Imagine apparatus, information processing apparatus, imaging system and methods thereof for management of image data

An imaging apparatus acquires position information at regular intervals and records the position information in one route log file, and in a case that imaging is performed, acquires position information and records the position information in correlation with image data acquired by an imaging unit, and in a case that the image data with which the position information is correlated is to be deleted, extracts the position information correlated with the image data and records the position information extracted by the extraction unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and an imaging system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and an imaging system having an current-position-recording function using a global positioning system (GPS), and a storage medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

According to the widespread use of GPS, using digital cameras utilizing GPS has become popular these days. How to use such cameras is mainly as follows:

(1) Add information of the imaging position to the captured images when imaging is performed. The user can obtain the imaging position of each of the images by displaying the images on a map on a display of a camera or a computer after capturing the images.

(2) Keep recording positions regardless of whether the imaging is performed to obtain a record of route log. The user can obtain information of the route of the movement by displaying the route log on a map on a screen of a camera or a computer.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-91290 discusses a technique in which in addition to a camera, an external apparatus is used for recording the route log. After an image is recorded, the imaging time is checked against the route log for recording the locations where the imaging has been performed.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-80843 discusses a technique useful for recording a route log by using a cellular phone with GPS. According to this technique, the position of the cellular phone is acquired when the user of the cellular phone passes a particular location, so that the route log is interpolated. This technique is useful when the position cannot be acquired at, for example, underground shopping mall).

According to the usage described above, imaging apparatuses can be used for adding an imaging position to a captured image as well as recording a route log unrelated to the imaging. When such imaging apparatuses are operated for the purposes described above, two files, an image file including the position information and a route log file in which a locus of movement is recorded, will be generated.

However, considering the above-described imaging apparatuses, since the position information is stored in different files (the image file and the route log file), it is difficult to use the information in the imaging file together with the information in the route log file.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to perform imaging of an object and obtain image data, a first recording unit configured to acquire position information at regular intervals and record the position information in one route log file, a second recording unit configured to, in a case that imaging is performed by the imaging unit, acquire the position information and record the acquired position information and the image data obtained by the imaging unit in such a manner that the acquired position information is correlated with the image data, an extraction unit configured to extract the position information correlated with the image data in a case that the image data with which the position information is correlated is to be deleted, and a third recording unit configured to record the position information extracted by the extraction unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The first exemplary embodiment will be described.FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging apparatus100according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The imaging apparatus100according to the present embodiment includes an optical system101, an image sensor102, a central processing unit (CPU)103, a primary storage unit104, a secondary storage unit105, a storage medium106, a display unit107, an operating unit108, a communication unit109, and a positioning unit110.

The optical system101includes a lens, a shutter, and a diaphragm. The optical system101forms an image of light from an object on the image sensor102with an appropriate amount of light and timing. The image sensor102converts the optical image formed by the light that passed through the optical system101into image data. The CPU103performs calculation and controls each component of the imaging apparatus100.

The primary storage unit104stores temporary data and is used as a work area of the CPU103. The secondary storage unit105stores a program (firmware) used for controlling the imaging apparatus100and various types of setting information. The storage medium106stores image data which has been acquired by imaging. When the imaging is completed, the storage medium106can be removed from the imaging apparatus and set to a personal computer or the like. Then, data in the storage medium106can be read out.

The display unit107displays a view finder image when the imaging is performed, displays the captured image, and also displays characters for dialog operation. The operating unit108accepts the operation of the user. The communication unit109is connected to an external apparatus to exchange control commands and data. The communication unit109may be either wired or wireless. Further, the communication unit109may be directly connected to the external apparatus or connected to the external apparatus via a network. The positioning unit110receives a radio wave from a satellite of a global positioning system (GPS) and acquires actual position information based on the reception result of the radio wave.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing apparatus200according to the present exemplary embodiment. The information processing apparatus200according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a display unit201, an operation unit202, a CPU203, a primary storage unit204, a secondary storage unit205, and a communication unit206. The information processing apparatus200is configured to be capable of communicating with the imaging apparatus100. The information processing apparatus200and the imaging apparatus100constitute an imaging system.

