for each predetermined type of subject. Here, the imaging information database 202 and the control unit 207 constitute classification means for classifying imaging information in association with main subject information and position information for each predetermined type of subject.

  The counter 203 counts the number of main subject information received by the communication unit 201 and collected in the imaging information database 202.

  The map information database 204 stores at least information such as place names and building names in the map image of the information collection and delivery service available range according to the present embodiment in association with position information (information indicating latitude and longitude). Yes.

  The content creation unit 205 can communicate via the communication network N when distributing the imaging information collected by the server 2 to the imaging device 1, the terminal 3, the mobile communication terminal 4, the portable information terminal 5, and the like. And it is for creating the content which consists of a web page of the predetermined format suitable for the receiving form of each terminal. Specifically, the content creation unit 205 creates various contents in a file format such as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), Compact HTML, and WML (Wireless Markup Language) based on the imaging information.

  The control unit 207 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each unit of the server 2. Specifically, the control unit 207 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the server 2 stored in the storage unit 206.

The storage unit 206 temporarily stores data processed by the control unit 207, and stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the control unit 207. That is, the storage unit 206 functions as a buffer memory that temporarily stores data and a program memory that stores various programs and data.
This program includes an information collection control processing routine and a classification control processing routine which will be described later.

  The information collection control processing routine causes the CPU of the control unit 207 to realize a function related to information collection processing that causes the imaging information database 202 to collect imaging information including position information and main subject information acquired by the imaging apparatus 1. Includes instructions.

  The classification control processing routine includes a function related to the classification processing for classifying the imaging information collected in the imaging information database 202 in the information collection processing in association with main subject information and position information for each predetermined type of subject. A group of instructions to be realized by the CPU.

Next, the terminal 3 will be described.
The terminal 3 is an information terminal composed of a computer such as a personal computer, for example. The terminal 3 is connected to the communication network N via a communication device such as a modem.
The terminal 3 also includes a display unit (not shown) that displays content related to imaging information distributed from the server 2 via the communication network N. Here, the terminal 3 constitutes a display device.

Next, the mobile communication terminal 4 will be described.
The mobile communication terminal 4 is a mobile station used in a mobile communication network such as a mobile phone or a PHS. The mobile communication terminal 4 is connected to a public network (not shown) or a communication network N via the relay station 6 and performs voice communication and data communication.
In addition, the mobile communication terminal 4 includes a display unit (not shown) that displays content related to imaging information distributed from the server 2 via the communication network N. Here, the mobile communication terminal 4 constitutes a display device.

Next, the portable information terminal 5 will be described.
The portable information terminal 5 is, for example, a PDA (Personal Data Assistants) or the like, and can perform data communication by connecting to the communication network N in cooperation with the mobile communication terminal 4 or the like.
The mobile information terminal 5 may be provided with the communication function of the mobile communication terminal 4 to enable data communication with the mobile information terminal 5 alone.

  In addition, the portable information terminal 5 includes a display unit (not shown) that displays content related to imaging information distributed from the server 2 via the communication network N. Here, the portable information terminal 5 constitutes a display device.

Next, the communication network N will be described.
The communication network N is, for example, the Internet, and connects the server 2, the relay station 6, and the terminal 3. The communication network N is a communication line constructed using a dedicated line or an existing general public line, and various line forms such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and a WAN (Wide Area Network) are applied. Can do. The communication network N includes, for example, a telephone line network, an IP network, a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) gateway, an Internet service provider, and the like.
In the present embodiment, the Internet is used as the communication network N. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily changed as long as it is a communication line capable of communicating various types of information.

Next, the relay station 6 will be described.
The relay station 6 is, for example, a relay station 6 of a mobile communication carrier such as a mobile phone or PHS. The relay station 6 is connected to the communication network N and is wirelessly connected to the imaging device 1 and the mobile communication terminal 4.

Next, imaging information acquisition processing according to the information classification method by the information classification system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the imaging information acquisition process.

