JP2014131238A - Portable apparatus, server, image generation method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable apparatus which can attract interest from other users when image data is posted to a website, and to provide a server, an image generation method and a program.SOLUTION: An image pick-up device 100 generating image data of a subject by capturing an image thereof, and can transmit image file data including the image data to an external apparatus 300 or a posting server 200 over a network N includes a thumbnail image generation unit 110a generating thumbnail image data corresponding to a thumbnail image having the reduced size of an image corresponding to the image data, in which at least one of a plurality of image parameters of the image data is emphasized depending on operation results of the image pick-up device 100.

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable device that images a subject and generates image data of the subject, a server that manages image file data transmitted from an external device, an image generation method that is executed by the portable device, and a program that is executed by the portable device. .

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for retrieving desired image data from a large amount of image data recorded on a recording medium in an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera is known (see Patent Document 1). In this technique, image data similar to the image displayed on the display monitor is retrieved from the recording medium and sequentially displayed on the display monitor.

  By the way, in recent years, an increasing number of people interact with many people by using SNS (Social Networking Service) and image posting sites. For example, a server that provides SNS displays post information from an account followed by a user on a website (homepage) of another user provided by the server. That is, the user follows other people's account, and displays the posting information published by the account which he followed on his / her website. As a method for displaying such SNS post information, timeline display is known in which post information of accounts followed by a user is sequentially displayed in time series.

JP 2009-1108040 A

  By the way, in the above-described conventional technology, when image data is posted with an account followed by the user, the SNS server displays a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image size and display area of the posted image data on a website on a timeline. Let For this reason, even if the image data is taken with a user's preference, it is buried in other thumbnail images, and it is difficult to attract interest from other users.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a mobile device, a server, an image generation method, and a program that can attract interest from other users when image data is posted on a website. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the portable device according to the present invention images a subject, generates image data of the subject, and transmits image file data including the image data via a network. A thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image size of an image corresponding to the image data in a portable device that can be transmitted to a plurality of external devices or a server that is shared by the plurality of external devices, depending on an operation result of the portable device And a thumbnail image generating unit that generates thumbnail image data corresponding to a thumbnail image in which at least one of a plurality of image parameters included in the image data is emphasized.

  Further, in the portable device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the thumbnail image generation unit changes the weight in the plurality of image parameters to be emphasized according to a transmission destination to which the image file data is transmitted. Image data is generated.

  Further, in the portable device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the thumbnail image generation unit is configured according to a setting condition of an external device that can acquire the image file data among the plurality of external devices via the server. The thumbnail image data in which the weight is changed among the plurality of image parameters to be emphasized is generated.

  Further, in the portable device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the thumbnail image generation unit generates the thumbnail image data when the portable device transmits the image data file to the plurality of external devices or the server. It is characterized by that.

  The portable device according to the present invention may further include an image processing unit that performs a special effect process for generating a visual effect by combining a plurality of image processes with respect to the image data. The image generation unit generates the thumbnail image data when the image processing unit performs the special effect processing on the image data.

  The portable device according to the present invention may further include an input unit that receives an input of an instruction signal for changing the intensity of the special effect processing in the image processing unit, and the thumbnail image generation unit includes the input unit. The thumbnail image data is generated by increasing the value of any one of the plurality of image parameters from the intensity of the instruction signal that has received the input.

  In the portable device according to the present invention, the special effect processing is any one or more of soft focus processing, shading processing, noise pattern superimposition processing, white edge processing, cross filter processing, and saturation enhancement processing. The plurality of image parameters are strengths of the special effect processing performed on the image data by the image processing unit.

  The server according to the present invention is a server capable of receiving and recording image file data including image data from a portable device via a network and transmitting the image file data in response to access from a plurality of external devices. A thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image size of the image corresponding to the image data, wherein the thumbnail image emphasizes at least one of a plurality of image parameters of the image data according to an operation result of the portable device. And a thumbnail image generation unit for generating thumbnail image data to be performed.

  The image generation method according to the present invention captures a subject to generate image data of the subject, and sends image file data including the image data to a plurality of external devices or the plurality of external devices via a network. An image generation method executed by a portable device that can transmit to each shared server, wherein the external device is a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image size of the image corresponding to the image data, and the operation result of the portable device Accordingly, the method includes a thumbnail image generation step of generating thumbnail image data corresponding to a thumbnail image in which at least one of a plurality of image parameters included in the image data is emphasized.

  The program according to the present invention captures an image of a subject, generates image data of the subject, and shares image file data including the image data with a plurality of external devices or the plurality of external devices via a network. A program that is executed by a portable device that can be transmitted to a server, wherein the external device is a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image size of the image corresponding to the image data, and depends on an operation result of the portable device. And a thumbnail image generation step of generating thumbnail image data corresponding to a thumbnail image in which at least one of a plurality of image parameters included in the image data is emphasized.

  According to the present invention, the thumbnail image generation unit corresponds to a thumbnail image displayed by an external device, in which at least one of a plurality of image parameters included in the image data is emphasized according to an operation result of the mobile device. Since thumbnail image data to be generated is generated, there is an effect that when image data is posted on a website, it is possible to attract interest from other users.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the posting system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of special effect processing performed by the special effect processing of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of image file data recorded by the image data recording unit of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the user captures a subject using the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed by the display unit of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed by the display unit of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of thumbnail image data generated by the thumbnail image generation unit of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of thumbnail image data generated by the thumbnail image generation unit of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of thumbnail image data generated by the thumbnail image generation unit of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a situation when a user transmits image file data to a subject using the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed by the display unit of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed by the display unit of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an overview of the network sharing process of FIG. FIG. 15: is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the process which the posting server concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention performs. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a thumbnail image group displayed on a conventional external device. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a thumbnail image group displayed on the external device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the external device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an outline of the network sharing process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a block diagram schematically showing an outline of a posting system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the posting server according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following forms. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the following description, an imaging apparatus capable of transmitting image data to a posting server will be described as an example of a portable device.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the posting system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A posting system 1 shown in FIG. 1 captures a subject and captures image file data transmitted from the imaging device 100 via a network N as a portable device that generates image data of the subject and wirelessly. A posting server 200 that receives the communication standard and transmits posting information such as image data and content data in response to access from an external device 300, 400, 500 such as another portable device. Here, the predetermined wireless communication standards include IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11n, Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication standards, and the like. In the first embodiment, any wireless communication standard is applicable. In the following description, when any one of the external devices 300, 400, and 500 is shown, the external device 300 will be described.

  First, the imaging device 100 will be described. The imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 101, an image processing unit 102, an input unit 103, a display unit 104, a touch panel 105, a clock 106, an image compression / decompression unit 107, a recording unit 108, and a communication unit 109. And a control unit 110.

  The imaging unit 101 captures an image of a subject under the control of the control unit 110 and generates image data of the subject. The imaging unit 101 includes a plurality of lenses, a diaphragm, and a shutter, and an optical system 101a that collects light from a predetermined visual field, and a CCD that receives the light collected by the optical system 101a and converts it into an electrical signal. (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or other imaging device 101b and analog signals output from the imaging device 101b are subjected to analog processing such as noise reduction processing and gain-up processing to perform A / D conversion And a signal processing unit 101c that outputs to the control unit 110.