The display unit201displays characters and images. The operation unit202accepts the operation performed by the user. The CPU203executes various calculations and further controls each component of the information processing apparatus200. The primary storage unit204stores temporary data and is used as a work area of the CPU203. The secondary storage unit205stores an operating system used for controlling the information processing apparatus200and various application programs.

The communication unit206is connected to an external apparatus to exchange control commands and data. The communication unit206may be either wired or wireless. Further, the communication unit206may be directly connected to the external apparatus or connected to the apparatus via a network.

FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the imaging apparatus100according to the present exemplary embodiment. The processing is realized by the CPU103reading out a program stored in the secondary storage unit105and executing the program. Details of this processing will be described below. Further, the processing inFIG. 3is described based on the assumption that the user has proceeded along a route such as the one illustrated inFIG. 6and captured images. The solid line inFIG. 6is the route along which the user has actually proceeded. Further, the black circles on the pathway indicate the points whose position information is recorded in a route log file, the stars indicate the imaging points, and the X marks indicate the imaging points of deleted images.

In step S301, the imaging apparatus100determines whether a shutter button of the operating unit108has been pressed. If the shutter button has been pressed (YES in step S301), the processing proceeds to step S302. If the shutter button has not been pressed (NO in step S301), the processing proceeds to step S306. In step S302, the imaging apparatus100performs the imaging by driving the optical system101and the image sensor102. In this case, the position information of the imaging is acquired and the imaging position is recorded in an image file.

In step S303, the imaging apparatus100drives the positioning unit110and acquires information of the actual position. In step S304, the CPU103generates data for the image file using the image data obtained in step S302, the position information obtained in step S303, and the current time (i.e., imaging time). Thus, image data, position information, and imaging time are included in the image file.

The time may be obtained from a built-in clock of the imaging apparatus100but can also be obtained from a radio wave received by the positioning unit110. Further, the imaging apparatus100can perform the positioning at regular intervals and store the latest position information in the primary storage unit104. In this case, the imaging apparatus100can include the actual position information stored in the primary storage unit104in the image file at the timing of step S303.

In step S305, the imaging apparatus100records the data for image file generated in step S304in the storage medium106. In step S306, the imaging apparatus100determines whether image deletion has been designated by the user. If image deletion has been designated (YES in step S306), the processing proceeds to step S307. If the image deletion has not been designated (NO in step S306), the processing proceeds to step S310.

In step S307, the imaging apparatus100extracts the imaging time and the position information from the image to be deleted. In step S308, the imaging apparatus100records the imaging time and the position information extracted in step S307in a “position information of deleted image” file stored in the storage medium106. If the “position information of deleted image” file is not recorded in the storage medium106, a new file is generated and the extracted imaging time and position information is recorded in the generated file.

FIG. 7Aillustrates an example of the “position information of deleted image” file. The position information indicated in this file corresponds to the position of the X marks inFIG. 6. The “position information of deleted image” file is used for interpolating the locus described below. The format of the data structure of the “position information of deleted image” file is not limited so long as the file is recorded in a manner such that the correlation between the time the image has been captured and the position information can be referred to.

In step S309, the imaging apparatus100deletes the image file whose deletion has been designated in step S306. In step S310, to acquire the position information at regular intervals, the imaging apparatus100determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last recording of the position information using the records of the position information acquired and recorded in steps S311and S312. If a predetermined time has elapsed since the last recording (YES in step S310), the processing proceeds to step S311. Further, if this recording is the first recording of the position information, the processing also proceeds to step S311. On the other hand, if a predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the last recording (NO in step S310), the processing returns to step S301.