The imaging information acquisition process is a process executed when the imaging information acquisition mode is selected on the menu screen based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 109 by the user.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the imaging apparatus 1, first, the control unit 112 controls the imaging processing unit based on a predetermined operation of the shutter button of the operation input unit 109 by the user. A process of adjusting the balance and causing the electronic imaging unit to capture an image as a subject is performed (step S1). If any of the imaging modes is set at this time, shooting is performed under various imaging conditions defined in the imaging mode. Thereby, the imaging processing unit reads an image frame from the imaging area of the electronic imaging unit and outputs the image frame to the image processing unit 102.

  Next, the position detection unit 106 relates to the position of the imaging device 1 when imaging the subject based on GPS signals transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites and received by the GPS antenna 105 when imaging the subject. Position information is acquired (step S2).

  Then, the CPU of the control unit 112 performs subject information acquisition processing for acquiring main subject information related to the main subject of the subject imaged by the imaging device 1 by the subject information acquisition processing routine (step S3). Specifically, the CPU acquires main subject information such as the name of the main subject and information related to the main subject based on the main subject specified by the subject specifying process by the image processing unit 102, or captures the subject. If any of the imaging modes is set at this time, the main subject is identified from the imaging mode, and main subject information such as the name of the main subject and information related to the main subject is acquired.

  Next, the recording medium 103 records the recording image data of the captured image encoded by the JPEG compression unit (not shown) of the image processing unit 102 (step S4).

Then, the CPU of the control unit 112 transmits the imaging information including the position information acquired by the position detection unit 106 and the main subject information acquired in the subject information acquisition process by the imaging information transmission control processing routine. Is transmitted to the relay station 6 via the communication antenna 107 (step S5).
Note that the imaging information may include information related to the imaging date and time measured by the timing unit 110 and may be transmitted from the communication control unit 108.
In the grouping process, when imaging information including position information and main subject information is grouped for each type of subject, the communication control unit 108 converts the grouped imaging information to a predetermined type of subject. Every time, the data is transmitted to the relay station 6 via the communication antenna 107.

  On the other hand, in the server 2, the communication unit 201 receives imaging information including position information and subject information transmitted from the communication control unit 108 of the imaging apparatus 1 via the communication antenna 107, the relay station 6, and the communication network N. Receive (step S6).

Next, the CPU of the control unit 207 performs an information collection process in which the imaging information database 202 collects imaging information including position information and main subject information received by the communication unit 201 by an information collection control processing routine (step S7). ). At this time, the counter 203 counts the number of main subject information collected in the imaging information database 202.
When the imaging information is grouped by the grouping process, the imaging information database 202 collects the grouped imaging information for each predetermined type of subject.

Then, the CPU of the control unit 207 classifies the imaging information collected in the imaging information database 202 in the information collection process in association with the main subject information and the position information for each predetermined type of subject through a classification control processing routine. Classification processing is performed (step S8). Specifically, the CPU searches the map information database 204 for a place name, a building name, and the like based on the position information, and associates the place name, the building name, etc. with the name of the main subject for each type of subject. Classify. For example, when “sakura” as the main subject is imaged in a predetermined area (for example, “Ueno Park”) in “Tokyo” Tokyo, the name “sakura” of the main subject and the area “Tokyo” or the predetermined area “Ueno” “Park” is classified and classified.
Thereby, the imaging information acquisition process is terminated.

Next, imaging information distribution processing according to the information classification method by the information classification system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the imaging information distribution process. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams schematically illustrating an example of a screen related to a distribution request displayed on the imaging apparatus 1, and FIG. 7 illustrates distribution displayed on the imaging apparatus 1. It is a figure which shows an example of a screen typically.
In the imaging information distribution process of the present embodiment, various types of imaging information are distributed from the server 2 to the imaging device 1 (display device). However, the distribution destination is not limited to this. For example, The terminal 3, the mobile communication terminal 4, the portable information terminal 5, etc. may be sufficient.