  The optical system 101a has a zoom function that can change the focal length and a focus function that adjusts the focus. The optical system 101a changes the focal length, adjusts the focus, changes the aperture value, and sets the shutter speed according to the instruction signal input from the control unit 110.

  The image sensor 101b sequentially generates image data at a predetermined frame rate, for example, 30 fps or 60 fps, in accordance with an instruction signal input from the control unit 110.

  The image processing unit 102 acquires image data generated by the imaging unit 101 or image data (RAW data) recorded by the recording unit 108, and image data (processed image) obtained by performing various image processing on the acquired image data. Data). This image data is output to the recording unit 108 via the control unit 110. The image processing unit 102 is configured using an image engine. Here, a detailed configuration of the image processing unit 102 will be described. The image processing unit 102 includes a basic image processing unit 102a and a special effect image processing unit 102b.

  The basic image processing unit 102a includes at least a basic image including optical black subtraction processing, white balance (WB) adjustment processing, color matrix calculation processing, gamma correction processing, color reproduction processing, edge enhancement processing, and the like for image data. When the processing and the image sensor 101b are Bayer array, image data synchronization processing is performed. In addition, the basic image processing unit 102a performs finish effect processing for reproducing a natural image based on preset image processing parameters, and generates finish effect image data. Here, the parameters of each image processing are values of contrast, sharpness, saturation, white balance, and gradation.

  The special effect image processing unit 102b performs a special effect that causes a visual effect by combining a plurality of image processes with respect to one image data, and is referred to as special effect image data (hereinafter referred to as "art effect image data"). ) Is generated. Note that the special effect image processing unit 102b has different special effect processing speeds depending on the number and types of image processing to be combined with one image data.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of special effect processing performed by the special effect image processing unit 102b. In FIG. 2, as special effect image processing, fantastic focus (Art1), fantastic focus + starlight (Art2), fantastic focus + white edge (Art3), pop art (Art4), pop art + starlight (Art5), pop Ten types of art + pinhole (Art 6), pop art + white edge (Art 7), toy photo (Art 8), rough monochrome (Art 9), and diorama (Art 10) are described. Hereinafter, the special effect image processing will be described.

  Fantastic focus is a process that gives a soft focus effect in which the entire image is subjected to a blurring process and synthesized at a certain ratio with the image before blurring. Fantastic focus is a tone curve process that brightens the intermediate brightness, leaving the details of the subject in a soft tone and creating an image with a beautiful and fantastic atmosphere as if wrapped in a happy light. Image or produce. The fantastic focus is realized by combining image processing such as tone curve processing, soft focus processing, alpha blend processing, and image composition processing.

  Fantastic focus + starlight is processing (cross-filter processing) for applying a cross-filter effect that draws a cross pattern to a high-luminance portion in an image in addition to fantastic focus.

  The fantastic focus + white edge is a process (white edge process) in which, in addition to the phantom focus, an effect of gradually becoming whiter is given from the center of the image to the periphery (periphery). Such a whiteness effect can be obtained by changing the pixel value so that the peripheral portion becomes whiter as the distance from the center of the image increases.

  Pop art is a process that emphasizes colors colorfully and expresses a bright and fun atmosphere. Pop art is realized by, for example, combining saturation enhancement processing and contrast enhancement processing. The overall effect is high contrast and high saturation.

  Pop art + starlight is a process of applying pop art and starlight in layers. In this case, an effect of performing a cross filter process on a colorful image can be obtained.

  In addition to pop art, pop art + pinhole is a process of applying toy photo (pinhole) that darkens the periphery of an image by shading and gives an effect of looking through a hole. Details of the toy photo will be described later.

  Pop art + white edge is a process in which pop art and white edge are overlapped.

  Toy photo is a process in which the brightness is reduced (darker) as the distance from the center of the image increases, and the effect is as if looking into a different space from a hole. Toy photo is realized, for example, by combining low-pass filter processing, white balance processing, contrast processing, hue / saturation processing, and image processing such as shading processing that multiplies the luminance signal by a smaller coefficient toward the periphery. For details of photo and shading, see, for example, JP 2010-74244 A).

  Rough monochrome is a process of expressing the strength and roughness of a monochrome image by adding high contrast and grainy noise of the film. The rough monochrome is realized by combining, for example, edge enhancement processing, level correction optimization processing, noise pattern superimposition processing, synthesis processing, contrast processing, and the like (for details of the rough monochrome, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-62836). See the publication). Among these, the noise pattern superimposing process (noise adding process) is a process of adding a noise pattern image created in advance to the original image. The noise pattern image may be generated based on, for example, a random number generated.

  Diorama is a process that creates a high-contrast, high-saturation image on the screen by creating an atmosphere that looks like a miniature model or toy by blurring the periphery of the image. The diorama is realized by combining, for example, hue / saturation processing, contrast processing, peripheral blur processing, synthesis processing, and the like. Among these, the peripheral blur processing performs low-pass filter processing while changing the low-pass coefficient according to the position of the image so that the degree of blurring in the peripheral portion increases according to the distance from the center of the image. Note that as the peripheral blur processing, only the upper and lower sides of the image or only the left and right sides of the image may be blurred.

Returning to FIG. 1, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described.
The input unit 103 includes a power switch 103 a that receives input of a power-on / power-off instruction signal of the imaging apparatus 100, a release switch 103 b that receives input of a release signal that instructs the imaging apparatus 100 to perform shooting, and various types of the imaging apparatus 100. And an operation switch 103c that receives an input of an instruction signal for switching parameter settings. The release switch 103b can be moved back and forth by an external pressure. When the release switch 103b is half-pressed, the release switch 103b receives an input of a first release signal that instructs the imaging device 100 to perform a shooting preparation operation. A second release signal for instructing 100 to take a still image is received.

  The display unit 104 displays a live view image corresponding to the image data captured by the imaging unit 101, an image corresponding to the image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 102, and an image corresponding to the image data recorded by the recording unit 108. indicate. The display unit 104 is configured using a display panel made of liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or the like. Here, for image display, a rec view display that displays image data immediately after shooting for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds), a playback display that reproduces image data recorded in the recording unit 108, and an imaging unit 101 are continuously displayed. Live view image display that sequentially displays live view images corresponding to image data to be generated sequentially in time series is included. Further, the display unit 104 appropriately displays operation information of the imaging apparatus 100 and information related to photographing, such as an exposure value and an aperture value.

  The touch panel 105 is provided on the display screen of the display unit 104. The touch panel 105 detects a touch of an object from the outside, and outputs a position signal corresponding to the detected touch position to the control unit 110. Further, the touch panel 105 detects a position touched by the user based on information displayed on the display unit 104, and receives an input of an instruction signal instructing an operation performed by the imaging apparatus 100 according to the detected touch position. In general, the touch panel 105 includes a resistance film method, a capacitance method, an optical method, and the like. In the first embodiment, any type of touch panel is applicable.

  The clock 106 has a time counting function and an imaging date / time determination function. The clock 106 outputs the date / time data to the control unit 110 in order to add the date / time data to the image data captured by the imaging unit 101.