In step S311, the imaging apparatus100drives the positioning unit110and acquires information of the current position. In step S312, the imaging apparatus100performs recording of the route log, in which the imaging apparatus records the position information, which has been acquired in step S311, and the current time in a route log file stored in the storage medium106. This recording is additional writing. In other words, by repetitive additional writing of the position and time in the route log file, a track record can be obtained.

FIG. 7Billustrates an example of the route log file. The position information presented in this file corresponds to the positions of the circles inFIG. 6. The format of the data structure of the route log file is not limited so long as the correlation between the position and the time can be referenced to at each time point.

FIG. 4is a flowchart illustrating processing of the information processing apparatus200according to the present exemplary embodiment. This processing is realized by the CPU203reading out and executing a program recorded in the secondary storage unit205. In step S401, the information processing apparatus200monitors whether the information processing apparatus200is connected to the imaging apparatus100via the communication unit206and the communication unit109. If the information processing apparatus200is connected to the imaging apparatus100(YES in step S401), the processing proceeds to step S402. If not (NO in step S401), step S401is repeated.

In step S402, the CPU203transfers the image file stored in the imaging apparatus100to the information processing apparatus200. The information processing apparatus200receives the image file, and then the CPU203stores it in the secondary storage unit205. In step S403, the CPU203transfers a route log file stored in the imaging apparatus100to the information processing apparatus200. The information processing apparatus200receives the route log file, and then the CPU203stores it in the secondary storage unit205.

In step S404, the CPU203transfers the “position information of deleted image” file stored in the imaging apparatus100to the information processing apparatus200. On receiving the “position information of deleted image” file, the information processing apparatus200stores it in the secondary storage unit205. In step S405, the information processing apparatus200extracts the imaging time and position information from the image file stored in step S402.

In step S406, the information processing apparatus200performs the route log information interpolation processing. Specifically, the information processing apparatus200converts the imaging time information and the position information extracted in step S405into a format of the file data structure of the route log information and the route log file stored in step S403is interpolated with the obtained information. According to the example inFIG. 6, the stars indicate the positions where the images have been captured and stored.FIG. 8illustrates the route log file after the interpolation. As can be seen fromFIG. 8, the route log file illustrated inFIG. 7Bis interpolated with the imaging time and the position information extracted from the images. In step S407, the CPU203determines whether processing of all the image files has been finished. If processing of all the image files has been finished (YES in step S407), the processing proceeds to step S408. If not (NO in step S407), the processing returns to step S405.

In step S408, the information processing apparatus200extracts a set of imaging time and position information included in the “position information of deleted image” file stored in step S404. In step S409, the information processing apparatus200performs the route log information interpolation processing to interpolate the route log file stored in step S403with the information of the imaging time and position extracted in step S408.FIG. 9illustrates the route log file after the interpolation. As can be seen fromFIG. 9, the route log file interpolated in step S406is further interpolated with the imaging time and position in the “position information of deleted image” file inFIG. 7A.

In step S410, the information processing apparatus200determines whether processing of all the imaging time and position included in the “position information of deleted image” file has been processed. If processing of all the imaging time and position is finished (YES in step S410), the processing proceeds to step S411. If processing of all the imaging time and position is not yet finished (NO in step S410), the processing returns to step S408. In step S411, the information processing apparatus200displays the route log on the display unit201by using the data of the route log file whose process has performed.

By executing the processing described above, the accuracy of the route log can be improved according to the interpolation with the imaging position information recorded at the time of imaging. In other words, although the normal route log is formed by position information acquired at regular intervals, the accuracy of the route log according to the present embodiment is improved according to the addition of the imaging position information. Especially, the position where the imaging has been performed is likely to be an important position for the user. Thus, the interpolation with the imaging position is considered to be effective. Further, by recording the position information in the “position information of deleted image” file when an image is deleted, the position information of the deleted image can be effectively utilized.