The imaging information distribution process is a process executed when an imaging information distribution mode is selected on the menu screen based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 109 by the user.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the imaging apparatus 1, first, the control unit 112 designates a user-desired main subject related to a delivery request for imaging information based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 109 by the user. Processing is performed (step S21). Specifically, on the subject designation screen G1 (see FIG. 6A) displayed on the display unit 104, an item (for example, “flower” or the like) related to any main subject is selected by the user. Thus, the main subject related to the item is designated as the main subject desired by the user.
6A illustrates a screen for selecting “flowers”, “fireworks”, “animals”, “night view”, “landscape”, and “autumn leaves” as main subjects. However, for example, when the return button B1 or the feed button B2 at the left and right corners of the subject designation screen G1 is selected and operated, another type of main subject (for example, “person”) is selected. Etc.) can be selected.
In addition, the user-desired main subject may be designated as any one of a plurality of types of main subjects, or a plurality may be designated.

Next, based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 109 by the user, the control unit 112 performs a process of designating a user-desired area related to the imaging information distribution request (step S22). Specifically, on the area designation screen G2 (see FIG. 6B) displayed on the display unit 104, an item related to any area (for example, “Tokyo” or the like) is selected by the user. Then, the area related to the item is designated as the area desired by the user.
In addition, in FIG. 6B, the screen for selecting “Tokyo”, “Kanagawa”, “Chiba”, “Saitama”, “Near 23 wards”, and “All Kanto” as an area is illustrated. The type of area is not limited to this. For example, when the return button B1 or the feed button B2 at the left and right corners of the area designation screen G2 is selected, another type of area (for example, “Tochigi”) is selected. , “Gunma”, “Kansai”, “All over Japan”, etc.) can be selected.
In addition, the user-desired area may be designated as any one of a plurality of types of areas, or a plurality of areas may be designated.

  Next, the control unit 112 performs a process of transmitting a distribution request for imaging information related to the main subject and the region designated by the user from the communication control unit 108 to the relay station 6 via the communication antenna 107 (step S23). At this time, the control unit 112 performs processing for transmitting the current position information related to the current position of the imaging device 1 detected by the position detection unit 106 from the communication control unit 108 to the relay station 6.

  On the other hand, in the server 2, the communication unit 201 receives the imaging information distribution request and the current position information transmitted from the communication control unit 108 of the imaging device 1 via the communication antenna 107, the relay station 6, and the communication network N. Receive (step S24).

  Next, based on the imaging information distribution request received by the communication unit 201, the control unit 207 captures imaging information including main subject information and position information corresponding to the main subject and region specified by the distribution request. The information database 202 is searched and acquired (step S25). In addition, the control unit 207 acquires the number counted by the counter 203 for each type of main subject in the imaging information.

Subsequently, the control unit 207 distributes the distribution information in a file format that can be received by the imaging apparatus 1 to the content creation unit 205 based on the acquired imaging information and count number and the current position information received by the communication unit 201 (see FIG. 7). ) Is generated, and the distribution information is transmitted from the communication unit 201 to the relay station 6 via the communication network N (step S26). Specifically, the CPU uses the current position information received by the communication unit 201 and the position information associated with the main subject information of the acquired imaging information to indicate the current position of the position where the image related to the imaging information is captured. The distance to the position is calculated, and the content creation unit 205 creates distribution information related to the distribution screen G3 displayed in association with the main subject, the shooting position, the shooting time (date and time), and the number of shots. For example, the content creation unit 205 creates distribution information related to the distribution screen G3 that indicates in what direction and how far the main subject related to the distribution request is centered on the current location of the imaging device 1 (see FIG. 7). . More specifically, the content creation unit 205 performs “flower (cherry blossom)” as “main subject”, “xxx park” as “shooting position”, and “shoot today” as “shooting time (date and time)”. , “100 shots” as “number of shots” are associated with “person” as “main subject”, “shooting today” as “shooting time (date and time)”, and “number of shots” as “number of shots”. The display associated with “5 sheets” creates the distribution information related to the distribution screen G3 represented according to the respective distances and directions.
Note that the distribution screen G3 is represented with the top, bottom, left, and right associated with east, west, south, and north. For example, in the distribution screen G3 shown in FIG. 7, the upper side is the north side, and the lower side is the south side. The right side is the east side and the left side is the west side. Further, it is not always necessary to display the shooting time (date and time) and the number of shots on the distribution screen G3, and whether or not to perform the display can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate.