  The image compression / decompression unit 107 compresses the processed image data or the art effect image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 102 according to a predetermined format, and outputs the compressed image data to the recording unit 108. Here, the predetermined format includes a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) system, a Motion JPEG system, and an MP4 (H.264) system. The image compression / decompression unit 107 acquires the image data (compressed image data) recorded in the recording unit 108, expands (decompresses) the acquired image data, and outputs it to the control unit 110 or the image processing unit 102.

  The recording unit 108 records various programs for operating the imaging apparatus 100 and various data and parameters used during the execution of the programs. The recording unit 108 includes a program recording unit 108a executed by the imaging apparatus 100, a special effect processing information recording unit 108b for recording image processing parameters of special effect processing executed by the special effect image processing unit 102b, and image data. Image data recording unit 108c that records image processing information when developing image data, imaging information when imaging image data, presence / absence information on special effect processing of image data, and image file data in association with thumbnail image data And the identification information (IP address) of the imaging apparatus 100 necessary for wireless communication with the other external device 300, the password corresponding to the identification information, the account for transmitting content data including image data to the posting server 200, and A setting information recording unit 108d for recording the IP address and the like of the posting server 200; To. The recording unit 108 is configured using a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

  Here, the image file data recorded by the image data recording unit 108c will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of image file data.

  The image file data F shown in FIG. 3 is a file that records image data (RAW data, processed image data, and art effect image data) in a format compliant with Exif (Exchangeable image file format), and stores the image data F1. In the header portion F20 of the storage area F10, thumbnail image data F21 (JPEG format), image processing information F22 for recording image processing parameters when the image processing unit 102 develops the image data, and image data when the image data is captured Imaging information F23 for recording the focal length, aperture value, exposure value, ISO sensitivity, white balance, shutter speed, etc., presence / absence information F24 for recording the presence / absence of special effect processing and the type of special effect processing, Thumbnail image data F25. The thumbnail image data F25 includes normal thumbnail image data F251 and, when special effect processing is set for the image data, emphasized thumbnail image data F252 that emphasizes the strength of the special effect processing. Here, the normal thumbnail image data is obtained by reducing (compressing) the image size and the data amount with respect to the image data. Further, the emphasized thumbnail image data means that when art effect image data is stored in the storage area F10, the image size and the data amount of the art effect image data are reduced, and the special effect processing strength of the art effect image data is reduced. It is a thing that raised. Details of the emphasized thumbnail image data will be described later. Thus, the image file data F is recorded in the image data recording unit 108c according to the format shown in FIG.

  The communication unit 109 can transmit image file data or content data to the posting server 200 or other external device 300 by performing wireless communication with the posting server 200 or other external device 300 in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication standard. It receives content data, IP address, and password (key information) from posting server 200 or other external device 300. The communication unit 109 is configured using a communication device that performs wireless communication with the posting server 200 or another external device 300 via the network N to perform bidirectional communication of content data and various types of information. The communication device includes an antenna that transmits / receives radio signals to / from other devices, a transmission / reception circuit that demodulates a signal received by the antenna, and that modulates a signal to be transmitted.

  In addition, the communication unit 109 periodically transmits a communication signal including identification information (device ID) that notifies the presence of the imaging device 100 when the imaging device 100 is activated. Further, the communication unit 109 receives a communication signal transmitted from the posting server 200 or another external device 300, returns from the stopped state or the standby state, and communicates with the posting server 200 or other external device 300. Establish. Furthermore, the communication unit 109 returns from a stopped state or a standby state when the mode of the imaging apparatus 100 is changed, for example, the reproduction mode or the communication mode. Note that the communication unit 109 may be provided on a recording medium such as a memory card attached from the outside of the imaging apparatus 100.

  The control unit 110 performs instructions, data transfer, and the like corresponding to each unit constituting the imaging apparatus 100 according to an instruction signal input from the input unit 103 or a position signal input from the touch panel 105, and the like. Control the overall operation.

  A detailed configuration of the control unit 110 will be described. The control unit 110 includes a thumbnail image generation unit 110a, an imaging control unit 110b, and a display control unit 110c.

  The thumbnail image generation unit 110 a is a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image size of the image corresponding to the image data by the external device 300, and at least one of a plurality of image parameters included in the image data according to the operation result of the imaging device 100. The thumbnail image data corresponding to the thumbnail image emphasized is generated, and the thumbnail image data is recorded (stored) in the image file data and recorded in the image data recording unit 108c. Specifically, when the special effect processing is set in the special effect image processing unit 102b, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a reduces the image size of the art effect image data and applies it to the art effect image data. Thumbnail image data with increased special effect processing intensity is generated. Here, the plurality of image parameters include aperture value, exposure value, shutter speed, white balance, ISO sensitivity, gradation, soft focus processing strength, shading processing strength, noise pattern superimposition processing strength, white edge processing It is one or more of the intensity, the intensity of the cross filter process, the intensity of the saturation enhancement process, and the image processing parameter at the time of development.

  In response to the instruction signal input from the input unit 103, the imaging control unit 110b causes the special effect image processing unit 102b to set special effect processing and generate art effect image data. Further, the imaging control unit 110b sets a frame rate generated by the imaging element 101b in accordance with an instruction signal input from the input unit 103.

  The display control unit 110 c controls the display mode of the display unit 104. Specifically, the display control unit 110 c causes the display unit 104 to display an image corresponding to the image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 102. In addition, the display control unit 110 c causes the display unit 104 to display information related to the operation of the imaging device 100.

  In the imaging apparatus 100 configured as described above, the image processing unit 102 performs image processing on the image data captured by the imaging unit 101 and records the image data in the recording unit 108. Further, the imaging apparatus 100 transmits or receives image file data including image data to the posting server 200 via the network N.

  Next, the configuration of the posting server 200 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the posting server 200 receives image file data transmitted from the imaging device 100 or other external device 300 via the network N, and also receives instructions from the imaging device 100 or other external device 300. Image file data and content data corresponding to the signal are transmitted to the imaging apparatus 100 or other external device 300. Post server 200 includes communication unit 201, image database 202, and server control unit 203.

  The communication unit 201 can transmit image file data and content data to the imaging device 100 or the external device 300 by communicating with the imaging device 100 or the external device 300 in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication standard. Image file data, content data, request data for image data, IP address, account data (key information), etc. are received from the device 300.

  The image database 202 records image file data and content data received from the imaging device 100 or the external device 300 via the network N and the communication unit 201. The image database 202 is configured using a recording medium such as an SDRAM or a hard disk recorder.

  The server control unit 203 is configured using a CPU or the like, and image file data recorded in the image database 202 according to an access signal input from the imaging device 100 or the external device 300 via the network N and the communication unit 201. And send content data. Further, the server control unit 203 transmits thumbnail image data or emphasized thumbnail image data included in the image file data in accordance with an access signal input from the imaging device 100 or the external device 300 via the network N and the communication unit 201. .

  Post server 200 configured in this way receives and records (manages) image file data and content data transmitted from imaging device 100 or external device 300 via network N, and also imaging device 100 or the external device. Web site data including image file data or content data corresponding to the access signal transmitted from 300 is transmitted.

  Since the external devices 300, 400, and 500 have the same configuration as that of the imaging device 100 described above, description of the configuration is omitted. Note that the external devices 300, 400, and 500 may not have a function of generating enhanced thumbnail image data.