FIG. 10illustrates an example of a route log which is obtained when the user moves along the route illustrated inFIG. 6. The broken line inFIG. 10shows the route log which is obtained when only the information of the original route log file is used. The solid line shows the route log which is obtained when the information acquired from the image file and the “position information of deleted image” file is added to the original route log file. The route log after the interpolation is closer to the actual moving route illustrated inFIG. 6.

Next, a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configurations of the imaging apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 1will be used for the present embodiment as is with the first exemplary embodiment.FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating processing of the imaging apparatus100according to the present exemplary embodiment. The processing is performed by the CPU103reading out and executing a program recorded in the secondary storage unit105. Details of this processing will be described below.

In step S501, the imaging apparatus100monitors whether a shutter button of the operating unit108has been pressed. If the shutter button has been pressed (YES in step S501), the processing proceeds to step S502. If the shutter button has not been pressed (NO in step S501), the processing proceeds to step S507. In step S502, the imaging apparatus100performs the imaging by driving the optical system101and the image sensor102. In step S503, the imaging apparatus100drives the positioning unit110and acquires information of the current position.

In step S504, the imaging apparatus100generates data to be recorded as the image file using the image data obtained in step S502, the position information obtained in step S503, and current time (i.e., imaging time). Thus, image data, position information, and imaging time are included in the image file. The time may be obtained from a built-in clock of the imaging apparatus100and may also be obtained from a radio wave which the positioning unit110has received for positioning.

In step S505, the imaging apparatus100records the data for image file generated in step S504in the storage medium106. In step S506, the imaging apparatus100records the position information and the imaging time, which have been used in step S504, in the route log file in the storage medium106. Normally, the route log file is recorded at a regular interval according to processing in steps S508and S509. In addition to the recording of the position information and the imaging time recording in such steps, since the position information and the imaging time are also recorded in step S506, the position information acquired when the imaging has been performed can be added to the route log file. This recording is additional writing. In other words, the additional writing of the position and time is repeated, so that a locus record is recorded in the route log file. The format of the data structure of the route log file is not limited so long as a position and time at each point of time can be referenced.

In step S507, the imaging apparatus100determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last recording of the route log in step S508and step S509. If a predetermined time has elapsed from the recording (YES in step S507), the processing proceeds to step S508. Further, if this recording is the first recording of the position information, the processing also proceeds to step S508. On the other hand, if a predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the last recording (NO in step S507), the processing proceeds to step S510. In step S508, the imaging apparatus100drives the positioning unit110and acquires the current position. In step S509, the imaging apparatus100records the position information acquired in step S508and the current time in the route log in the file storage medium106.

In step S510, the imaging apparatus100determines whether a user has designated the display of the route log by operating the operating unit108. If the display of the route log has been designated by the user (YES in step S510), the processing proceeds to step S511. If not (NO in step S510), the processing returns to step S501.

In step S511, the imaging apparatus100displays the route log on the display unit107. This route log has been interpolated with the information of the imaging position according to the processing in step S506. Although the processing in step S511is realized by the CPU103reading out the route log file, after the route log file is transferred to the external apparatus, the route log can be displayed by the external apparatus.

By executing the processing described above, the accuracy of the route log can be improved according to the interpolation of route log with the position information recorded at the time of imaging. In other words, although the normal route log is formed by position information acquired at regular intervals, the imaging position information is added to the normal route log according to the present exemplary embodiment. Especially, the position where the imaging has been performed is likely to be an important position for the user. Thus, the interpolation with the information of the imaging position is considered to be effective. Further, since the route log is interpolated at the time the imaging has been performed, even if the images are deleted at a later time, the position information is used for the interpolation of the route log.

The present invention can also be realized by supplying a storage medium storing a software program code which realizes a function of the above-described embodiments to an apparatus or a system. Thus, the scope of the above-described embodiments can be also achieved when the apparatus or the system reads and executes the program code stored in such a computer-readable storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read out from the storage medium realizes the functions described in the above-described embodiments. Thus, the storage medium which stores the program code constitutes the above-described embodiments.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-025002 filed Feb. 8, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.