On the other hand, in the imaging device 1 serving as a distribution destination, the communication control unit 108 transmits the distribution information of the imaging information transmitted from the communication unit 201 of the server 2 via the communication network N and the relay station 6 through the communication antenna 107. Receive (step S27).
Subsequently, the control unit 112 displays a predetermined distribution screen G3 (see FIG. 7) on the display unit 104 based on the distribution information received by the communication control unit 108 (step S28).
Specifically, based on the distribution information, the display unit 104 displays a distribution screen G3 indicating how far the main subject related to the distribution request is centered on the current location of the imaging device 1.
Thereby, the user can recognize how many and when the desired main subject is photographed at a distance from the current position.
Thereby, the imaging information distribution process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the information classification system 100 of the first embodiment, the server 2 collects imaging information including the position information and main subject information acquired by the imaging apparatus 1 and uses the imaging information as a predetermined type. By associating and classifying main subject information and position information for each subject, in response to a request for delivery of imaging information from the system user, delivery of imaging information desired by the system user for each predetermined type of subject As a result, the system user can easily recognize where the desired subject is shot based on the main subject information and the position information.

  Further, the acquisition of the main subject information by the imaging device 1 is performed based on the main subject specified by the image processing unit 102 and the imaging mode at the time of imaging of the subject by the imaging device 1, so acquisition of the main subject information is performed. At this time, it is not necessary for the system user to perform special processing, and acquisition of main subject information can be performed more easily.

  Further, the imaging device 1 groups the imaging information for each type of subject and transmits it to the server 2, and the server 2 collects the imaging information transmitted from the imaging device 1 for each type of subject. Since the classification process by the control unit 207 can be performed more easily, the processing efficiency and the processing speed in the imaging information acquisition process can be improved.

In the first embodiment, the main information such as the name of the main subject and information related to the main subject is based on the main subject specified by the subject specifying process by the image processing unit 102 in the subject information acquisition process. When subject information is acquired or any of the imaging modes is set when the subject is imaged, the main subject is identified from the imaging mode and the name of the main subject or information related to the main subject However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main subject information may be acquired by specifying a main subject based on an exposure condition such as a shutter speed, an aperture, or an amplification factor (gain) and an imaging condition such as white balance.
Thereby, even in the imaging apparatus 1 that does not have a function of setting a plurality of imaging modes as operation modes, the main subject information can be obtained by specifying the main subject from the imaging conditions at the time of imaging the subject, The imaging device 1 constituting the information classification system 100 can be made cheaper.

[Embodiment 2]
Below, the information classification system of Embodiment 2 is demonstrated with reference to FIG.8 and FIG.9.
In the information classification system according to the second embodiment, the imaging device 1 acquires date / time information related to the date / time when the subject is imaged, and the server 2 estimates the subject based on the date / time information and the position information.
Note that the information classification system of the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the information classification system 100 of the first embodiment except for the contents of the shooting information acquisition process, and the description thereof is omitted.

First, the imaging device 1 will be described.
The imaging apparatus 1 has substantially the same configuration as that of the imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment except that the time measuring unit 110 acquires date information and the communication control unit 108 transmits the date information.

When the imaging device 1 captures an image of the subject, the timer unit 110 measures the time and date and generates and acquires date / time information related to the date / time.
Here, the timekeeping unit 110 constitutes date / time information acquisition means for acquiring date / time information related to the date and time when the subject is imaged.

  In addition, the communication control unit 108 transmits imaging information including date and time information acquired by the time measuring unit 110 to the relay station 6 via the communication antenna 107.

Next, the server 2 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the subject estimation table T2 stored in the storage unit 206 of the server 2 provided in the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

The server 2 stores the subject estimation table T2 (see FIG. 8) and the subject estimation processing routine in the storage unit 206, and is substantially the same as the server 2 of the first embodiment except that the CPU of the control unit 207 performs subject estimation processing. It has the same configuration.
That is, the subject estimation table T2 is a table used in subject estimation processing by the server 2, and stores subject candidate information in which a time (date and time) and location are associated with subject candidates. As shown in FIG. 8, the subject estimation table T2 is a table in which “time (date and time)”, “location”, and “estimated subject” are associated with each other. Specifically, the subject estimation table T2 is, for example, “March 25-April 10”, which is the cherry blossom blooming time as “time (date and time)”, and cherry blossom viewing place as “place”. “Around Ueno Park” is associated with “Cherry Blossom” as “estimated subject”, and “Time (Date)” is “July 25-30,” which is the timing of the fireworks display, As “place”, “around Sumida River” as a fireworks display venue and “fireworks” as “estimated subject” are associated. Further, the subject estimation table T2 may be configured so that the subject can be estimated only from the position information without considering the date and time, “Mt. Fuji” as “location” and “Mt. Fuji” as “estimated subject”. Is associated.
Here, the storage unit 206 constitutes candidate information storage means for storing subject candidate information in which the time (date and time) and location are associated with the subject candidate.