  The posting system 1 configured as described above can share image file data and content data via the posting server 200.

  Next, processing executed by the imaging apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the imaging apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 4, first, the case where the imaging device 100 is set to the shooting mode (step S101: Yes) will be described. In this case, the display control unit 110c causes the display unit 104 to display a live view image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 101 (step S102). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the user confirms the live view image displayed on the display unit 104 of the imaging apparatus 100, so that the composition and shooting conditions for the subject P <b> 1, such as an aperture value, an exposure value, and ISO sensitivity are displayed. The image is taken while adjusting any of the white balance, the focus position, the shutter speed, and the gradation with the operation switch 103c. Further, the user creates an image by setting the special effect processing by the special effect image processing unit 102b and selecting the type of the special effect processing by the operation switch 103c.

  Subsequently, special effect processing by the special effect image processing unit 102b is set (step S103: Yes), and when the special effect processing switching operation is performed via the touch panel 105 (step S104: Yes), the imaging control unit 110b. Switches the setting of special effect processing by the special effect image processing unit 102b in response to a touch on the touch panel 105 (step S105). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when special effect processing by the special effect image processing unit 102b is set in the imaging apparatus 100, the special effect processing in which the display unit 104 is set on the live view image W1. When the icon A1 indicating the mark Y1 and the mark Y1 for accepting the input of the instruction signal for switching the intensity of the special effect processing are superimposed and displayed (FIG. 6A), the imaging control unit 110b displays the switching icon via the touch panel 105. Depending on the number of touches on A1, the special effect processing setting by the special effect image processing unit 102b is switched (FIG. 6 (a) → FIG. 6 (b) → FIG. 6 (c)). For example, the imaging control unit 110b switches from Art 1 to Art 2 by the special effect image processing unit 102b in accordance with the number of touches on the switching icon A1 (FIG. 6 (a) → FIG. 6 (b) → FIG. 6 (c). ). After step S105, the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S106.

  In step S104, when the special effect process switching operation is not performed via the touch panel 105 (step S104: No), the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S106.

  Subsequently, when an operation for switching the intensity of the special effect processing set in the special effect image processing unit 102b is performed (step S106: Yes), the imaging control unit 110b responds to the touch position locus on the touch panel 105. Then, the special effect processing intensity set in the special effect image processing unit 102b is switched (step S107). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the special effect processing set in the special effect image processing unit 102b is Art1, the imaging control unit 110b displays the display unit 104 on the live view image W1. The strength of the special effect processing set in the special effect image processing unit 102b is switched according to the locus (rotary slide operation) of the touch position on the switching icon A1 (FIG. 7 (a) → FIG. 7 (b) → FIG. (C)). For example, the imaging control unit 110b switches the strength of Art1 by the special effect image processing unit 102b according to the locus of the touch position on the switching icon A1 (FIG. 7 (a) → FIG. 7 (b) → FIG. 7 (c). )). At this time, the display control unit 110c changes the display position of the mark Y1 according to the locus of the touch position. Thereby, the user can photograph an image including a desired image or an elaborate image while viewing the live view image W1 with an intuitive operation. In FIG. 7, the special effect by the special effect image processing unit 102b is expressed by hatching (hatched lines). After step S107, the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S108.

  In step S103, when special effect processing by the special effect image processing unit 102b is not set (step S103: No), in step S106, the intensity switching operation of the special effect processing set in the special effect image processing unit 102b is performed. When there is no image (step S106: No), the imaging device 100 proceeds to step S108.

  Subsequently, when a shooting operation is performed via the release switch 103b (step S108: Yes), the imaging device 100 performs shooting (step S109). After step S109, the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when the photographing operation is not performed via the release switch 103b (step S108: No), the imaging apparatus 100 returns to step S101.

  In step S110, when special effect processing by the special effect image processing unit 102b is set in the imaging device 100 (step S110: Yes), the special effect image processing unit 102b is set for the captured image data. The special effect processing is executed with the type and intensity of the special effect processing (step S111).

  Subsequently, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a generates emphasized thumbnail image data using the art effect image data generated by the special effect image processing unit 102b (step S112). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the thumbnail image generation unit 110 a uses the art effect image data generated by the special effect image processing unit 102 b and uses any of the art effect effect data included in the special effect processing. Emphasized thumbnail image data in which one or more image processing parameters are enhanced is generated. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the art effect image data W2 includes soft focus processing as one of special effect processing, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a increases the strength of the soft focus processing. An enhanced thumbnail image W3 is generated (FIG. 8 (a) → FIG. 8 (b)).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a increases the intensity of the starlight processing when the starlight processing is set as one of the image processing of the special effect processing in the art effect image data W4. Emphasized thumbnail image data W5 (in which the display area of the luminance point is enlarged) is generated (FIG. 9 (a) → FIG. 9 (b)).

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the shading process and the white edge process are set as one of the image processes of the special effect process in the art effect image data W6, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a performs the shading process and the whiteout process. The enhanced thumbnail image data W7 is generated (FIG. 10 (a) → FIG. 10 (b)).

  Thereafter, the imaging control unit 110b generates image file data in which the art effect image data generated by the special effect image processing unit 102b is associated with the enhanced thumbnail image data generated by the thumbnail image generation unit 110a, and the recording unit 108 (Step S113). At this time, the imaging control unit 110b generates image file data by associating art effect image data, enhanced thumbnail image data, and captured image data (RAW data or processed image data). Of course, the shooting control unit 110b may generate normal thumbnail image data in association with image file data.

  Subsequently, the display control unit 110c causes the display unit 104 to display the image corresponding to the image data captured by the imaging unit 101 (step S114).

  Thereafter, the control unit 110 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the display unit 104 performed the REC view display (step S115). When the control unit 110 determines that a predetermined time, for example, 3 seconds has elapsed since the display unit 104 performed the REC view display (step S115: Yes), the imaging apparatus 100 returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 110 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the display unit 104 performed the REC view display (step S115: No), the imaging device 100 proceeds to step S116.

  Subsequently, when a comment operation for inputting a comment is performed on the image W1 displayed on the rec view display by the display unit 104 via the touch panel 105 or the input unit 103 (step S116: Yes), the touch panel 105 or the input unit 103. A comment is input according to the instruction signal input from (step S117). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the user sends an image to the external device 300 of the subject P1 immediately after photographing the subject P1, the display unit 104 inputs a comment on the image W1 displayed in the rec view display. When the comment icon A3 that accepts the input of the instruction signal is touched (see FIG. 12A), the display control unit 110c reduces the image W1 and displays the image W1 on the display unit 104, and the input unit 103 or the touch panel 105. An input screen G1 for inputting a comment is displayed on the display unit 104 (FIG. 12A → FIG. 12B). Thereby, the user can input a desired comment. After step S117, the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S118.

  On the other hand, when a comment operation for inputting a comment is not performed on the image displayed on the rec view display by the display unit 104 via the touch panel 105 or the input unit 103 (step S116: No), the imaging apparatus 100 The process proceeds to step S118.

  Next, a share icon that transmits image file data to any of the posting server 200, the external device 300, or the image posting site via the touch panel 105 and receives an input of an instruction signal for sharing an image or content with the other external device 300. When A2 is operated (step S118: Yes), the imaging apparatus 100 executes network sharing processing for sharing the network with the transmission destination to which the image file data is transmitted (step S119). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, any one of the icons A11 to A13 that indicates the transmission destination to which the image file data is transmitted by touching the share icon A2 on the image W1 displayed on the rec view display on the display unit 104. When is touched (FIG. 13A → FIG. 13B), the imaging apparatus 100 executes network sharing processing. Details of the network sharing process will be described later. In FIG. 13, the icon A <b> 11 accepts an input of an instruction signal that instructs inter-device communication that transmits image file data to another external device 300. Icon A12 accepts an input of an instruction signal for transmitting image file data to posting server 200. The icon A13 receives an input of an instruction signal for transmitting image file data to an image posting site that publishes image data on the network. After step S119, the imaging apparatus 100 returns to step S101.

  In step S118, if the share icon A2 that transmits the image file data to the posting server 200 via the touch panel 105 and receives an instruction signal for sharing the image and content data with the other external device 300 is not operated (step S118). (S118: No), the imaging apparatus 100 returns to step S114.

  In step S110, when the special effect processing by the special effect image processing unit 102b is not set in the imaging device 100 (step S110: No), the thumbnail image generation unit 110a performs processing image data generated by the image processing unit 102 or imaging. Normal thumbnail image data is generated using the image data (RAW data) generated by the unit 101 (step S120).

  Subsequently, the imaging control unit 110b generates image file data in which processed image data or image data is associated with thumbnail image data, and records the image file data in the recording unit 108 (step S121). After step S121, the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S114.

  A case will be described in which the shooting mode is not set in the imaging apparatus 100 in step S101 (step S101: No) and the playback mode is set in the imaging apparatus 100 (step S122: Yes). In this case, the display control unit 110c starts displaying thumbnail images that cause the display unit 104 to sequentially display thumbnail images corresponding to the thumbnail image data recorded (stored) in the plurality of image file data recorded by the recording unit 108. (Step S123).

  Subsequently, when the special effect processing is set for the image data to be displayed next by the display unit 104 (step S124: Yes), the display control unit 110c displays the thumbnail image data recorded in the image file data. Among them, the enhanced thumbnail image corresponding to the enhanced thumbnail image data is displayed on the display unit 104 (step S125). After step S125, the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S127 described later.

  On the other hand, when the display unit 104 has not been set for special effect processing for the image data scheduled to be displayed next (step S124: No), the display control unit 110c displays the thumbnail image recorded in the image data file. A normal thumbnail image corresponding to the data is displayed on the display unit 104 (step S126). After step S126, the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S127.

  In step S127, when the thumbnail image displayed on the display unit 104 is selected via the input unit 103 or the touch panel 105 (step S127: Yes), the display control unit 110c ends the display of the thumbnail image (step S128). Then, the image corresponding to the image data recorded in the image file data of the thumbnail image is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 104 (step S129).

  Subsequently, when the instruction signal for ending the reproduction of the image is input from the input unit 103 (step S130: Yes), the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S135 described later. On the other hand, when the instruction signal to end the reproduction of the image is not input from the input unit 103 (step S130: No), the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S131.

  In step S127, when the thumbnail image displayed on the display unit 104 is not selected via the input unit 103 or the touch panel 105 (step S127: No), the imaging apparatus 100 returns to step S124.

  In step S131, when a comment operation for inputting a comment is performed on an image reproduced and displayed on the display unit 104 via the touch panel 105 or the input unit 103 (step S131: Yes), the touch panel 105 or the input unit 103 is used. A comment is input according to the input instruction signal (step S132). After step S132, the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S133. On the other hand, when a comment operation for inputting a comment is not performed on an image reproduced and displayed by the display unit 104 via the input unit 103 or the touch panel 105 (step S131: No), the imaging apparatus 100 Control goes to step S133.

  Subsequently, when the share icon A2 that transmits image file data to the posting server 200 via the touch panel 105 and receives an input of an instruction signal for sharing an image or content with the external device 300 is operated (step S133: Yes), The imaging apparatus 100 executes network sharing processing for sharing the network with the posting destination to which the image file data is posted (step S134). Details of the network sharing process will be described later. After step S134, the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S135. On the other hand, when the share icon A2 that transmits image file data to the posting server 200 via the touch panel 105 and receives an instruction signal for sharing an image or content with another external device is not operated (step S133). : No), the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S135.

  Next, in step S101, when the shooting mode is not set in the imaging apparatus 100 (step S101: No) and the playback mode is not set in the imaging apparatus 100 (step S122: No), the power switch 103a is turned on. When the imaging device 100 is operated and the power of the imaging device 100 is turned off (step S135: Yes), the imaging device 100 ends this process.

  In step S101, when the shooting mode is not set in the imaging apparatus 100 (step S101: No) and the playback mode is not set in the imaging apparatus 100 (step S122: No), the power switch 103a is not operated. When the power of the imaging device 100 is not turned off (step S135: No), the imaging device 100 returns to step S101.

  Next, network sharing processing will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an overview of the network sharing process in step S119 or step S134 of FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, when inter-device communication is selected for the imaging apparatus 100 (step S201: Yes), the control unit 110 determines communication candidates for bidirectional communication with the imaging apparatus 100 (step S202). .

  Subsequently, when a candidate device is selected from the identification information of a plurality of external devices displayed on the display unit 104 (step S203: Yes), the authentication operation transmitted from the external device 300 is normal (step S204: Yes). The control unit 110 transmits the image file data to the selected external device 300 (step S205). Specifically, the control unit 110 transmits the image file data to the selected external device 300 when the passwords for establishing communication bidirectionally from the selected external device 300 match. Thereby, the external device 300 can display an image corresponding to the image data stored in the image file data received from the imaging device 100. After step S205, the imaging apparatus 100 returns to the main routine of FIG.

  If no candidate device is selected from the identification information of a plurality of external devices displayed on the display unit 104 in step S203 (step S203: No), the authentication operation transmitted from the external device is not normal in step S204 ( In step S204: No), the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S206.

  Subsequently, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the device-to-device communication is selected (step S206: Yes), the display control unit 110c displays a warning on the display unit 104 that it cannot be shared with the selected external device 300. The information is displayed on the unit 104 (step S207). After step S207, the imaging apparatus 100 returns to the main routine of FIG. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has not elapsed since the inter-device communication is selected (step S206: No), the imaging apparatus 100 returns to step S203.

  When inter-device communication is not selected in step S201 (step S201: No), when SNS transmission is selected (step S208: Yes), the control unit 110 transmits a posting site that transmits image file data. It is determined whether or not a destination has been selected (step S209). For example, the control unit 110 determines whether any one of a plurality of membership-based post sharing sites has been selected. When the control unit 110 determines that a membership-based post sharing site for transmitting image file data has been selected (step S209: Yes), the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S210 described later. On the other hand, when the control unit 110 determines that the membership-based post sharing site for transmitting the image file data is not selected (step S209: No), the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S213 described later.

  In step S <b> 210, the control unit 110 determines the disclosure range of other users who publish the image file data transmitted in the membership-based post sharing site based on the instruction signal input via the input unit 103 or the touch panel 105. Set.