The subject estimation processing routine is a program portion for causing the CPU of the control unit 207 to function as subject estimation means. That is, the subject estimation processing routine is based on the date and time information and position information received by the communication unit 201 and the “time (date and time)” and “location” of the subject candidate information stored in the subject estimation table T2. , A command group for causing the CPU to realize a function related to subject estimation processing for estimating main subjects from among “estimated subjects” and generating main subject information.
Specifically, by this subject estimation processing routine, the CPU, for example, the date and time information received by the communication unit 201 is “March 25 to April 10” and the position information is “Ueno Park area”. In the case of “Estimated subject”, “Cherry blossom” is estimated as the main subject, and the date and time information received by the communication unit 201 is “July 25th to 30th”, and the position information When “is around Sumida River”, “fireworks” is estimated as the main subject.

Next, imaging information acquisition processing according to the information classification method by the information classification system will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing imaging information acquisition processing by the information classification system.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the imaging apparatus 1, first, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 112 matches the imaging processing unit based on a predetermined operation of the shutter button of the operation input unit 109 by the user. A process of causing the electronic imaging unit to capture an image as a subject is performed by adjusting the focus condition, the exposure condition, and the white balance (step S1).

  Next, as in the first embodiment, the position detector 106 captures the subject of the imaging device 1 based on the GPS signals transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites and received by the GPS antenna 105 when the subject is imaged. Position information related to the position at the time of imaging is acquired (step S2).

  Next, the timer 110 measures the time and date when imaging the subject, and generates and acquires date / time information related to the date / time (step S33).

Next, as in the first embodiment, the recording medium 103 records the image data for recording of the captured image encoded by the JPEG compression unit (not shown) of the image processing unit 102 (step S4).
After that, the CPU of the control unit 112 receives the imaging information including the position information acquired by the position detection unit 106 and the date / time information measured by the time measuring unit 110 from the communication control unit 108 by the imaging information transmission control processing routine. Then, a process of transmitting to the relay station 6 is performed (step S35).

On the other hand, in the server 2, the communication unit 201 receives imaging information including position information and date / time information transmitted from the communication control unit 108 of the imaging apparatus 1 via the communication antenna 107, the relay station 6, and the communication network N. Receive (step S36).
Then, the CPU of the control unit 207 performs date and time information and position information received by the communication unit 201 and “timing (date and time)” of the subject candidate information stored in the subject estimation table T2 and the subject estimation processing routine. Based on the “location”, subject estimation processing is performed to estimate main subjects from the “estimated subjects” and generate main subject information (step S37).

  Next, the CPU of the control unit 207 causes the imaging information database 202 to collect the position information received by the communication unit 201 and the main subject information generated by the subject estimation process as imaging information by the information collection control processing routine. Collection processing is performed (step S38). At this time, the counter 203 counts the number of main subject information collected in the imaging information database 202.

Then, as in the first embodiment, the CPU of the control unit 207 uses the classification control processing routine to capture the imaging information collected in the imaging information database 202 by the information collection processing for each predetermined type of subject and main subject information and position information. A classification process for classifying them in association with each other is performed (step S8).
Thereby, the imaging information acquisition process is terminated.

  In addition, the imaging information delivery process by the information classification system of Embodiment 2 is the same as the process in Embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to the information classification system of the second embodiment, the server 2 acquires date and time information and position information acquired by the imaging device 1, and the time (date and time) and location stored in the subject estimation table T2. Based on the above, the main subject information is generated by estimating the subject from the subject candidates, so that the server 2 side has the function of acquiring the main subject information, and thus does not have the function of acquiring the main subject information. Even if it is 1, an information classification system can be constituted, and the information classification system can be made cheaper.