  Subsequently, when the authentication operation of the membership-based post sharing site is normally performed (step S211: Yes), the control unit 110 transmits the image file data to the posting server 200 via the communication unit 109 and the network N. (Step S212). Thereby, image data can be disclosed on the website of another user who has followed his / her account. After step S212, the imaging apparatus 100 returns to the main routine of FIG.

  In step S213, when a predetermined time has elapsed since SNS transmission was selected (step S213: Yes), the display control unit 110c displays a warning on the display unit 104 that image file data cannot be transmitted to the posting site. (Step S214). After step S214, the imaging apparatus 100 returns to the main routine of FIG. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has not elapsed since the SNS transmission was selected (step S213: No), the imaging apparatus 100 returns to step S209.

  In step S201, when the inter-device communication is not selected (step S201: No) and the SNS transmission is not selected (step S208: No), the image data is posted to other users without restriction. When the public site is selected (step S215: Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether any one transmission destination of a plurality of image public sites that transmit image data via the input unit 103 or the touch panel 105 is selected. Is determined (step S216). When the control unit 110 determines that an image disclosure site that transmits image data is selected via the input unit 103 or the touch panel 105 (step S216: Yes), the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S217 described later. On the other hand, when the control unit 110 determines that an image disclosure site for transmitting image data is not selected via the input unit 103 or the touch panel 105 (step S216: No), the imaging apparatus 100 performs steps described later. The process proceeds to S221.

  In step S217, when the authentication operation to the image publishing site is normally performed (step S217: Yes), the control unit 110 returns to the image publishing site according to the instruction signal input from the input unit 103 or the touch panel 105. The classification information of the image data to be transmitted is set (step S218), and the theme is set (step S219). Specifically, the control unit 110 sets the classification information of the image data, for example, scenery or a child, in accordance with the instruction signal input from the input unit 103, and sets the theme of the image data, for example, sunset or birthday. Set.

  Subsequently, the control unit 110 transmits the image file data to the image disclosure site via the communication unit 109 and the network N (step S220). Thereby, other users who have accessed the image posting site can view the image via the website. After step S220, the imaging apparatus 100 returns to the main routine of FIG.

  In step S216, when the transmission destination is not selected (step S216: No), in step S217, when the authentication operation to the image disclosure site is not normally performed (step S217: No), the imaging apparatus 100 The process proceeds to step S221.

  Subsequently, when the predetermined time has elapsed (step S221: Yes), the display control unit 110c displays a warning that the image file data cannot be transmitted to the image disclosure site on the display unit 104 (step S222). After step S222, the imaging apparatus 100 returns to the main routine of FIG. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S221: No), the imaging apparatus 100 returns to step S216.

  In step S215, when the image disclosure site is not selected (step S215: No), the imaging apparatus 100 returns to the main routine of FIG.

  Next, processing executed by the posting server 200 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the posting server 200.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when image file data is received from the imaging apparatus 100 or the external device 300 via the network N and the communication unit 201 (step S301: Yes), when there is comment information in the image file data (step S301) In step S302, the server control unit 203 converts the comment data into an image based on the comment data in the image file data (step S303). Note that when only the comment data is received from the imaging device 100 or the external device 300, the server control unit 203 converts the received comment data into an image.

  Subsequently, when the special effect processing setting information is included in the image data included in the image file data (step S304: Yes), the server control unit 203 stores the enhanced thumbnail image data recorded in the image file data in the image database 202. Recording is performed (step S305). The server control unit 203 may record normal thumbnail image data recorded in the image file data in the image database 202. After step S305, posting server 200 returns to step S301.

  If there is no special effect processing setting information in the image data included in the image file data in step S304 (step S304: No), the server control unit 203 converts the normal thumbnail image data included in the image file data into the image database 202. (Step S306). After step S306, posting server 200 returns to step S301.

  In step S302, when there is no comment data in the image file data (step S302: No), the posting server 200 proceeds to step S304.

  In step S301, when image file data is not received via the network N and the communication unit 201 (step S301: No), when there is an access from the imaging device 100 or the external device 300 (step S307: Yes), The server control unit 203 transmits designated page data (website data) designated from the imaging device 100 or the external device 300 (step S308).

  Subsequently, when a page switching instruction signal is received from the imaging apparatus 100 or the external device 300 (step S309: Yes), the server control unit 203 transmits another page data corresponding to the switching instruction signal (step S310). . After step S310, posting server 200 proceeds to step S311. On the other hand, when the page switching instruction signal is not received from the imaging apparatus 100 or the other external device 300 (step S309: No), the posting server 200 proceeds to step S311.

  Thereafter, when an image is included in the designated page (step S311: Yes), when special effect processing is set for the image (step S312: Yes), the server control unit 203 reads from the image database 202. Image file data corresponding to the designated page is acquired, and the enhanced thumbnail image data included in the image file data is transmitted to the imaging device 100 or other external device 300 (step S313). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the external device 300 has the enhanced thumbnail image W3 (see FIG. 17) displayed in the other thumbnail images W10 to W10 as compared with the thumbnail image W2 (see FIG. 17). Since the display is emphasized as compared with W12, the user can be made to pay attention from a plurality of thumbnail images. As a result, since the user of the external device 300 is concerned about the enhanced thumbnail image W3 as compared with other thumbnail images, the probability of selecting the enhanced thumbnail image W3 is increased. Of course, since the user himself / herself of the imaging apparatus 100 also emphasizes when searching from the list of thumbnail images displayed on the display unit 104, an image captured by himself / herself can be easily found from other thumbnail images. After step S314, the posting server 200 proceeds to step S315 to be described later.

  In step S312, when the special effect processing is not set for the image (step S312: No), the server control unit 203 acquires image file data corresponding to the designated page designated from the image database 202, and this image file. Normal thumbnail image data included in the data is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 100 or the external device 300 (step S314). After step S314, the posting server 200 proceeds to step S315 to be described later.

  Subsequently, when an instruction signal for selecting a thumbnail image or an emphasized thumbnail image displayed by the imaging apparatus 100 or the external device 300 is received (step S315: Yes), the server control unit 203 selects the selected thumbnail image or the emphasized thumbnail image. The image data included in the image file data associated with is transmitted (step S316). For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, when the user touches the enhanced thumbnail image W3 displayed on the external device 300, the server control unit 203 displays image data (art effect image data) corresponding to the enhanced thumbnail image W3. ) To the external device 300. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 18B, the external device 300 can reproduce and display an image corresponding to the actual image data, and reflect the photographer's preference.

  Thereafter, when an instruction signal for ending browsing is received from the imaging device 100 or other external device 300 via the network N and the communication unit 201 (step S317: Yes), the posting server 200 ends this processing. On the other hand, when the instruction signal for ending the browsing is not received from the imaging device 100 or other external device 300 via the network N and the communication unit 201 (step S317: No), the posting server 200 performs step S301. Return to.

  In step S315, when the instruction signal for selecting the thumbnail image or the emphasized thumbnail image displayed by the imaging device 100 or the external device 300 has not been received (step S315: No), the posting server 200 proceeds to step S317.

  In step S311, when the designated page does not include an image (step S311: No), the posting server 200 proceeds to step S317.

  In step S301, when image file data is not received via the network N and the communication unit 201 (step S301: No), and there is no access from the imaging device 100 or other external device 300 (step S307: No). When the comment data is received from the imaging apparatus 100 or the external device 300 (step S318: Yes), the server control unit 203 reflects the comment data on the corresponding page and records it in the image database 202 (step S319). After step S319, posting server 200 proceeds to step S317.

  In step S318, when comment data is not received from the imaging apparatus 100 or other external device 300 (step S318: No), the posting server 200 proceeds to step S317.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a is the thumbnail image data displayed by the external device 300, and at least the image parameter of the image data according to the operation result of the imaging device 100. Thumbnail image data in which one is emphasized is generated. As a result, even when image data is posted on a website, it is possible to attract interest from other users.

  Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, thumbnails are obtained by changing the weights of a plurality of image parameters emphasized by the thumbnail image generation unit 110a in accordance with the transmission destination to which the imaging apparatus 100 transmits image file data via the network N. Image data may be generated. For example, when the fantastic soft focus (Art 1) is set as the special effect processing in the special effect processing unit 102b, the thumbnail image generating unit 110a transmits the image file data via the network N or the external device 300. Accordingly, thumbnail image data in which the strength of the soft focus processing applied to the art effect image data is heavier than the strength of the other image parameters is generated. More specifically, when the imaging apparatus 100 transmits image file data to the posting server 200, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a generates thumbnail image data in which the strength of the soft focus processing is heavier than the strength of other image parameters. . On the other hand, when the imaging device 100 transmits image file data to the mobile device 300, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a generates thumbnail image data that maintains the strength of the soft focus process. As a result, when image data is shared on the user's own SNS website, it is possible to attract interest from other users, and on the image posting site, etc., the image itself is shared to other users without emphasis. Can be made.

  Further, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a emphasizes a plurality of items according to the setting conditions of the external device 300 from which the imaging device 100 can acquire image file data via the network N. The thumbnail image data may be generated by changing the weight of the image parameter. Specifically, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a sets weights of a plurality of image parameters to be emphasized in accordance with setting conditions of a shared range that can be viewed on its own website in the posting server 200 followed by the external device 300. Generate the changed thumbnail image data. More specifically, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a sets the sharing range that can be browsed on its own website in the posting server 200 followed from the external device 300, such as family, lover, school, friend, and disclosure. In accordance with the above condition, for example, thumbnail image data in which the intensity of the soft focus process is heavier than the intensity of other image parameters is generated. For example, if the setting condition of the sharing range that can be viewed on its own website in the posting server 200 followed by the external device 300 is a friend, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a sets the strength of the soft focus processing to other image parameters. Generate thumbnail image data that is heavier than the intensity. In contrast, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a maintains the strength of the soft focus processing when the setting condition of the sharing range that can be viewed on its own website in the posting server 200 followed by the external device 300 is open. Generate thumbnail image data. Thereby, the thumbnail image corresponding to the sharing range of the image data can be displayed on the external device 300 on the user's own SNS website or the like.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described above, and the network sharing process is different. Specifically, the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment generates and transmits enhanced thumbnail image data when transmitting image file data to the SNS site. Therefore, in the following, processing executed by the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the structure same as the imaging device 100 concerning Embodiment 1 mentioned above.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of network sharing processing executed by the imaging apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 19, steps S401 to S411 correspond to steps S201 to S211 of FIG. 14, respectively.

  In step S412, when the special effect processing is set in the image data (step S412: Yes), the thumbnail image generation unit 110a generates emphasized thumbnail image data based on the image data (step S413). At this time, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a records (stores) the thumbnail image data in the image file data in which the image data is recorded. After step S413, the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S414 described below.

  In step S412, when the special effect processing is not set in the image data (step S412: No), the imaging apparatus 100 proceeds to step S414.

  Steps S414 to S424 correspond to steps S212 to S222 in FIG. 14, respectively.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, when the image file data is transmitted to the posting server 200, when the special effect processing is set for the image data, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a performs the enhanced thumbnail. Image data is generated and recorded in image file data. Thereby, since the emphasized thumbnail image data is not generated immediately after shooting, it is possible to shorten the time until returning from shooting and prevent the subject from missing a photo opportunity.

  Further, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the image file data is transmitted to the posting server 200, the thumbnail image generation unit 110a generates the emphasized thumbnail image data. Can be used for

(Embodiment 3)
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The posting system according to the third embodiment is different in configuration from the posting server 200 according to the first embodiment. For this reason, in this Embodiment 3, after explaining the structure of a posting server, the process which a posting server implements is demonstrated. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the structure same as embodiment mentioned above.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a posting system according to the third embodiment. The posting system 2 shown in FIG. 20 receives image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus 100 and the imaging apparatus 100 via the network N in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication standard, and transmits the image data to the external devices 300, 400, and 500. A posting server 600 for transmission.

  The posting server 600 receives image file data transmitted from the imaging device 100 or the external device 300 via the network N, and receives image file data and content data corresponding to an instruction signal from the imaging device 100 or the external device 300. It transmits to the imaging device 100 or the external device 300. Post server 600 includes communication unit 201, image database 202, and server control unit 601.

  The server control unit 601 is configured using a CPU or the like, and image file data recorded in the image database 202 in response to a request signal input from the imaging device 100 or the external device 300 via the network N and the communication unit 201. And send content data. Further, the server control unit 601 includes a thumbnail image generation unit 601a.

  When the thumbnail image generation unit 601a receives image file data from the outside via the network N and the communication unit 201, the special effect processing is set for the image data recorded in the received image file data. At this time, the thumbnail image is a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image size of the image corresponding to the image data, and corresponding to the thumbnail image in which at least one of the plurality of image parameters included in the image data is emphasized according to the operation result of the imaging device 100. Image data is generated, and the thumbnail image data is recorded in the image database 202. When the thumbnail image generation unit 601a transmits image file data to the outside via the network N and the communication unit 201, the special effect processing is set for the image data recorded in the image file data. At this time, based on the image data, thumbnail image data in which at least one of a plurality of image parameters of the image data is emphasized is generated according to the operation result of the imaging device 100 or the external device 300, and the enhanced thumbnail image data is Send to outside.

  Processing executed by the posting server 600 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of processing executed by the posting server 600.

  In FIG. 21, steps S501 to S512 correspond to steps S301 to S312 of FIG.

  In step S513, when the emphasized thumbnail image data is included in the image file data (step S513: Yes), the posting server 600 proceeds to step S515.

  In step S513, when there is no enhanced thumbnail image data in the image file data (step S513: No), the thumbnail image generating unit 601a generates enhanced thumbnail image data based on the image data of the image file data (step S514). . Specifically, the thumbnail image generation unit 601a generates emphasized thumbnail image data using art effect image data recorded in the image file data. After step S514, posting server 600 proceeds to step S515.

  Steps S515 to S521 correspond to steps S313 to S319 in FIG.

  According to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, when image file data corresponding to the access of the imaging apparatus 100 or the external device 300 is transmitted via the network N and the communication unit 201, the image file data is recorded. When special effect processing is set for the image data that has been set, the thumbnail image generation unit 601a generates enhanced thumbnail image data based on the image data, and transmits the enhanced thumbnail image data to the accessed website. To do. As a result, even if the imaging device 100 or the external device 300 does not have a function of generating enhanced thumbnail image data, the enhanced thumbnail image can be displayed by the imaging device 100 or the external device 300.