In the second embodiment, the imaging apparatus 1 is also provided with a function for acquiring main subject information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging apparatus 1 acquires a main subject information. It can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate.
Alternatively, the date and time information and the event information may be stored in the server 2 in association with each other, and the main subject information may be generated by estimating the main subject using the event information in the subject estimation process.

In the second embodiment, the main subject is estimated based on the date / time information. However, the subject estimation method is not limited to this, and the main subject is estimated based on the image data of the subject. You may make it do.
That is, in the imaging device 1, the control unit 112 acquires the image data generated by the imaging unit 101 as main subject information in the subject information acquisition process. Then, the communication control unit 108 transmits imaging information including image data as main subject information acquired in the position information and subject information acquisition processing to the relay station 6 via the communication antenna 107.
On the other hand, in the server 2, as the related information specifying unit, the CPU of the control unit 207 estimates the subject based on the image data as the main subject information and specifies subject related information related to the subject. Information specifying processing may be performed. Specifically, the storage unit 206 stores a program including a related information specifying process routine. Then, according to this related information specifying process routine, the CPU performs substantially the same process as the subject specifying process by the image processing unit 102 of the imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and based on the image data as the main subject information, The subject is estimated and subject related information related to the main subject is specified.
After that, the control unit 207 of the server 2 performs the classification control processing routine based on the subject-related information, and uses the imaging information collected in the imaging information database 202 as image data and position information as main subject information for each predetermined type of subject. A classification process is performed for classifying them in association with each other.
Thus, even if the imaging apparatus 1 does not have the function of specifying the main subject, the server 2 side has the function of estimating the main subject and specifying subject-related information related to the main subject. A classification system can be constructed, and the information classification system can be made cheaper.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the first and second embodiments, when imaging information is distributed from the server 2 to the predetermined imaging device 1 in the imaging information distribution processing, based on a predetermined type of subject related to the imaging information, You may make it perform the imaging condition setting process which sets the imaging condition at the time of imaging a to-be-photographed object with the imaging device 1. FIG.
That is, the storage unit 111 of the imaging apparatus 1 stores a program including an imaging condition setting process routine. Then, by this imaging condition setting processing routine, when the CPU of the control unit 112 images the subject by the imaging device 1 based on a predetermined type of subject related to the imaging information distributed from the server 2 as the imaging condition setting means. For example, an imaging condition setting process for setting an imaging condition such as a lens position of the imaging lens unit, an exposure condition such as a shutter speed and an aperture, or an amplification factor (gain) and a white balance is performed. Specifically, for example, when the subject related to the imaging information is “flower”, for example, the macro mode is set. At this time, the control unit 112 may set the imaging condition by setting any of the imaging modes among a plurality of imaging modes having different imaging conditions.
Thus, when the main subject desired by the user is imaged, the imaging condition of the imaging device 1 is suitable for imaging the main subject simply by transmitting a delivery request for imaging information of the main subject from the imaging device 1 to the server 2. Therefore, it is possible to more easily image the main subject desired by the user.

In the first and second embodiments, the user-desired imaging information is distributed in response to the imaging information distribution request. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Whether or not can be arbitrarily changed.
That is, instead of the imaging information distribution process, for example, a print process of user-desired imaging information may be performed in response to a print request from the user, or a slide show display request from the user may be performed. Display processing of user-desired imaging information may be performed.

  Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, various types of imaging information are distributed from the server 2 to the imaging device 1. For example, the terminal 3, the mobile communication terminal 4, the portable information terminal 5, and the like are displayed on the display device. May be distributed. As a result, even when the communication function is not installed in the imaging device, various types of imaging information can be displayed on the terminal 3, the mobile communication terminal 4, the portable information terminal 5, etc., and the user can select a desired subject. You can recognize where the photo was taken.

  In addition, the configuration of the information classification system 100 is merely an example illustrated in the above embodiment, and is not limited thereto. That is, if the information classification system includes at least one imaging device 1 and a server 2 connected to be able to communicate information via the communication network N, each of the terminal 3, the mobile communication terminal 4, and the portable information terminal 5 is provided. It can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate.