(Other embodiments)
So far, the embodiment for carrying out the present invention has been described, but the present invention should not be limited only by the embodiment described above.

  For example, in the present invention, instead of the emphasized thumbnail image, the image data set with the special effect process may be emphasized as compared with other thumbnail images by blinking (blinking display) at a predetermined interval. Of course, the image data may be highlighted as compared with other thumbnail images.

  Further, in the present invention, instead of the emphasized thumbnail image, the image data set with the special effect processing may be emphasized as compared with other thumbnail images by changing the size of the display area at a predetermined interval.

  In the present invention, in the case where thumbnail images respectively corresponding to a plurality of image data recorded in the recording unit are displayed in a list on the display unit, when there is image data for which special effect processing is set, the thumbnail image generating unit Alternatively, an enhanced thumbnail image may be generated using image data for which special effect processing is set. Thereby, the image data on which the special effect processing has been performed can be easily grasped from a plurality of images.

  In the present invention, the thumbnail image generation unit generates the emphasized thumbnail image data when the special effect processing is performed on the image data. For example, a predetermined time elapses after the first release signal is input. The enhanced thumbnail image data may be generated according to the operation result until the second release signal is input. Specifically, the thumbnail image generation unit performs the operation performed on the image pickup apparatus by the user until a predetermined time, for example, 5 seconds elapses after the first release signal is input, for example, the change of the focus position, the focal length Emphasized thumbnail image data reflecting the content according to the change or the change of the aperture value may be generated. In this case, the thumbnail image generation unit may generate emphasized thumbnail image data in which a focus position change locus is superimposed on a thumbnail image when an operation of changing the focus position of the imaging apparatus is performed. Further, the thumbnail image generation unit outputs a plurality of pieces of image data continuously generated until a predetermined time elapses or a second release signal is input from the first release signal when an operation of changing the focal length of the imaging apparatus is performed. It is also possible to generate emphasized thumbnail image data of a moving image that sequentially displays a plurality of thumbnail image data in time series. Further, the thumbnail image generation unit outputs a plurality of pieces of image data continuously generated until a predetermined time elapses or a second release signal is input from the first release signal when an aperture value changing operation of the imaging apparatus is performed. It is also possible to generate emphasized thumbnail image data of a moving image that sequentially displays a plurality of thumbnail image data in time series. As a result, when displayed on an external device, it is emphasized as compared with other thumbnail images, so that it can be easily selected by other users.

  In the present invention, an electronic viewfinder may be provided separately from the display unit, and the present invention may be applied to the electronic viewfinder. In this case, it is more preferable that the appearance of thumbnail images is different between the display unit and the electronic viewfinder.

  Further, the present invention can be applied even if the optical system 101a is a separate body.

  In addition to a digital single-lens reflex camera, the imaging device according to the present invention is also applicable to, for example, a digital camera that can be equipped with accessories, a digital video camera, and an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a tablet-type mobile device having an imaging function. can do.

  In the description of the flowchart in the present specification, the context of the processing between steps is clearly indicated using expressions such as “first”, “after”, “follow”, etc., in order to implement the present invention. The order of processing required is not uniquely determined by their representation. That is, the order of processing in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed within a consistent range.

  As described above, the present invention can include various embodiments not described herein, and various design changes and the like can be made within the scope of the technical idea specified by the claims. Is possible.

1, 2 Posting System 100 Imaging Device 101 Imaging Unit 101a Optical System 101b Image Sensor 101c Signal Processing Unit 102 Image Processing Unit 102a Basic Image Processing Unit 102b Special Effect Image Processing Unit 103 Input Unit 103a Power Switch 103b Release Switch 103c Operation Switch 104 Display Unit 105 touch panel 106 clock 107 image compression / decompression unit 108 recording unit 108a program recording unit 108b special effect processing information recording unit 108c image data recording unit 108d setting information recording unit 109, 201 communication unit 110 control unit 110a thumbnail image generation unit 110b imaging control Unit 110c display control unit 200,600 posting server 202 image database 203,601 server control unit 300,400,500 external device 601a thumbnail image Forming portion N Network F image file data

Claims (10)

In a portable device capable of capturing an image of a subject, generating image data of the subject, and transmitting image file data including the image data to a plurality of external devices or a server that is shared by the plurality of external devices via a network ,
A thumbnail image obtained by reducing an image size of an image corresponding to the image data, the thumbnail image corresponding to a thumbnail image in which at least one of a plurality of image parameters included in the image data is emphasized according to an operation result of the mobile device. A portable device comprising a thumbnail image generation unit for generating image data. The thumbnail image generation unit
2. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the thumbnail image data in which the weight is changed among the plurality of image parameters to be emphasized is generated according to a transmission destination to which the image file data is transmitted. The thumbnail image generation unit
The thumbnail image data in which the weight is changed among the plurality of image parameters to be emphasized is generated according to a setting condition of the external device capable of acquiring the image file data among the plurality of external devices via the server. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the portable device is a portable device. The thumbnail image generation unit
The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the thumbnail image data is generated when the portable device transmits the image data file to the plurality of external devices or the server. The image data further includes an image processing unit that performs a special effect process that generates a visual effect by combining a plurality of image processes.
The thumbnail image generation unit
The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the thumbnail image data is generated when the image processing unit performs the special effect processing on the image data. The image processing unit further includes an input unit that receives an input of an instruction signal for changing the intensity of the special effect processing,
The thumbnail image generation unit
The portable device according to claim 5, wherein the thumbnail image data is generated by increasing any one of the plurality of image parameters from an intensity of an instruction signal received by the input unit. The special effect processing includes any one or more of soft focus processing, shading processing, noise pattern superimposition processing, white edge processing, cross filter processing, and saturation enhancement processing,
The portable device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of image parameters are strengths of the special effect processing that the image processing unit performs on the image data. In a server capable of receiving and recording image file data including image data from a mobile device via a network and transmitting the image file data in response to access from a plurality of external devices,
A thumbnail image obtained by reducing an image size of an image corresponding to the image data, the thumbnail image corresponding to a thumbnail image in which at least one of a plurality of image parameters included in the image data is emphasized according to an operation result of the mobile device. A server comprising a thumbnail image generation unit for generating image data. A portable device capable of capturing an image of a subject, generating image data of the subject, and transmitting image file data including the image data to a plurality of external devices or a server that is shared by the plurality of external devices via a network An image generation method to be executed,
The thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image size of the image corresponding to the image data by the external device, and emphasizing at least one of the plurality of image parameters of the image data according to the operation result of the mobile device An image generation method comprising a thumbnail image generation step of generating thumbnail image data corresponding to. A portable device capable of capturing an image of a subject, generating image data of the subject, and transmitting image file data including the image data to a plurality of external devices or a server that is shared by the plurality of external devices via a network A program to be executed,
The thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image size of the image corresponding to the image data by the external device, and emphasizing at least one of the plurality of image parameters of the image data according to the operation result of the mobile device A thumbnail image generation step for generating thumbnail image data corresponding to the program.

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