It is a figure which shows typically schematic structure of the information classification system of Embodiment 1 to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the imaging device with which the information classification system of FIG. 1 is equipped. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the server with which the information classification system of FIG. 1 is equipped. It is a figure for demonstrating the imaging information acquisition process by the information classification system of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the imaging information delivery process by the information classification system of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the screen which concerns on the delivery request | requirement displayed on an imaging device by the imaging information delivery process of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the delivery screen displayed on an imaging device by the imaging information delivery process of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the object estimation table memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the server with which the information classification system of Embodiment 2 to which this invention is applied is equipped. It is a figure for demonstrating the imaging information acquisition process by the information classification system of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Information classification system 1 Imaging device 102 Image processing part 108 Communication control part 111 Storage part 112 Control part 2 Server 202 Imaging information database 206 Storage part 207 Control part N Communication network

Claims (11)

An information classification system comprising: an imaging device; and a server connected to the imaging device via a predetermined communication network,
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information related to the position at which the subject is imaged by the imaging device;
Subject information acquisition means for acquiring main subject information relating to the main subject of the subject imaged by the imaging device;
Information collecting means for collecting imaging information including the position information acquired by the position information acquiring means and the main subject information acquired by the subject information acquiring means;
Classification means for classifying the imaging information collected by the information collection means in association with the main subject information and the position information for each predetermined type of subject;
An information classification system comprising: The imaging device
It further comprises subject specifying means for specifying the main subject of the imaged subject,
The information classification system according to claim 1, wherein the subject information acquisition unit acquires the main subject information based on the main subject specified by the subject specifying unit. The imaging device
Storage means for storing a plurality of imaging modes having different imaging conditions;
Setting means for setting any one of the plurality of imaging modes stored in the storage means; and
The subject information acquisition unit is configured to specify and acquire main subject information related to the subject based on the imaging mode set by the setting unit when the subject is imaged by the imaging device. The information classification system according to claim 1.   The subject information acquisition unit is provided in the imaging device, and specifies and acquires main subject information related to the subject based on imaging conditions when the subject is imaged by the imaging device. 1. The information classification system according to 1. The imaging device
A grouping unit that identifies a type of a subject based on the main subject information acquired by the subject information acquisition unit, and groups the imaging information for each type of the subject;
Transmission means for transmitting the imaging information grouped by the grouping means for each type of the subject,
The information classification system according to claim 1, wherein the information collection unit is provided in the server and collects the imaging information transmitted from the transmission unit for each type of the subject. Candidate information storage means for storing subject candidate information in which date / time and place are associated with subject candidates;
Date and time information acquisition means for acquiring date and time information related to the date and time at the time of imaging by the imaging device;
Based on the date and time information and the position information acquired by the date and time information acquisition unit and the date and location of the subject candidate information stored in the candidate information storage unit, a main subject is estimated from the subject candidates. The information classification system according to claim 1, further comprising subject estimation means for generating main subject information. The subject information acquisition means acquires image information generated by imaging by the imaging device as the main subject information,
The server
The apparatus further comprises related information specifying means for estimating a main subject and specifying subject related information related to the main subject based on the image information as the main subject information collected by the information collecting means. The information classification system according to claim 1.   The information according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising information distribution means for distributing the imaging information classified by the classification means for each predetermined type of subject via the communication network. Classification system. A display device connected to the server via a predetermined communication network;
The information classification system according to claim 8, wherein the information distribution unit distributes the imaging information to the display device. The information distribution means distributes the imaging information to the imaging device,
The imaging device
The imaging condition setting means for setting an imaging condition when imaging the subject based on a predetermined type of subject related to the imaging information delivered from the information delivery means. Information classification system described in. An information classification method using an information classification system comprising: an imaging device; and a server connected to the imaging device via a predetermined communication network,
Obtaining position information relating to a position when the subject is imaged by the imaging device;
Obtaining main subject information relating to a main subject of the subject imaged by the imaging device;
Collecting imaging information including the acquired position information and main subject information;
Classifying the collected imaging information in association with the main subject information and the position information for each predetermined type of subject;
An information classification method characterized by:

Images